Wes Mill's Duchamp (1999)

Just a remider to everyone, it's the last weekend for Wes Mills' Apex show at PAM. Here is Arcy's excellent review. A subtle show but one of the most rewarding exhibitions Ive seen since moving here 8.5 years ago...you just shouldn't miss it. It even plays well with the Ursula von Rydingsvard show.

Yeah, there is a new Chuck Close print show at PAM too that I'm not very excited about.... he was Mr. early 90's and by that time was pretty much coasting on a reputation he had cemented in the late 70's. Still, if you are there why not see it too?

Both beautiful shows at PAM. Just a reminder that Bamburg, Greenberger and Space is a Place close today at 6pm.

Last Day SAT, 6th.
12-6pm Corberry Press 17th and Northrup, Free.

Take the street car from PAM- going NW and it will drop you right there.

thanks Kristan.. great use of the comments.

Ha! Jeff you aren't looking to make any friends are you? Always giving Chuck Close a hard time. :) I would have to agree though, I haven't found really anything exciting about him since his work in the 70's. However, he certainly did have his time in history when he was phenomenal. Though I'd much rather look at the Wes Mills' exhibit. I took a friend to Wes Mills' show at PDX and he simply said, "I really don't get it." I hope it grows on him.

And to follow up with Kristan Kennedy, I really hope everyone did go see Larry Bamburg's piece at Corberry Press. That was my absolute favorite piece to come out of TBA this year. That, and the first half of the "Map Me" performance.

Jeff,

I'd have to agree about Close. I like the fact that he has explored lots of different media and techniques, but in the end you've seen one, you've seen 'em all.

However one I do like is "George" (Lucas?), a 3 foot square portrait, where he uses a "starburst" paint technique. A pretty cool painting. Otherwise, I just feel he hasn't gotten out of his comfort zone. Becoming sort of a one-trick-pony, a la Thomas Kinkade or Bev Doolittle.

Thanks, and take care.

He's a major artist but I think he's the sort who is bigger during his own lifetime. Alex Katz has him beat by a mile in terms of influence and I just cant get excited about a print show for Close, when I saw the main event retospective years ago at MOMA.

Close is smart and does big, indimidating art for people like Ovitz who want their art collections to intimidate. That is fine but he's no Richard Serra!

Then there is the general need for a major museum level contemporary show here in Portland... this doesnt fill the billl. It is fine but another print show, c`mon? That said Bruce is up to some pretty exciting things in terms of major contemporary shows in the years to come. (The William Kentridge show at L&C in November will be closer to what we hunger for than this Chuck Close deal).

Look I travel to see major retrospectives like the Irwin thing coming up in LA and I (and a lot of others) have gotten a little impatient about waiting and I think it is understandable. That said I know what is coming down the pipe and it should be exciting. PAM has become a much better intsitutions and is now unquestionably the leading contemporary visual art player in town.

The question is when will we get our first really large scale contemporary art show since 2002? Several shows are in the works and the China Design now show should be worth it too.

Unfortunately we have a big Close print show up here right now too in Seattle at Greg Kucera Gallery. I'm pleased to see I am not the only not bowled over by his work. Close and his on-going portraits of his famous friends just don't drive it home for me.
-Carolyn