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(Un)Konventional Kitsch!

For Immediate Release: November 17, 2005

For more information contact:
Julie Ann Cavnor 410-962-8565 / jcavnor@mdartplace.org

Maryland Art Place Celebrates the Season with (Un)Konventional Kitsch!

Exhibition dates:November 22- December 31, 2005

Gallery Talk: Friday, December 9, 6 pm
Reception/Holiday Bash: Friday, December 9, 7 pm

Kitsch: a term used to categorize art often considered to be an inferior copy of an existing style, which is often used more loosely to refer to any art that is pretentious, is in ‘bad taste’ or is related to commercially-produced items that are considered either trite or crass. The word came into use following the 19th century, when enormous quantities of sentimental, melodramatic and often dull works were produced around the world, and is a term that can also be applied to artworks imbued with ironic sensibilities and antithetical to “glam” gestures. Critics often comment that kitsch relies on formulaic repetition of tradition and convention, lacking any true sense of creativity or originality displayed by authentic art.

Baltimore, MD – At 7pm on December 9, visitors will be welcome to a big pre-holiday celebration, and are asked to bring wild and unique handmade decorations to contribute to Maryland Art Place’s holiday tree. The evening will include live music by Jim Forero, and guests will be greeted with the opportunity to dance and nosh on delectable treats, while meeting old and new friends. (Please see www.mdartplace.org for more information.)

As part of the celebration, Maryland Art Place (MAP) is featuring a lively exhibition including work by Beppi, Irene Clouthier, Mike Geno, Kristin Grey, Rachelle Lowe, Gary S. Medovich, Lee S. Millard, Yunsook Park, Andrew Shoenfeld, Daniel Van Allen and Virginia Warwick, all mid-Atlantic area artists who have either been inspired by; limited to; or resistant of “sensibilities normally related to kitsch.” In addition, MAP is featuring selections from the widely celebrated installation of the recently dismantled Amaranthine Museum, by area artist, Les Harris, whose collection was recently displaced by the development of the Clipper Mill Industrial Park. Each exhibiting artist (while focusing on different topics, subjects, media and concerns) celebrates various aspects of ironic delight, while paying homage to a variety of other artists and artworks, while creating works that simultaneously wield the power to delight, offend and amuse.

In recent decades, Baltimore has become renowned for its kitsch culture, whether through the works of filmmaker John Waters or any number of area artists, or simply as a reflection of the nearly legendary ‘hon’ style. In the exhibition, we find several recurrent and shared themes: the (often taboo) examination of religious iconic figures; postmodern strategies reconsidering famed canonical artworks; stabs at contemporary celebrity culture; and the presentation of work that pushes a variety of ‘politically incorrect’ buttons.

This exhibition doesn’t focus on stereotypical kitsch elements (sequins, glitter, feather boas, and the like) rather than explore the far perimeters of kitsch as a style, with an ambition to transcend triteness and impersonal concerns. Kitsch includes work ranging from small objects to a large room-sized installation, and gallery visitors should expect to discover an exhibition that celebrates irony, style and a number of cross-cultural references, while representing a full array of responses to kitsch as an important genre.

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Maryland Art Place (MAP) is a non-profit center for contemporary art established in 1981 to: develop and maintain a dynamic environment for regional artists to exhibit their work, nurture and promote new ideas and new forms, and facilitate rewarding exchanges between artists and the public through educational leadership. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 5pm. There is no admission charge to enter the gallery or to participate in MAP’s regular programming and events.