Letters to the Editor

[August 8th, 2001] DON'T RAIN ON OUR SUNSHINE
Having read Lisa Lambert's review of Harrell Fletcher's exhibition at PICA, Everyday Sunshine [Visual Arts, WW, July 11, 2001], I have to say that she's really missed the point. First of all, most contemporary art is placed in context by language (wall texts, guides, etc.) because it is impossible to know, just by looking, all that is relevant to understanding what the work is about, or the traditions that it is a part of. So to fault the show for needing explanations is silly.

Harrell's tone in the brochure is candid and clear--"here is what I'm doing and why." It specifically avoids any "art-speak" and tries to talk to the general viewer who may not have any art background. His art is similar--he is interested in ideas and actions that explore "real life" issues like friendship, neighborhood, caretaking for animals, watching children play. He is, like many artists before him, pointing to things in the world and saying, "take a look at this, isn't it sad, or funny, or painful" and so on.

Allan Kaprow defines this kind of work as "lifelike art," as opposed to "art-like art." Life-like art reminds the viewer of life--it is complicated and broad in scope. Art-like art reminds the viewer of other art, and is removed and specialized.

The show most certainly has overarching themes--notions of time passing, aspects of documentary, applauding the small, the simple, the daily. Pop art does this, so does Fluxus, much casual photography, independent film, poetry, etc.

I don't think the show is cold or self-obsessed. The group sculpture is the opposite of cold--it is humane and tender, inclusive and restorative. Harrell's art is about how the world seems to him--no more self-obsessed than Rembrandt, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Robert Frank and many others.

Lisa Lambert is certainly entitled to her opinion, but as a published item, I wish it were less of a personal attack and more of a thoughtful engagement with Harrell's ideas and objects.

Stuart Horodner
Visual Arts Curator, PICA

WATER INTO WHINE
Your article ["Hydro Hogs," WW, Aug. 1, 2001] was the second reminder in 3 days that the rich will find frivolous uses for a basic necessity. The first incident was the Monday night, July 30, golf charade from Palm Desert, Calif. Here is a golf course in the desert designed with numerous artificial waterfalls and lakes. Meanwhile, the Colorado River dries up before it reaches the sea.

There will come a day when life's finite necessities will be priced geometrically. Use more than the prescribed average, then be prepared for painfully progressive pricing.

Steve Baker
Northeast 71st Avenue