In his artist statement, Denton Crawford says that his latest multimedia exhibition, "Savage Sanctuary," "investigates the relationship between mysticism and the absurd and how personal experience informs our experience of each." Through a remix of iconic imagery, Crawford pokes at the relationship between religious belief, political affiliation, and individual rights and freedoms.
Several very rad mixed-media paintings and sculptures are installed in the entirely transformed two rooms of Gallery r. "Revival," a massive acrylic on panel work, is a neon allusion to fanaticism, wherein figures -- one of which strongly resembles Donald Trump, and others bowing down to him -- spout acid-colored wormholes that adulterate a tangling, tropical Eden. Inverted crosses bedazzle various totems and reaper-like saints silently insinuate doom. Various neon-colored lights installed above cast a brilliant, otherworldly spell on an already transportive environment. Text installed on the walls and floors urges the audience to reconsider preciously held ideas. Keep an eye out for this artist.
"Savage Sanctuary" remains on view through Saturday, September 24 at Gallery r. Gallery hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free. All ages.
I didn't witness much interaction with the "Guerrilla Art" installation of magnetic poetry boards in the Spiegelgarden. The poetry on printer paper that was slipped into plastic sleeves and left on tables and hung on traffic barriers wasn't getting much attention either.
A part of the problem is that Friday night was rained out. But it would also have helped to have someone from the SUNY Geneseo-based collaborative group present facilitate or discuss the kind of vague presentation or talk about what the organization does. The "show" came off more like a tiny bonus bit of interest for people to stumble upon while waiting for another show.
Next Fringe, I'd like to see more visual artists get involved. This year's festival has been great so far, but as with previous years, I've noticed only a handful of exhibits and visual art events included.
There's another chance to check out "Guerrilla Art" on Saturday, September 24, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Spiegelgarden. Free. Appropriate for all ages.
