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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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Minneapolis 55408 @ Intermedia Arts
Wednesday 14 July @ 14:17:04 |
 by Tom Schimmel
First off, let me clarify something to everyone. In the sunken gallery area, the Buckthorn exhibit at Intermedia Arts is a joke. Yes, there are big dandelions down by the river, but they aren’t 12 feet tall. And I tell you this because I thought I was looking at a passionate, if disturbed, individual effort to heighten world awareness of a weed invasion.
My friend had to tell me it was funny before I went back, re-read the plaque, and then laughed. With this knowledge you are hereby armed. Proceed as directed into the world of Minneapolis 55408. Artists chosen not by works or reputation, but chosen by zip code. This is your slice of life. Buckthorn, as an afterthought, belongs on a Tim Burton set.
 If you’re any kind of an experimental artist, especially one without a rich kid’s ticket to art school, it would behoove you to check this out. The styles run the gamut. From classical paintings, to the subconscious splotch, to Picasso-induced graffiti. Hopefully the sound sample exhibits will work when you’re there. You’ll also pick up a few examples of crap-ass presentation. I’m no stickler for perfection, but if I want to see corrugated cardboard and duct tape, I can hang out in my basement.
What’s refreshing is that there’s some notable talent that is humble. A decent amount of work priced under $100. Pricing is fucked up in the art world to begin with, but I was listening to the people walking around in the gallery chattering about Artists of 55408, and this is what the people say: a thousand dollars is too much to ask for a small painting. It insults viewers, because it suggests that the artist is waiting around for someone stupid enough to spend that much money. Sometimes, yes, it works. But mostly, it doesn’t. And if it doesn’t, have a think about saleability and value. You can always make more. However, I would like to see “Lesbian Bed” re-titled as “Summer Dance” and sold to a wasp in Minnetonka for 30 grand. The idea of someone unknowingly purchasing an impressionist dildo scene for their lake home is an intriguing one indeed. The lines are subtle, but the action is hot.
Rounding out the metal sculpture portion of the show, Victor Vepez seems to have found the future of the art car. “O2” demonstrates that simply sticking stuff on you car won’t win you any prizes. He’s taken to carving hood metal with a plasma torch before painting it all crazy.
Maybe you need someone to trick out your ride for Burning Man.
This would be the man to call.
Last words go to Intermedia Arts, who get a big thumbs up for keeping it real. This concludes your slice of life.
Minneapolis 55408 runs through Aug. 29. Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. 612-871-4444.
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