As an Artist, and Art Educator entrusted with the task of selecting artworks for the prestigious New South V exhibition, I found myself drawing parallels between my role and the nostalgic joy of creating mixtapes. Just as a mixtape is a carefully organized collection of songs, this exhibition called for a discerning eye to curate a cohesive and compelling display of artistic expressions. With an abundance of art in the world, the call for submissions presented an exciting opportunity to bring together a visual tapestry that would resonate with viewers on multiple levels.
In approaching this endeavor, I considered the diverse interests and sensibilities of the exhibition's audience. Like crafting a mixtape for someone who appreciates different musical elements, I sought to cater to the viewers' love for various aspects of art. From the captivating depiction of figures to the meticulous attention to formal issues, from the immersive landscapes to the evocative play of lighting, each artwork was chosen with the intention of creating a rich and engaging experience.
Through thoughtful conversations with Wesley, my aim was to strike a harmonious balance between different artistic styles and themes. Just as a mixtape weaves together different genres and moods, this exhibition aims to create a tapestry of artistic expressions that captivates and inspires. By showcasing the diverse beauty of art, I hope to invite viewers to explore and appreciate the vast creative possibilities that lie within the realm of visual art.
William Downs, Artist,Educator and Co-Director of Day & Night Projects
New South V : The Gestalt Result
Have you ever been to a party where you spent the evening speaking with a lot of different people? You were carried along by a shared stream of consciousness, responding to memories, impressions, chance encounters, verbal processing of recent events, and offering empathy, comradery, or commiseration. By the end of the evening, you’ve been all over, mentally, you’re left with an overall impression of the experience. The variety of conversations are simultaneously mixing and contrasting in your head. You have a sense of the “conversation” of the evening. I’ll refer to this, for the sake of writing, as “The Gestalt Result”.
This is what I was left with after viewing all the entries. Each of the submissions had a distinct thing to say. Some spoke quite clearly and pointedly to one another. Others offered surprising contrast or contradictions that enlivened the conversation.
I was left with the impression of drifting through a party, catching bits of conversations as I went, stepping back, and letting the common themes of the conversations meld together to an overall impression, and then, after reflection, going back to revisit the conversation and add detail to some of the impressions.
The “conversation” is the theme that I am always looking for in collections of work, be it by an individual or a group. What is the “conversation” between the works? How do I see similarity or difference with concept, compositions, value, texture, use of color, shape, etc.? This is what produces the impression that is beyond a specific work. The conversation that grows beyond listening to one person dominate the party. This is “The Gestalt Result” and, for me, it makes viewing more exciting and fulfilling. I’m left with the same impression as when I’ve left a party filled with different conversations.
The impressions that people would gain from going to the same party will be as different as the people themselves. The content of the conversations is filtered through our own preferences, hindrances, and chance. The impression is formed with the influence of our history, mood, expectations, etc. My hope is that the individuals experiencing The New South V will leave with their own “Gestalt Result” that will have some highlights (stand-out conversations) and will remain as a stream of thought for them long after they have returned home.
Wesley Terpstra, Educator / Artist
The New South V will be on display through March 1st @kailinart
We will be hosting a “MEET THE ARTISTS” on
Saturday, February 17th
from 4:00 - 6:00pm
Please connect with us at the gallery at 404 408 4248 bif you are interested in any of the works from the exhibit. Enjoy the art!
