Relics from [the] Other Realms

A group show highlighting Art as Porthole

With works by 18 artists at the Barat Foundation in Newark, NJ



The work is displayed in one large room, low panel ceilings and multiple entrances. It feels like a community event in a church basement, which seems appropriate. Each artist has one large piece - some video, installation, drawing and sculpture. The work is tied together by a name, "art as porthole". Some pieces are against walls, others stand in the middle of the room while others have their own nooks. All the works fit together because their share some common vibe. Both the materials and presentations feel colorful, cheap and light. The handcrafted work that is spread throughout the show gives off a non-threatening, entertaining vibe that feels more humorous than serious.

One artist sits next to his piece at a desk with someone new talking to him every time I look. I like this a lot because it emphasizes the movement from one person's vision onto the next. With his presence, I am fully aware that I have entered the next stop. I imagine an opening reception where every artist stands next to their work representing it and watching and discussing the different reactions of each viewer. I think I would hate this, but this guy I don't mind.

A few pieces bothered me because of how they were displayed. I could have loved the work, but something about it's placement makes me appreciate it less than I should. It's strength is lost by the room and how little space there is between it and the other installations on either side. Maybe different pieces could have been placed next to one another. This really bothers me because I imagine I would be very impressed if it were in the right room. The ceilings are too low, it feels squashed. I want it to have more presence, to be louder.

There are no titles for any of the pieces, just the artist's name in large letters, always the same size and font. For some reason, I did not like how these tags looked. I would have liked to see it in a different font, something less harsh.

I chose this show because I thought it would be a good experience to see a group show by all young artists. I was mostly interested in how they collaborated to make one room work for such a diverse variety of pieces.