The Asian Connection// Extra Credit

The latest show at the Asian Arts Gallery in the CFA at Towson University features art by western artists that have been influenced by Asian art and culture.  One of the speakers mentioned that this is a departure for the Asian Arts Gallery, which, as one might suppose, usually features Asian artists.  The show itself was a pleasant mix of several series of different artists' works, with a few individual pieces of other artists thrown in.

One Of Irish's Ceramic Pieces on Display (photo source)

Jane Irish, who had a collection of paintings and two ceramic pieces on display, spoke at the opening.  Her work is informed by her time spent in Vietnam as well as conversations with Vietnam veterans.  While the majority of her paintings look like fairly tame abstracted landscapes, her work actually has a strong political agenda.

One of Baldwin's prints, inspired by her journey along the river

I most enjoyed the work of Katie Baldwin.  She wasn't present at the opening, but the curator of show, Dr. Isaacs (who is also my art history professor) spoke about her work.  I really liked it even prior to hearing the explanation, but it was really neat to understand why her work was set up the way it was.  Her printmaking work was displayed on three walls, and in the center of this peninsula type shape is a very long bench with a felted knitted object that runs the length of the bench.  The object is actually a knitted river, and the prints that surround it are from experiences she had along the river.  Pretty cool!

Another of Baldwin's prints

Baldwin's and Irish's work took up the majority of both the gallery and the opening talks, but there were a few other pieces.  There were several artist's books, which nicely complemented the book arts show upstairs.  I noticed a book full of erotic haikus.  I think that's a great idea and I wish I had thought of it first.  The opening also included food, and I was pleased to see that I was only allergic to one thing out of the whole spread, which is extremely unusual.  I was disappointed to see that the drink selection consisted of canned and bottled beverages, accompanied by plastic cups and ice.  That sort of thing drives me crazy- so much needless waste! Chilled pitchers of water (or soda if we must!) and cups, and boom, done! The wasteful drink set-up aside, I enjoyed both the exhibit and the curator talks.