"Census 03: New Art from D.C." is your ticket to catch a glimpse of the increasingly diverse art scene of D.C. Named after the federal government's population survey, 10 artists present their unique perspectives, via various media, conveying the diversity found beyond the numbers of the U.S. Census population survey.
Situated in the Corcoran Gallery of Art, these local artists include AU professor Tim Doud and alumni Dan Steinhilber and Maggie Michael. This visually stimulating exhibit contains everything from the mixed media installations of Steinhilber to Iona Rozeal Brown's culture-oriented paintings.
Boredom is definitely not an option while perusing the works of "Census 03," the innovative techniques and oeuvres both engage and excite the viewer.
Doud's four portraits have a certain realness and rawness that captivate the viewer, while retaining a bit of the fantastical that puts the imagination to work. Doud uses figures to explore his own personal interests. In a collaboration of sorts, he finds models that catch his attention and together they choose poses and props. This work with the individual is truly personal, as Doud paints his models in their own clothes due to his interest in the ability of clothing to communicate something about a person.
Doud contends with his medium by often using bright colors, their obvious artificiality helping to emphasize the contradiction of the realistic painting. By placing art on display, it is independent from the ideas the artist wanted it to convey, so there are going to be different interpretations based on the different experiences people carry with them. Therefore, Doud likes it when unintended reactions reciprocate, as interpretation is in a sense, an important part of art.
"Team Response," the collaboration of three graduates from the Corcoran Institute of Art and Design, offers an amusing look at the artists who participated in "Census 03," through models of each artist's studio. "It's funny, it added a very nice dimension to the show," Doud said. "It was interesting to have criticism within the show that contended with every artist's dilemma of misinterpretation."
Randall Packer's unique creations, the "U.S. Department of Art & Technology" and "Experimental Party," are unlike most artwork found in museums. Packer puts forth political commentary via his multi-faceted digital media technology, which includes a seemingly authentic government department.
Concurrently, the enrapturing steel and glass works by Graham Caldwell present a very different style of art. It is impressive to see how much can be done with steel and glass in the hands and mind of an artist. The final products are pieces full of variation in color, strength, and placement. Caldwell's "Seedling" brings to mind the roots of a tree poking through the wall or the branches of a weeping willow formed in a way you wouldn't imagine glass could make.
Probably the biggest piece on display at "Census 03" is Dan Steinhilber's untitled work of art, made solely of paper cups and cardboard cup trays. Steinhilber's use of everyday items to create masterpieces has given him growing acclaim in the D.C. area over the past few years. This work seems to follow that trend, presenting a titillating and unique perspective which allows the viewer to really ponder its meaning.
Brown's work offers an intriguing mix of cultures and hip-hop with her "Blackface" series. Her paintings contrast Asian and hip-hop culture with her creation of apparently Asian portraits, wearing traditional Asian dress, but also expressing hip-hop traits, like Afros with hair picks.
Meanwhile, the textured works of Maggie Michael are almost the calm within the storm of bright colors and mixed-media. Her largely neutral paintings are interesting in that she uses latex paint on Plexiglas to portray mostly natural, albeit abstract, things. Her work can be considered sculptural painting, as each color of paint is raised off the actual canvas. "Census 03" is a dynamic exhibit at the Corcoran Gallery. It makes some bold statements, with no frivolous waste of time or space.
Doud said it best: "Real life doesn't stop when you're in school. It's important to engage in the city where you are studying."
This special exhibit runs until Oct. 6. The gallery is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Closed Tuesdays. Admission is $3 for students with ID, and free after 5 p.m. Thursdays and all day on Mondays. The Corcoran Gallery of Art is located at 500 17th St. and is closest to the Farrugut West Metro stop. Call (202) 639-1700 or visit www.corcoran.org for more information.
