michigan fine arts competition at birmingham bloomfield art center
The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center presents the 42nd annual Michigan Fine Arts Competition. Participation is open to all artists 18 and older, living and working in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. 90 artists were juried in by Cris Worley founder and owner of Cris Worley Fine Arts, one of Dallas' premiere contemporary art galleries. She states, “Jurying an exhibition online is an interesting task. It narrows the selection process to almost an entirely formal approach . . . begging the singular question “does the work have an impact, or not?”
This abstract triptych immediately grabs the eye through vibrantly deployed complementary colors. The outside panels can stand on their own merit while the center provides a calm bridge. There is some discernible subject matter, but the piece remains traditionally expressive through texture and loose brushstrokes.
Although this piece is small it intrigues from a distance where an investigative viewer is richly rewarded. Larkin’s blithely oblivious subject tosses balls and roses with his faithful companion as they perilously cavort toward disaster. The heaviness of the man’s attire anchors the piece while playful motion activates against the stoic snowcapped mountains.
Aaron-Taylor has been felting beguiling creatures for decades. Red Wolf is more whimsical than her usually eerie, sometimes sinister, figures. The softness and nap of the material lend a soupçon of realism along with conscientious shading.
There’s nothing like the simplicity and directness of drawing. Crosshatch and effortless line describe the heft of the figure’s physicality as well as his solitude. Engaging composition is accomplished in the off-center subject, viewed unusually from behind, which is balanced by his leftovers bag placed neatly on the counter to his right.
Day is popping up everywhere recently and for good reason. Her paintings are like peering through windows in a tightly populated complex where each apartment reveals an intimately private moment. The eye continuously roves the picture in an attempt to take it all in. Linework and color captivate but don’t overpower.
This exhibition’s artists hail from five states. For purpose of this Substack, I gravitated toward local artists although did include Alan Larkin from South Bend, Indiana because his piece is so utterly charming, if not death defying. It’s a true honor for the BBAC to host such an exhibition every year as growing submissions and esteemed jurors illustrate. MFAC produces a wide range of genres expertly executed making time spent absorbing it all worth it.
On view through August 17th at Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center 1516 Cranbrook, Birmingham, MI. Website contains complete list of participants.
*images are mine
This is a reader supported publication. To continue coverage of Detroit’s art community Including stories like these as well as access to artist micro talks—in both audio and now video—please consider upgrading to a paid subscription. Thank you!
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND