It has been my feeling that contemporary artists in general have not been vocal enough about the state of things right now, politically speaking. The visual artists are not the only guilty party, all arts have been grossly deficient in challenging our new social norms since September 11th. However, that being said I can understand the possible distaste and joylessnes involved in such work, but it would be nice to see more nonetheless.
This is why the work of Mark Bryan is so important right now. He is truly speaking truth to power, and grinning all the while.
This from Mark Bryan on his website:
"Given this beautiful planet and all our talents, one would think that things for us would be a lot better than they are. I suppose I've carried a general disappointment in human nature for quite a while and that makes itself apparent in most of my work. It seems to me that in terms of what we do to each other and to our environment, we really are fiddling while Rome burns. Perhaps we are either too smart or too dumb for our own good."As a result of this perspective, satirical work is the logical direction for me. Humor allows for comment to be made without alienating the viewer. I believe it also shows a larger view and some affection and sympathy for the players in it."
Just to show you that Mark Bryan is not exclusively working in politics. Here is another example of what he is doing:
Bryan will be showing at Steynberg Gallery starting July 1st.
(via Internet Weekly)
Posted by Paul Hina at June 22, 2005 10:46 AM