Kyle Regan—a masochistic Stranger reader—has vowed to do every single thing recommended by the Stranger Suggests (movies, galleries, bars, concerts) for the month of January. Look for his reports daily on Slog. —Eds.
I thought if you had seen one art gallery, you had pretty much seen them all. Not the case. The Lawrimore Project just South of Qwest field was a far different venue than the Hedreen Gallery. Instead of finding myself in a small room with a handful of people silently gliding around, I found myself at a big party. Art nerds drank and guffawed in the warehouse-like building.
There were two exhibitions: A collection by Caleb Larson and Wet & Leathered. I expected rows of elaborate pinch-pots, maybe a terracotta dildo, but only a few of the pieces were actually clay. Photos, films, and movies made up the majority of stuff on display, not what I expected after reading Jen Grave’s recommendation. Jim Melchert’s Changes and Kristen Morgin’s Spy vs. Spy were rad. Seeing one of Meiro Koizumi’s strange-as-fuck movies in this gallery too was oddly reassuring. Some of the other pieces I didn’t really feel. I thought that the plaques would help, but comprehending “a decisive end to clay’s malleability and to a larger metaphorical hardening in society and beliefs” is unreasonably hard after 3 free beers.
The more relaxed atmosphere at the Lawrimore Project made it a lot easier to enjoy the art. I wasn’t so worried that I looked out of place. I was ghetto’d out in beaten running shoes and a neckbeard again but I didn’t get the stares I got at the Hedreen Gallery yesterday. On the downside, I didn’t have anyone to talk to. Art lovers in retardedly large scarves and black-rimmed glasses mingled with each other while I slinked around like a leper. Maybe taking the time to dress and bringing a friend will make me feel less like an intruder the next time I have to go to a gallery.
Kyle amuses me greatly. And yet, I get no free beer.
Kyle amuses me greatly. And yet, I get no free beer.
I find Kyle’s posts amusing despite no free beer.
Best “Visual Art” post of the week. Bravo, Mr. Regan. And always bring a friend on First Thursday.
I was gonna offer to go with you next time so you wouldn’t be alone. But then I noticed you wrote “ghetto’d out.” We’re fundamentally incompatible.
‘retardedly large scarves’ they do look like they’re out to eat heads….
I apologize. IT told me none of those posts had succeeded.
This post is now the first result when you Google “terracotta dildo”.
I generally don’t read the Visual Art posts on Slog, but The Adventures of Kyle are hilarious and enlightening. So I may even have to start reading Megan’s posts.
Always bring a friend. Then you have someone to share your enthusiasm and/or disbelief and/or confusion in whatever you see.
I thought that the plaques would help, but comprehending “a decisive end to clay’s malleability and to a larger metaphorical hardening in society and beliefs” is unreasonably hard after 3 free beers.
When I go to art galleries or art museums, I love reading the plaques because they frequently contain some great comic writing.
Kyle, I think you’re fast becoming a witty journalist!
My condolences.
Thanks Kyle Regan! Your shitty reporting has FINALLY given me a good reason to stop hanging out in the ghetto that is SLOG.
Bringing a friend is always a good idea. You can whisper about the pretentious scarf men and the ridiculous artist statements and share your awe when you find something really affecting. Your growth from first to second art viewings is astounding, see? It’s not so scary after all.