Week six Final Project Suzan Cofer: Draw Near Exhibition

Art 1001
Section 12 November 21, 2012

Week six Final Project Suzan Cofer: Draw Near Exhibition
The art exhibition of Suzan Cofer: Dear Near was very intoxicating and refreshing. The exhibition was well organized; the paintings were arranged in a meticulous order that evokes interest in each piece as you move from one painting to the other. The works of art were of an abstract nature mostly depicting the essence of microscopic life that exists in nature and what seems like the representation of the developmental stages of sprouting life form. In some of her painting you could see the obvious depiction of nature with landscapes and trees. The artist was able to capture this transformation of nature with the simple strokes of vertical lines and colored pencils on mostly plain white sheets of paper. I believe the goal of the artist was for each viewer to have a connection to the paintings ("Suzan Cofer: Draw Near," 2012).
The exhibition consisted of over one hundreds pieces of work from the timeline of the dated from 1976 to present. This era was a difficult time for artists. It was the time of the great depression which resulted in the war of the times (Heilbrunn Timeline, n.d.). Artist wanted a find a way to express their emotions and feeling in an unrecognizable form. This gave birth to abstract painting which derived from the abstract expressionist movement. This movement allowed artists to express their feelings through an art form that illuminated the obvious (Boddy-Evans, 2012).
The Art work created a sense of pleasure as one engages in its participation. The group of people at the exhibition was intensely drawn in to the painting. “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” and I could sense the satisfaction and positive reactions the paintings were evoking in the audience as they participated in the experience. People were moving slowly, stopping to critique each piece as they go by. The atmosphere was calm at the same time it felt intense as people seem to be very captivated as they decipher the meaning of the pieces.
As an active participant in the artwork I was able to critique the paintings descriptively. I was able to s concentrate on the details in the art work. At first look you are not able to get the full understanding of the painting; however, as you stare at the details the unique qualities in of the color, the shapes and contours come together to from details which are not evident by first glance. It was very fascinating to see how after spending time viewing the work, I was able to “perceive all there [was] to perceive” which would otherwise be missed. (Jacobus & Martin, 2012, p. 54)
After observing the details in the painting the form content because much easier to recognize. Understanding the interpretation of nature, and seeing the metamorphoses of a dried leaf depicted in the paintings help me to get a better understanding of how the artist transformed the subject matter into content. According to Martin and Jacobus, 2012 “The content of any art will become clearer when the structure is perceived in relationship to the details and regions” (Jacobus & Martin, 2012, p. 57). If one is not able to analyze and critique an art in terms of form and relation. Interpretive criticism becomes lost in a” vacuum unless it is based on descriptive criticism (Jacobus & Martin, 2012, p. 59).
My evaluation of the art work was that it’s a job well done and this was based on not only my perception but also judging from the emotions and facial expression of the people who were around me at the exhibition. Critiquing the art work at first glance would not be a good evaluation based on merits according to Martin and Jacobus, 2012. “Evaluative criticism is always functioning” (Jacobus & Martin, 2012, p. 61) as we participate in the artwork we are indirectly evaluating its worth. This kind of criticism helps us to appreciate work we might have otherwise not participated in. This makes us more aware or our own decisions as participants. One example is Jason Pollack Autumn Rhythm, Figure 3-3. (Jacobus & Martin, 2012, p. 57).
As an event planner of an art exhibition in my community, my focus would be to develop ways in which the community can participate in the exhibit and how the exhibition can benefit the community as a whole. Art exhibition attracts the members of the community to come together in an appreciation and awareness that fosters unity in the community. Experiencing art at the local community helps to reveal the character and identity of the neighborhood. It enriches the lives of the people as they come together and shares a public space, the interaction of shared thoughts how they feel about the art promotes positive bonding between family members, children and even strangers (Art in Public Places, n.d.). The facility used for local exhibitions also adds to the environmental appeal of a community. It creates and promotes an educational environment for the neighborhood. The architecture of the building adds to the asset of the community and establishes a sense of pride in the community. Monetary benefits can be gained from having a local art exhibition which often times aids the local charities, school, churches and hospitals in the community; art work are also donated to these facilities.
The artwork displayed in the local exhibits can also broadcast the works of upcoming artist who need an avenue to showcase their work. Having a membership at these local exhibitions can also provide a stable monetary contribution to the community that promotes the diversity and strength of art in our community. Each piece of art work creates a bond that draws a community together.
The presenter at the Draw Near art exhibition did a good job in the revealing the values in the community in which it was presented. The viewing audience was delighted with the exhibition and I believe the goal of the artist was accomplished. In the own words of the artist “the greatest gift that I could hope for is if the [audience] choose one or two drawing that jumped out at you and draw close to it. Let the other go, it’s not about seeing all the drawing it’s about having an experience and a connection with one drawing” (Suzan Cofer: Dear Near, video, 2012). I sincerely think this was definitely accomplished at the exhibition.

References
Art in Public Places. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/content/art-public-places-0
Boddy-Evans, M. (2012). Abstract Art: An Introduction. Retrieved October 26, 2012, from http://painting.about.com/od/abstractart/a/abstract_art.htm
Jacobus, L., & Martin, F. (2012). The humanities through the arts ((8th ed.) New York: McGraw Hill.
Suzan Cofer: Draw Near. (October 27, 2012-January 27, 2013). High Museum of Art Atlanta. Retrieved from http://www.high.org/Art/Exhibitions/Susan-Cofer.aspx
Suzan Cofer: Draw Near. (October 27, 2012-January 27, 2013). YouTube video, High Museum of Art Atlanta. Retrieved from http://www.high.org/Art/Exhibitions/Susan-Cofer.aspx
Paul, Stella. "Abstract Expressionism". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000-present Retrieved from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/abex/hd_abex.htm