ARTOMATIC…One More Time With Feeling
By F. Lennox Campello
By now you must be sick and tired of hearing me discussing what a great and unique art event ARTOMATIC is, but it deserves that and more! Last month I reviewed the 5th and 8th floors and selected my faves from those floors – in this column I will review the 7th and 6th floors.
The 7th floor proved again singular ability of ARTOMATIC to deliver a visual orgy on a scale that it is impossible to deliver in any other model but this one! The mind-overwhelming variety of subjects, skill levels, ideas, room-changing work, and presentation forms is simply impossible to replicate unless the hive workforce and leadership of this kind of show is there – Geoge Koch and the hundreds of ARTOMATIC leaders and volunteers over the years deserve a special recognition from the city leaders!
First impression from the 7th floor? There is a lot of artists in love with black light on this floor and also many whose presentations include a wall assembly of a multitude of small, well-crafted and presented work! And there is a LOT of affordable art on this floor!
Almost immediately I fell in love and lust with the work of Jenny Kanzler in room 7031. I am always seduced by artists who are able through their work marry the subject with the unusual and unexpected, and this very talented artist delivers all of that and more with gusto and skill. She has really expanded her horizon of subjects and technical skill to produce work that is both attractive and quiz the mind at the same time.
In room 7006, Greg Skrtic offers the viewer an impressive array of large and technically-gifted paintings which can best be described as brilliant rediscovery and modernizing of the traditional.
In these works, the artist subjugates the focus of the work to be recreated in a canvas of multi surfaces and images that force the eye to examine each minute details of the surface individually and them re-assemble them to deliver forms that seems to step out of medieval times and onto the 21st century.
Skrtic notes on his website that:
I take inspiration from many sources, both natural and man-made. I use patterns from patchwork quilting, carpet or wallpaper designs just as readily as from a seashell, leaf, or seed pod. Incorporating these patterns into the overall composition in a way that they can co-exist in harmony is a recurring theme in my work.
In room 7041, both my wife and I admired the somewhat “retro” aspect of the work of Jeremy Arn. I note “retro” more in the sense of the muted palette, rather than just the subject, which is composed of interesting mechanical forms.
Also leaving an impression were the powerful drawings of Ricardo Mavin in room 7128, full of energy and zest which only a talented artist with a mission can accomplish. I chatted with the artist for a bit: clearly a hard-working individual who believes in his work!
Also noteworthy are Christian Tribastone’s explorations of the humblest of materials (cardboard) to deliver impressive works (room 7072) as he jumps the tracks in a very cool way.
In room 7063, Andrea Cybyk’s elegant abstracts dominate the room – no surprise here, as Cybyk’s work has always been amongst the top at various previous incarnations of ARTOMATIC over the decades.
In room 7144, the flower paintings of Michal Hunter once again demonstrate the breath-taking painting gifts of this artist – the subject is new to me, as previously I’ve spent decades drooling over Hunter’s figurative work. In that same room, the hardworking gift to the Greater Washington art scene that is Jack Rasmussen surprises with an elegant, almost obsessive display of collaged monochromatic works that are both interesting and immensely intelligent!
Over is space 746, kudos to the printmaking of Cecily Abram – monoprints that are not only pleasing to the eye, but also showcases a clearly talented printmaker. These gorgeous prints tease the viewer by assembling both recognizable forms, but married to deliver a somewhat abstracted delivery – and priced at a point that they’re one of the best art deals of ARTOMATIC.
The sixth floor: there’s a LOT of really good photographers on this floor! I liked Jose Valcarcel’s “City Aperture” small photos with triangular compositions, also Khalil D’Jmaal’s great out of control and entertaining room 6106, Redeat Wondemu in room 6001, and Kathleen Weis in 6000.
A special shout-out to the SPECTACULAR photo installations dealing with slavery in room 6016 by Damien T. Taylor! They are not only clearly a work of love, but also an important statement – this photographer can teach lessons in presentation and design! WOW!
In room 6052, artist e.l. briscoe transforms Star Wars imagery into really good paintings and excellent and really deep thoughts – also loved the recycled material sculptures in room 6044 by Phil Charlwood.
My fave sculpture on the 6th floor? How about the precise and elegant and super cool assemblage of organic things (the wings are tree leaves) titled “Reluctant Predator” by Lee T. Wheeler in room 6002.
Also liked Mike Price’s marriage of color and wire, the erotic work of DMV überartist Pat Goslee, Michael Pacheco’s transformation of a room into a Central American jungle, and Brian H. Zambrano’s sardine paintings.
Here’s a last-minute wish for an ARTOMATIC 2025!
About the Author: F. Lennox Campello’s art news, information, gallery openings, commentary, criticism, happenings, opportunities, and everything associated with the global visual arts scene with a special focus on the Greater Washington, DC area has been a premier source for the art community for over 20 years. Since 2003, his blog has been the 11th highest ranked art blog on the planet with over SIX million visitors.