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anne chu
Post #526 • April 28, 2005, 7:01 AM • 8 Comments
My latest piece for the Miami New Times, a review of the Anne Chu show at MoCA, is online.
2.
April 28, 2005, 7:06 PM
I saw some Anne Chu pieces at the (ex-)Museum of the Shark. The gallery space competed with the work, as did an enormous "galleon" on display at the same time, splitting the Chu exhibit into two halves at opposite sides of the large room -- see here and here [Chu sculpture in far background, but there were also works behind the photographer] -- so it was difficult to appreciate the art, but Guardian and House was there [photographed this time in a normal gallery], and it made a positive impression on me. Tombstone for King and Queen was there too [I think -- I can't for the life of me find any written record of what pieces were shown], and to say the gallery walls competed with this sculpture is an understatement [the photo above is thankfully against a proper white wall]. If I were Ms Chu I'd've been extremely disappointed with the display. As a viewer I felt it was pretty disrespectful of the work, in the sense of carelessness. I think there were a couple-few pieces from Ms Chu on display at ABMB too.
3.
April 29, 2005, 5:30 PM
Hi everyone , Rebecca Guarda (i'm her husband) is showing a one night installation tonight (Friday april 29) at the Leonard Tachmes Gallery, at 817 125st from 7-10pm she set up 250 paintings! if you get a chance stop by (we will have home made salsa and mexican beer)
sorry it is off topic
4.
April 29, 2005, 5:47 PM
Carlos and Rebecca make some of the best salsa that will ever grace your tortilla chip.
I'm thinking about instituting a Thursday Roundup where people can just list the shows they're planning on seeing and articles they thought were interesting. Like what I used to do, except you're doing it. Would people be into that?
5.
April 29, 2005, 5:52 PM
Sounds like a good idea, Franklin--certainly worth trying.
6.
April 29, 2005, 9:21 PM
Great Idea. I bet your hits will go nuts on Thursday of people just trying to find out what is going on in this city.. I recent spoke with the New Times people on how sorely a calender of current shows is missed. Street really did have that down pact.
Sounds like the Thursday Round-up would be a good resource.
Go for it.
7.
April 30, 2005, 2:56 AM
Try it. Of course as soon as anyone reads or sees anything they will be yakking away about it. But that's OK.
8.
April 30, 2005, 9:42 PM
Well, I went to the Anne Chu show last night. Once again, I was struck by what a bad location MOCA has, but I digress. It's a pretty good show, certainly by MOCA standards. The work is interesting, partly, I suppose, because of the "exotic" Asian element. The two-dimensional work on paper was competent and not without appeal, but I did not find it exceptional or compelling. Chu is clearly a 3-D person who can incorporate painting into sculpture.
Unlike Franklin, I found the marionettes or puppet-like figures less engaging and less substantial (figuratively and literally) than other pieces in the show. They have a certain charm, but they struck me as too fussy or precious, almost gimmicky. I liked some of the Tang-inspired figurines, the ceramic Chinese heads on pedestals (especially the orange one), the wooden helmet with expressive splashes of paint, and, most of all, the pieces in the space at the very back. These included the bronze Maranao Man, the striking Tomb Effigy of a King and Queen, and the raw wood sculpture of "El Primo," which I recognized as based on one of the 17th century Spanish court dwarves painted by Velazquez.
I did not see the stuff in the small annex building, which was not open last night. I also paid no mind to the wall text once I realized it was rather strained, as Franklin noted in his review. Again, a worthy show.
1.
Jack
April 28, 2005, 5:14 PM
Read it yesterday and enjoyed it. I'm interested in seeing the show, but, based on your review, it has a lot to live up to in terms of expectations raised. I suppose part of your very positive response may relate to your affinity for things Asian, but obviously good work is good work regardless. I guess the only thing to do is drag myself over to MOCA and see for myself, though I admit there's some reluctance to revisit the scene of past crimes, I mean, disappointments.