Several Posts I Should Have Done Already… In One!

January 11, 2010

Ralph Nader 10/1/09

Several months ago I had the chance to see Ralph Nader speak about civic duty. He spoke of a lack of expectations in the American public. For instance, Western Europe has had things like public health options since World War 2. Things that are just now coming up in this country are commonplace around the world. One reason, according to Nader, is that people do not know how to function in a civic manner. People today are unaware of things like the Freedom of Information Act and Freedom of Contract. To enact change Mr. Nader suggested creating a list of 10 things that make oneself mad about this country, having a higher self estimation of oneself, and becoming more active locally (such as taking the time to contact local representatives about current issues). Additionally, the power of corporations and the growing corporate nature of the government were largely highlighted in the lecture.

The talk covered many more issues, and was a pleasure to attend (I had never been to anything else like it). For more information on Ralph Nader check out: Nader’s Home Page and Citizen.org.

First Friday 10/2/09 – Artist Talk At Plus Gallery With Jonathan Saiz

Artist Jonathan Saiz was on hand at Plus Gallery here in Denver to give a talk about his show INDUSTRIAL. Dominating the main gallery space, the work had a strong presence. Each piece consisted of distressed yellow wood, machine parts, and tiny art-historical paintings. As I thought, and heard others talk, several themes became apparent. The incredible size of the sculptural elements along with the minute paintings brought about ideas of preciousness, compartmentalization, and tradition vs. modern trend. Saiz talked about his transition from traditional painter toward an increased interest in sculpture. He said he views the objects as sculptures. That made me question whether or not the yellow boxes were really functioning as an elaborate frame for the paintings. Does that make the sculpture subordinate to the paintings? Comments about the work included it being “lego-like”, a “commitment” to the color, and the color is like that of a construction zone. The work says a lot about history and time both artificially created and real. There is a tension between elements and a rightness to their juxtaposition. All said, Saiz seems to be on the right track, and may be heading outside the gallery walls for future work.

-JN

CHECK OUT: Plus Gallery

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