A Different Visit to An Art Gallery - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli
Monday, October 04, 2021
When we visit an art gallery, it usually is large and well-known, so busy that we must concentrate on one room, one era, one artist at a time. And two hours is my tired-out limit.
So, when our friend Bradley Wester invited us to see the opening of his show at a cozy gallery in Wellfleet, MA, we jumped at the chance for two reasons. One, it was Bradley and two, it was a small gallery.
Off we went to Farm Projects Gallery, owned, and managed by artist, designer, and curator Susie Nielsen. Farm Projects is dedicated to artistic collaborations from near and far. Its fellows are artists, writers, web developers, musicians, educators, and community members. And its projects encompass art and design because everything is related, and one informs the other.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWester’s work, DISCOrd#1 zip-tied, is a collection of diverse, optimistic, joyous, and fun “paintings” created from unlikely, non-art materials --- everyday items not considered the makings of so-called ‘high art.’ In much of this exhibit, Wester used stainless steel zip ties. The relaxed gallery was doable and the work different, interesting, and a unique celebration. In the many comfortable little gallery nooks, Wester’s captivating art and light control jumped out. That was enough to make the afternoon a success for us, but another highlight was to come.
In a small courtyard adjacent to the gallery, we unfolded our lawn chairs for a presentation by Bradley, Tobey Albright, visiting artist/curator from Chicago who has worked with Bradley for fifteen years, and Nielsen. We sat silently, absorbed by the presenters and the mind of the artist as he spoke of the application of human creative skill and imagination to art.
Bradley, an artist since 1973, stated, “I have never tired of the spectacular mood-altering moment when direct sunlight enters my studio and explodes off the myriad actual disco balls lying around or inserted into the DISCOurse pieces. In this infinite dome of heaven, a thousand points of light envelop and illuminate my artwork.” Radical moves prevail in his work.
He continued, “It’s like being in a zone; trust your attractions to materials and processes.” He spoke of doubts about his work, sees relationships even after he is finished in what he calls adjacent intelligence, how an artist has good and bad days. “It’s a mistake to paint to the market.” Even after all these years, he is still gaining confidence. That was noteworthy because, as a writer, I often feel the same.
The artist’s deceptive ease, notwithstanding his flamboyance and enjoyment of the limelight, made his words even more dynamic.
His students, present on Zoom, must have enjoyed the moment as he taught us all that art is free from authority and may be the only form of work humans do that enjoys such independence. “That freedom makes art radical. If it is truly free, that is radical.”
My guess is that Bradley Wester is a bright inspiration to his students. He was to us.
Visit a small art gallery. I doubt you will be disappointed.
Dr. Ed Iannuccilli is the author of three popular memoirs, “Growing up Italian; Grandfather’s Fig Tree and Other Stories”, “What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner” and “My Story Continues: From Neighborhood to Junior High.” Learn more HERE.
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