Review: Mauveing On Up
Written by L. Hunt
Humor is the topic of choice for the latest show at Store. A subject highly disregarded by art historians yet ever so prominent and important in art history, Mauvism is the word of the re-nuanced movement of absurdity in art. Formulated by Alexander Florence, Eric Florence and Grant Brooks, the concept of Mauvism intends to equitably address every aspect of culture and society in an absurd manner, leaving no subject taboo or sacred. In my opinion, there is controversy with this thematic approach. The audience, artists, and anyone involved within the institution of art want to validate art. Most commonly that validation is sought through seriousness — the complex interaction with the art. Humor acts to subvert the audience from that complex interaction, laughter is the first reaction and many times other reactions are lost. However, humor and absurdity are a necessity. The ‘movement’ of Mauvism addresses that necessity and, at a time with numerous political, social, and economical problems, it allows an audience to enjoy absurdity and then later reflect on the subconscious influences that humor can have in art.
Eight artists participated in the show Mauveing On Up including: Chase Biado, Ross Farrier, Alexander Florence, Eric Florence, Christopher Freeman, Mitch Posada, Ralph Pugay, and Portia Roy. Each artist addresses the concept of Mauveism in completely different terms. Ross Farrier, taking a darker route, exhibited over 20 pieces of work on the back wall of the gallery as if it was an overwhelming reminder that humor has an ominous side. The other artists involved took a lighter approach; for example, Ralph Pugay, who has an incredible skill for creating a lighter side to life’s mishaps, exhibited a work titled, Your Business is Your Business. A geometric painting imbued with beautiful, piercing, colors the work depicts a narrative of two lovers and the misfortune of a passionate love making session. The woman plummets towards the ground after having been jostled through a window on the top story of a building as the man watches his lover fall with complete terror. Humorous and absurd, this narrative can be paired with the arduous controversy of Carl Andre pushing his wife Ana Mendieta through a window in 1985. Although unlikely of Pugay’s intent, this is a sound example that humor and laughter can later reflect to serious incidences within the history of art.
Considering another use of humor in art are the works by Alexander Florence. Using an old calendar featuring works of Toulouse-Lautrec, he fortuitously adds paint and ink to the image producing a satire of high-minded art. Florence likewise uses language to further parody in his work, either with titles or one line of dialogue. Christmas Morning mocks Toulouse-Lautrec’s At Montrouge, 1886-87 by adding a bare derrière in the window through which the girl is looking. These works are an echo to Marcel Duchamp’s L.H.O.O.Q from 1919 the iconic image of the Mona Lisa with penciled mustache and beard. The subdued colors and thick dark outlines Florence used are analogous with the reproductions, which play as subtlety as Duchamp’s pencil marks.
One of the highlights of the show is from a talented textile artist, Portia Roy. Three plush works made of various soft materials mimic the shape of a nest, or female genitalia. Using plush, pink rose bud shaped centerpieces, and surrounding them with a line of synthetic fur or soft tubing sensuality is an automatic. Roy’s Nests are an interesting fusion of Claes Oldenburg and Georgia O’Keeffe. The pieces are not only delightful and skillfully crafted they are functional with the artist’s invitation for the viewer to lounge on the works.
Mauveing On Up is inadvertently in line with the fashioning of Dadaism, a style that in my opinion comes in waves. Currently, I think the ideas of absurdity are en vogue. The concepts of Mauvism are an entertaining break from serious issues, such as the war in Iraq, and further put Mauvism alongside Dadaism– which grew in popularity during WWI. I must note, not all of the artists involved with the show were aware of Mauvism. If there is to be another exhibit involving the same concept, it will surely present itself in a different form.