SOFA anyone?

[Vernon Windsor]

Did anyone else make it to the SOFA (Sculptural Objects, Functional Art) exhibit in Chicago this past weekend?

[Vernon Windsor]

I'm afraid, at this point, I'm a bit jaded. I've been to several of these events now, and while there is some amazing artwork (technically speaking), I feel that much of it has lost its soul. This is not to say that there aren't objects of incredible beauty and outstanding craft to be seen (and bought) there, but, on reflection, my response to the exhibit was to make a list of art one is likely to see at SOFA.

There are recurring themes, recurring techniques, and recurring artists. This may be because there are recurring customers (very wealthy ones), that require a certain ostentatious quality in their purchases. My reaction could be the result of being exposed to so much art at one time, but while enjoying individual pieces, the exhibit left me with the same blah feeling that was present on the faces of so many gallery owners and employees forced to "do time" and schmooze with the throng.

I don't say these things to denigrate any of the artists, most of whom are at the top of their game. It's just that I recognize a lack of heart, which is something I value in art. They need new blood. Instead, I listed these things (always seen at SOFA)...

1. Two-dimensional art of three-dimensional forms
2. Shiny glossy surfaces
3. hopelessly intricate art
4. grotesque art (usually of women)
5. fat naked figures (often done in ceramics)
6. garish colors
7. big massive shapes (suitable for some "special place" in the homes of the wealthy)
8. ugly ceramics (I love ceramics, but some of it is just butt ugly)
9. large non-functional glass bowls
10. large shapeless rabbits (my apologies, if anyone can identify the artist)

There were, of course, items to die for, but these are such a matter of taste, that I won't go into great depth here, except to say that there were some wooden furniture pieces (both modern and with a hint of art nouveau) there were exquisite, and also some ceramic busts of African women that were also extraordinary. Catalogs of previous exhibits are available online. the current one be available a bit later.

[WS]

I saw rabbits in a boat in Sacramento at the Crocker.

I can't remember the artist, though sorry! (wasn't too impressed!)

[Vernon Windsor]

Put two rabbits together and this what you get (prolific little buggers)!