Artistically Yours . . .: 9/15 GALLERY REVIEW 2: BAS / THOMPSON & SCHIRM

Sunday, September 14, 2008

9/15 GALLERY REVIEW 2: BAS / THOMPSON & SCHIRM

My trip to Buffalos’ Tri-Main building this past Friday proved to be an experience. Up until that afternoon I had never set foot on the fifth floor of that edifice. To my pleasant surprise I found the entire level is dedicated to the arts in some way, shape or form. Amidst the numerous suites, Buffalo Arts Studio is one tenant whose space is reserved for both art appreciation and art creation. Currently BAS is showing artwork by two artists, David Schirm, a painter, and Justin Randolph Thompson, a sculptor.

From point of entry to the studio my immediate observation was that the actual physical space seemed much smaller than I had anticipated looking in from the hallway. Once in, it became clear that the show would commence with Thompsons’ sculptures being used as “bait” to lure the viewer (me) into the space and culminate with Schirm’s paintings set in a near by, but, distinctly separate area. Even before the artwork could be taken in (individually, or, collectively), I knew that although the exhibits shared the same space they were to be viewed in separate environments. This deliberate placement meant something. It implied, to me, at least, that while the installations shared certain elements (such as the frailty and resiliency of human life) they were other elements that set them apart (such as size, scale, color, medium, ect.) which made showcasing them “somewhat” individually an option.

Personally, I was drawn more to Thompsons’ “Maybe it runs in the Family” installation compiled of quilted sculptures than to Schirm’s “From then Until Now” oil painting series. It could be that given my fashion design and interior decorating background I just gravitate towards all things textural but, I have a notion that may play a small part. I’m all about how things make me feel and the Palms seemed to exude this overall sense of “oasis”. I found them to be introspectively calming and kept returning to that part of the studio to admire, reflect and enjoy. While Schirms’ abstract renderings appeared anxious and radiated an apocalyptic tone from which I sensed there was no escape. I’m not altogether sure if this was the intent of either artist but what I am certain of is that each installation yielded very human responses.