Art in Perspective: Social Commentary
(On the left, unnamed guest, On the right, Nicole)
On the day of the opening of Aljira’s two exhibitions, “Dominik Halmer: Kontrolle,” and “Kate Stone: Every Straight Line is the Arc of a Great Circle,” visitors were anxious in their inquiries about the concept behind the works. As the guests indulged in the art, we took notice of two women who occupied Halmer in what appeared to be a conversation regarding Halmer’s practice. We asked if they would like to share their commentary on exhibition. It was then that we made the acquaintance of Nicole Kloevekorn. She shared a cultural observation of the exhibition that added additional depth of thought of how Halmer’s works fits within the context of different cultures, and how people may respond to the art differently depending on where they reside in the world.
Aljira: What do you think about Dominik Halmer’s works?
Nicole: I love them! I think it’s a very interesting mix of showing space with these paintings, kind of in a mathematical, analytical way, and the use of beautiful colors really makes me feel.. something.
Aljira: What do you think is the purpose of using these athletic gears and practical materials in the paintings?
Nicole: Well it all kind of ties to the contrast from the object used in the real world and then the abstract paintings speaking to it. I also think it’s interesting being here, in the U.S, seeing the sports theme rings true here (Aljira) in a different way, in a artistic way.
Aljira: You’re not from America?
Nicole: No, I’m also from Germany
Aljira: Seeing a German artist here in the U.S., do you think there’s a different context to these works now that it’s in America?
Nicole: I was talking to my friend here, saying that coming here (Aljira) and thinking about how much sports play so much of a different role in the U.S. than to Germany.
Aljira: What do you think the difference is between Germany and America in regards to the culture of sports?
Nicole: We’re very soccer focused in Germany, it’s really one sport while here (U.S.) it’s not as popular and the people here grow up with sports way more. They are much more loyal to their team depending where they went to school. It’s a much more competitive spirit. I see it at work in the office everyday and in Germany it’s not the same.
Aljira: Having said your observation of how heavily indulged Americans are in sports, do you think the works suggest Americans obsession with competitiveness?
Nicole: I don’t know if I see the competitiveness but I feel it’s a little playful, to come here as a German artist and have different sports reflective in the art but showing it in a different way. I would have to ask him. I think sports automatically have a competitive initial so I think he probably meant to tell us this.
Description: Social Commentary is phase two to, Art in Perspective, the interactive exchange of dialogue surrounding the currently exhibited works on view at Aljira, A Center for Contemporary Art, in which the artist, curator, and the audiences expresses how they conceptualize the art and its reflective impact in contemporary art and society.
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“Dominik Halmer: Kontrolle” and “Kate Stone: Every Straight Line is the Arc of a Great Circle” are on view at Aljira, A center for Contemporary Art until April 22, 2017, be sure to join us on that Saturday for our artist talk.
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