Three Things: Art Prize Edition
10/05/2017
On Tuesday, Tom and I headed to Grand Rapids for Art Prize. (If you haven't heard about Art Prize, you can learn more about it here. It is an awesome event celebrating art for all.)
We saw so many cool things. Three of my favorites:
1 - Oil + Water by Ryan Spencer Reed
The artist took the original photo at last year's Dakota Access Pipeline protest in North Dakota (Standing Rock). This stunning work now looks like an oil slick . . . in the middle of the Grand River . . . with a powerful message about clean water, climate change, and the struggle for native rights. Read more about this fascinating piece here.
2 - SOS (Safety Orange Swimmers) by A+J Art+Design
This installation (also in the Grand River) make the connection between water -- and the people who cross it to find shelter, safety, freedom, and prosperity. Tom counted 23 figures -- and, indeed, each one represents approximately one million refugees in the world today (22.5 million). Read more about this powerful installation here.
3 - Enmesh by Leroi DeRubertis
This piece was actually my favorite of the day. It's difficult to photograph, and even more difficult to describe! Try to imagine . . . twisted wire "drawings" connected and hung from the ceiling in front of walls . . . moving and creating shadow images on the wall behind. There was a wall of faces, a wall of hands and hearts, and a wall of full-body figures. It was amazing! Read more about the work here -- and be sure to watch the short video to see the installation in motion.
If you're ever in west Michigan during the three weeks of Art Prize, make sure you stop in Grand Rapids. It's always worth the trip.
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Stop in at Carole's to see more Three on Thursday posts.
Amazing art! Wish I was close by to see them in person. Anyway, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jo | 10/05/2017 at 12:57 PM
I love it when art leaves the gallery/studio/museum!
Posted by: kmkat | 10/05/2017 at 01:16 PM
These are incredible! I had planned to go to the grocery store this afternoon, but I've gotten very wrapped up in viewing these pieces and many of the other 1,348 ArtPrize entries. (I want Great Horned Attitude on my walls!) Someday I'm going to plan a trip to Grand Rapids during ArtPrize so I can see some of this amazing art in person. Thank you!
Posted by: Bonny | 10/05/2017 at 02:30 PM
This is great! wish I were close enough to get there. Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Vera | 10/05/2017 at 03:12 PM
Fascinating art! I would love to enjoy it in person.
Posted by: Kwizgiver | 10/05/2017 at 09:25 PM
I love how you combined your art trip with Three on Thursday!
Posted by: Carole | 10/05/2017 at 10:34 PM
Wow!Very cool to have installations IN the river, and I can see why that last piece is your favorite. Two MILES of wire?! and I love that she considers it drawing, since she's manipulating a line. Thank you for sharing!!
Posted by: Mary | 10/06/2017 at 07:36 AM
Thank you for sharing! There is so much amazing art in this world and it refreshes our souls ---which I/we need big-time! I'd love to see the hanging doodles IRL.
Cheers~
Posted by: Honore´ | 10/06/2017 at 08:09 AM
Wow! I can't wait to spend some time this weekend reading all about this! TGIF my friend!
Posted by: Patty | 10/06/2017 at 09:14 AM
WOW!!
Posted by: Vicki | 10/06/2017 at 10:02 AM
The last one, of wire drawings is fascinating! The movement and shadow captures my imagination. Thank you for bringing this prize to our attention once again!
Posted by: margene | 10/11/2017 at 09:37 AM