I went to a thought-provoking show today at the Arlington Arts Center. In the past few months, I've been to a few art venues in the DC area that I hadn't been to before. This show is easily one of the most challenging I've seen and it inspired me to push my own work further. I was more than a little surprised to see a show of this caliber in Arlington, Virginia. There were a few pieces that really stood out for me.
- The Pinky Show says so simply in 15 minute animated interviews what I have tried to articulate for years. Do not be fooled by the cats. The work is based in political and psychological theory and incredibly insightful and challenging.
- Benjamin Edwards ink jet prints of the transmutation of Arlington with the growth of the outsourced defense department.
- Jefferson Pinder and Matt Ravenstahl demonstrate the nuances of power, conflict, resistance and the Other in 5 minutes and 4 seconds.
- Mary Coble reminds me of the dangers of social normalization in her powerful work under Electroshock "Therapy."
This exhibit titled "Picturing Politics 2008: Artists Speak to Power" had moving, touching and difficult art. It is far more substantial than many 'political' exhibits I've seen in recent years.
The show is up through September 27, 2008.
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