Urban Outsider Artists Evoke Society’s Margins
The New York Times put out an article about Swoon today, in conjuction with Barry McGee. It’s a write up about the two showing at Deitch Projects. While the article is brief and on the surface complimentary and supportive, there is something that I took particular note of as it was mentioned from the Title and referenced in the text. This concept or idea of “Outsider Art and Outsider Artists”. This term has been around for quite a while now, and in a nutshell was coined in 1972 by an art critic named Roger Cardinal. His definition derived from Art Brut which was the concept of French artist and sculptor Jean Dubuffet.
“Those works created from solitude and from pure and authentic creative impulses - where the worries of competition, acclaim and social promotion do not interfere - are, because of these very facts, more precious than the productions of professions. After a certain familiarity with these flourishings of an exalted feverishness, live so fully and so intensely by their authors, we cannot avoid the feeling that in relation to these works, cultural art in its entirety appears to be the game of a futile society, a fallacious parade.” - Jean Dubuffet.
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Buried Treasure
I made a trip back to the deitch last week to get another round of shots of the show in the hopes of getting the work sans the crowd— I had no idea what I was in store for. This is by far one of the greatest efforts I have seen in a show in a very long time, matter of fact I can’t think of the last artist that I saw who put as much work into an opening as Swoon has at deitch. If you can look beyond the surface, pause and look more, walk a bit, stop and really observe you will see the painstaking amount of consideration, planning and compositional exectution of space that went into every facet of this show.
For those who dig
Going thru these photos while putting them up tonite, I had my own pauses and reflections. There is content to this work, substance, soul, work that bears record that it was created with a purpose, with an intention, honestly and transparently. It can take whatever you throw at it, however deep you dig, you can still go further.
Without a doubt
Speaking for myself, nothing in this show was in vain, it carried a serious impact and over the last month has completely inspired me, if it didn’t I honestly would not be writing so much about it.
There are over 100 new photos for you to check out, I could probably take 100 more.
Swoon Deitch Revisited
Swoon Feature also updated
What a Privilege
NYC had alot of events going on last nite, but none that I would rather have been to. There was a tingle in the Soho air near sundown, and a surge of eager expectancy outside 76 Grand St. Just before 6pm and already there had begun a steady stream of locals collecting in front of what would be a sea of people in less than an hour…
Good Vibes
The evening weather was gorgeous, it was one of those summer nights that is seamlessly woven into the event, so much so that the atmosphere was every bit as important as the activities. As the people gathered, there were warm friendly smiles and the relaxed atmosphere of a best friends back yard. I mention these things because this is not common place here in the city, and when things play out like they did here, its a cause for reflection and appreciation of not just the event but all the little things together that add to the experience. And in a very specific way it is a reflection of SWOON and her work, the sincerity she puts into it and what bears fruit as a result.
The Work
Inspired by the Kowloon Walled City and its destruction SWOON created this installation. Not only that but she also did something which she does so well; she personalized it and brought out the human element, the organics. There is constantly in her work, a submission, an acceptance of surroundings. Whatever the person, and whatever the situation, her people seem to perservere. They don’t fight and resist, they accept, acknowledge, and endure. They are the meek of the earth.
For You
I went to this show first with the purpose of seeing her amazing work in a gallery setting, as opposed to the streets of nyc, and second to shoot it and publish my photographs for all of you outside of new york city who would like to experience it on at least some level. I have organized the show in two categories. First, the_work, and second I wanted to focus on the_people. I hope that thru seeing both, you will get an experience of what her work is about, and how it carries over into the people who love her work.
Also if you are interested I have made 2 SWOON Poster pdf’s available for download, one is hires for printing (300dpi, 21mb) and the other is a lower res (150dpi, 4.6mb) version. It is the poster that was given at the opening reception. The press release from the show can also be downloaded.
SWOON Hi Res Poster
SWOON Lo Res Poster
SWOON Press Release