Stop Making Sense is a group exhibition curated by Kim Harty for Center Galleries at College for Creative Studies. “This exhibition gathers outstanding examples of crafted objects created by artists in the Detroit and Metro area. As the title implies, each of these artists subverts our expectations of craft when they do things that stop making sense. “
Aftermath of a Dream layers and stretches mulberry paper over heavier cotton fabrics creating reveals that add mystery as much as texture and dimension. Thick threads woven through look like veins under skin. Rough, unraveled edges complete the subtle composition.
As this exhibition is labeled as craft, there are applications such as furniture design. This porifera chair’s lines follow a sponge’s organic shape. Since this chair appears to be striving for visual impact rather than comfort, the sitter probably doesn’t need the side rest, but it balances the composition.
Eichenberg’s piece is installed adjacent to the Porifera Chair creating a lovely ensemble. She makes steel look pliable as it bends over the hook it’s suspended from. The soft forms cast shadows on each other and the wall lending further dimension and interest.
Lockwood’s figurative casts are hyper-realistic but contain editorial in rough edges and reassembled broken pieces. The absence of color focuses the view to the delicacy of the subject. The pedestal contributes to the piece, rather than acting merely as a prop, as the hand appears to be holding on for stability.
I’m covering this show posthumously because it’s great to see Center Galleries back open after covid closures and this assemblage of artists is too remarkable not to record their effort. These makers challenge the anachronistic divide between art and craft by employing expected mediums, such as ceramics and fiber, in radical adaptations. This exhibition serves to decisively acknowledge craft as inclusive and integral under the Fine Art umbrella.
Participating artists: Ebi Baralaye, Brooke Breckner, Taylor Childs, Jack Craig, Henry JH Crissman, Annica Cuppertelli, Iris Eichenberg, Aratani ● Fay, Carole Harris, Kim Harty, Paul “FFTY” Johnson, Kaylie Kaitschuck, Lauren Kalman, Addie Langford, Kylie Lockwood, Tom Madden, Tiff Massey, Allie Mcaughey, Leslie Rogers, Catie Newell, Jeremy Noonan, John Rizzo, Toomas Toomepuu
This show was on view April 8-23 at Center Galleries at CCS 301 Fredrick St, Detroit. Hours posted on the website are not current. Please check before heading over for subsequent exhibitions.
*thank you to Lisa Rigstad for arranging to open the gallery to see the show as it wasn’t open when I got there. Feeling very VIP.
**images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND