I have attended many art exhibit openings (growing up in the art world) and not just because My dear friend's amazing work was chosen, but the gallery itself, the presentation skills of the curator(s), the vibe of the attendees, the brilliance and openness of the artists, the choice of art and what/how it represents the theme of the exhibit -- makes this one of the most magnificent experiences I've ever had!
I'm thrilled because not only is the Art World continuing to recognize the creative genius of My dear friend, but her astonishing talent is displayed with artists whose talents are of equal greatness in their choices of mediums and in the thread that brings their work together in this show. Each and every piece in this exhibit is remarkable and speaks to a part of you that can relate and imagine from a place of not-knowing-but-knowing. Each work is a testament to the luminance of creativity and each artist's expression compliments the works of each of the other artists. Now, that's an exhibit!
As always with certain forms of art, I saw a painting that was a big mass of colors and was wondering, "What the heck is this?" As I continued to see its shape become something identifiable, I began to appreciate the play of light and texture in simple brush strokes that evolved into intricate expressions as I continued to gaze at what was a section of a water tower. That was the beginning of My delight in appreciation as I looked to the next painting to see the top of the roof where the water tower existed with brilliant-yet-subtly-colored shapes that were obviously the tops of buildings. And behind Me, an ethereal haze of blues, whites and grays of the water tower in what could be how it would look in a mist, a sleepy awakening, a dream, a nightmare... All fabulous.
And just as I sighed in that magnificent moment when "it" becomes cohesive in one's appreciation of art, I met the artist, Dylan Williams (no relation to Druzilla). I apologized in advance for asking what I consider the "usual, mundane, stupid questions," but he was enchanting as he explained his inspiration. And each and every artist was equally pleased, polite, patient, and delighted to discuss their works with Me. I was truly in one of the many Heavens on Earth! And Dylan was kind enough to give Me a calendar with his works!
Artists exhibiting in OTHER, OTHER... HIGH VISIBILITY are Jae-Hi Ahn (installation), Desiree Alvarez (prints), Nayda Collazo-Llorens (video), Nicole Frocheur (photography), Takashi Horisaki (installation-mixed media), Duron Jackson (drawing) , Fay Ku (watercolor) , Charles Lilly (painting) , Gordon Sasaki (installation) , Xaviera Simmons (video), Claudia Vieira (installation), Kako Ueda (ink), Dylan Williams (oil on canvas), Margaret Drue Williams (screenprinting) and Chin Chih Yang (photography).
I am so inspired, wired, and thrilled with creativity, awe, and pride! I am so fabulously lucky that Druzilla is one of My 3 best friends. (I was also incredibly lucky that another of My 3 best friends attended this event with Me and was equally elated and delighted by such a fantastic and successful evening!) I have seen the progression of the pieces that Drue has displayed in the show from the very first "test" to the magnificence that hung on the walls before Me. Honestly, I got all "gushy" and just stared at the fabulous Harriet Tubman screen printing which will be inducted into The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio. "Miss Harriet" ~ as We refer to the work ~ was perfectly hung in the great conference room as you enter the gallery ~ see photo of Ms. Williams, Miss Harriet, and Me below.
Perhaps, it is the fact that I witnessed the evolution of Drue's process into her creations of greatness. Perhaps, it is that I was a privileged witness to her spiritual growth and journey as she created and "channeled" these pieces. She told Me that she "heard the voices singing" as she created the Harriet Tubman piece. (History Note: The songs/hymns were used as code messages for Black American slaves to flee from slavery to safety and freedom.) Perhaps, it is because after so many years of restrictions from a government that was bent on killing creative expression that this exhibit is a triumph of good over evil with the hard work, talents, and creative spirit of the so many people that it takes to make an art exhibit came alive. Whatever the reasons, it is absolutely fantastic to feel creative and inspired by the beauty that is artistic talent in so many unique and marvelous forms, that I am beaming with pride and joy and belief in artistic futures!
Many people do not realize that what affects perception and experience of art is how it is displayed. Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz has a special gift to present art in ways that you can feel what the artist feels right down deep in your core. A short while ago, I attended an exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (My all-time favorite NYC Museum) and was a bit disappointed because, I now realize, that the curator's intention was to go for shock-value rather than to present the works in a way that the patron could have her/his own experience. I felt that there was an attempt to "convince" Me of what I should feel by the placement of the photographs, particularly a very large photograph of a dead squirrel lying, bloody, on the road. It was obvious to Me (and several other people I spoke to) that the curator's desire for control via shock-value took away from the sense of flow and the appreciation for the individual artists' works. This is usually not the intention of curation for art appreciation ~ and I made certain to politely comment regarding My disappointment. I believe it is the duty of museum members to voice Our opinions to ensure that the quality and reputation of the museum remains on par and to assist the curators in better presentations in the future .
I can guarantee that you will have the full opportunity to have your own experience and appreciation of the wonderful art so perfectly displayed and presented by Ms. Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz's dynamic skill in OTHER, OTHER... HIGH VISIBILITY.
There is one truth that can be understood and expressed in many ways: There is only love. Tonight was a marvelous symphony of expressions of love (1) in the beautiful works of art that were exhibited in this amazing gallery, (2) in the fact that during these difficult times that greatness prevails, and (3) in the fact that so many people support and believe in the power of Art.
I would like to say that the best part of the evening was having dinner and drinks with Margaret Drue Williams and friends, but that was just the icing on the great cake! For the first time, I got the full effect of how even more incredible Drue's work is as I saw it finished, mounted, and displayed on the gallery's walls. I thought I was in love with her work before, but this next phase has given Me the opportunity to fall in love with her genius all over again. (Now, if I can just convince her to give Me that "test run" of the Harriet Tubman piece that she thinks is "awful" and I think is fantastic... It's also now a serious part of history as the first draft of the final masterpiece.) I loved listening to Drue tell her story of creativity and "divine guidance" ~ as she so humbly refers to her tapping into her creative drive and spirit. Although, I see Myself as the friend who always asks, What inspired you? How did you feel? and all those "creativity" questions (and I have asked her at least 25 times if I've asked her once), I never tire of hearing about what inspires those who inspire Me. And I never tire in celebrating the successes of others, especially those I love!
Art is one of the most true and Divine expressions that We "persons" can demonstrate the beauty of love that We have to offer and that We wish to receive. With the benefits for humanity that are already on a roll with the new Presidential Administration that the United States has wisely chosen, We can already see that what is best for "the people" is at the forefront of the agenda. We have the opportunity to be heard ~ www.WhiteHouse.gov ~ and the ability to send an email to request that more is done to preserve and foster Art in Our society. NOW, there is an amazing staff, incuding volunteers, who is actively listening to Us!
Do your part. Contact President Obama and express your desire for enhanced support for the Arts and for the removal of censorship from the committees that oversee the National Endowment for The Arts. And see this amazing exhibit, OTHER, OTHER... HIGH VISIBILITY, if you can.
Here's to your expression of Love through your artistic endeavors!
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