Dan's Papers - April 25, 2008 - Art Commentary With Marion Wolberg Weiss

First, an apology. I will not be commenting on both member's shows, only the works of artists whose last names are M-Z. Another apology. I am bound to miss some striking work,and it's understandable if the artists are annoyed. They should be. The contributors should also be miffed that some comments are rather brief, merely a "mention." This, in no way, reflects on the works' quality. Granted, this is no way to start a serious critique. But establishing a context is the first rule of journalism.

It's hard not to notice the award winners and not to question the judge's selections. Everybody does it. Some winners are well-deserved, it seems, while others may not be. Which address the diverse criteria that people use to choose what's best. Most pieces that this critic particularly liked feature elements of texture and "physicality," a favorite aesthetic aspect applied to films by Spike Lee in The Whitney Biennial Art Commentary. Goran Petmil's "Best Mixed Media" is a good example, its scraps of jeans and other material creating an arresting design. Another mixed media work by Julie Small-Gamby recalls an ancient terrain not so unlike Mr. Petmil's. Linda Stein's "Formative Knights" presents other kinds of material, like bronze, ceramic and metal, evoking a diferent mood altogether.

Pamela Topham's tapestry is a third view of texture, one that is representational, not abstract, like the two aforementioned works. "Harbor Music" is an appropriate title, considering Ms. Topham's mastery over rhythm and line. Christa Maiwald's embroidery is similarly felt, although it's one of the few political pieces in the show. Several works emphasize texture as well; perhaps "painterly" would be a better word to describe their technique and effect. For example, Diana Plitt's "Baker Boys" is a figurative evocation of material as are Ann Raymond's monotype "Change" and Roseann Schwab's "Cross Roads" ("Best Work on Paper"). John Ross' "Venetian Windows" is another outstanding example. Although two-dimensional, it seems authentic enough to imagine we are entering its portals.

Renate Pfleiderer's photograph ("Honorable Mention") gives a strong sense of texture, too, the image itself containing diverse material objects, including a bicycle and metal shape on the wall. Darius Yektai's sculpture ("Best Sculpture") is a final example of texture, its abstract figure creating both a somewhat familiar yet frightening object.

The Member's Exhibition ( M-Z ) will be on view at East Hampton's Guild Hall until April 26.