11/03 GALLERY REVIEW 7: AKAG - COLLECTORS GALLERY

This weeks’ assignment is the CollectorsGallery at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. This tiny interior gallery is discretely tucked away in a quiet corner on the ground level of the much larger Albright. The spaces’ unobtrusive location and utilitarian furnishings lend themselves more to an administrative work space than to a gallery exhibition space which is probably why in past trips I have walked right by it mistaking it for someone’s office. Surprisingly enough, however, it is within this miniscule setting that volunteers oversee the rental and purchase of over 500 works of art that represent artists from the Western New York, New York City, and, Southern Ontario regions. Also impressive is that this operation provides a forum to showcase special exhibitions dedicated to both local and international artists. During my visit one of the two senior volunteers present provided me with a brief overview of the displayed artwork, the featured artist, the CollectorsGallery and the special week-end exhibition being held in Clifton Hall. Her approachable demeanor, zeal and obvious appreciation for the arts exemplified the galleries philosophy that ‘Collecting art is a fun and unique experience and is as varied as the bounds of creativity”.

U.S. and Internationally renowned Slovakian textile artist and scholar Jozef Bajus was the featured artist this weekend. His work centers on innovative ways to use paper as art and have gained him worldwide attention. His artistic paper designs have garnered him a solid group and solo exhibition track record and have provided a spotlight on fiber design that is rarely seen. Bajus expertise in paper art has opened doors to fiber design programs, workshops, as well as, residency programs. Currently he works as both an educator and a program director at the Academy of Fine Art and Design at Buffalo State College.

 The featured selections in the CollectorsGallery were all very interesting and ranged from various types of multilayered papers to recycled books. The artists’ knowledge of two dimensional composition and design allowed for the unexpected manipulation of the medium (paper) and I found them all to be quite exquisite. 


The installation of the pieces was clean and straightforward as they were simply mounted on all four walls. Lighting adequately served both the volunteers and the art (although, the pizzazz of a little spotlight here and there could cast a beautiful theatrical light on the pieces…but, that’s just my opinion). As for space, each selection was given room to “breath” and there seemed to be just enough room for viewers to walk the perimeter of the space, spend time with the art, and for the volunteers to run the business in the center of the gallery (which surprised me). 


Noise pollution seemed to be at a minimum, of course, not many people were talking, so, it was really hard to judge. Given the tight quarters it’s obvious the location of everything from artwork to desks was not random. One thing, however, I think I would have benefitted more from standard labels cards than from the number stickers that were in place but, I suspect some sort of selection process may have taken place shortly before my viewing the pieces, so, they’re forgiven. Aside from the missing labels, I think the selections worked well together and were displayed in a viewer friendly manner.