The members’ show, “Self-Portrait”, was judged by Jackie Lamb, an Art History, Design and Appreciation teacher, and a past President of VAL. Marci Kawalek was the winner of the award, for her piece “Self-Portrait: Irradiated”. Thanks to all members who participated, congratulations to Marci, and special thanks to Jackie for being our judge.
Judge’s Statement
Self Portraits — “The self portrait is a category of art that, historically, has been one of experimentation for artists. Willing, pro-bono models have been available ever since flat mirrors came into use, even though these models did not always sit perfectly still. Artists such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh honed their skills of composition and mastered the use of materials and techniques in their many self portraits.
The Visual Art League’s current Self Portraits exhibition redefines the category in ways that in various instances are puzzling, intriguing, amusing, and refreshing. What is especially commendable is that artists were encouraged to include statements with their entries. Many artists are generally annoyed by the need to verbalize their non-verbal work in artists’ statements. Concepts that seem obvious to the artist in something he or she has worked with very closely are not as evident to the viewer who knows little to nothing about the artist or the work. I can say as a viewer that the statements are tremendously helpful, and I value the insight they give into works in the exhibition.
Jo Ann Vincent’s Self Portrait, with the frontal view and interesting brushwork, and Elaine Nienkamp’s quarter-turn view Myself, with the fine line work and arbitrary yellow hues, are as close to traditional treatment as any of the portraits. The obscured features behind Karyn Lee’s hands in Reaction, and the use of objects to represent the self as in Meg Smith’s Dichotomy and Linda Shackelford’s Where Art Now? become less visual likenesses than self-definitions in which content about the subject supersedes form. As such, these and other more abstracted works reveal much about the artists through the choices of objects and use of color.
Two droll takes on self-portraiture, John Aggus’ Beautiful Blue Eyes and David Mask’s Twin/Spin, are delightful. Aggus’ watercolor is noteworthy for the extreme close-up view, interesting angle, and the dark window in the background; the humor is in the artist’s statement. Mask’s cartoonish, mirrored image on a tall, thin support invites a nudge to make it spin.
There were two especially strong pieces in the exhibition, however. One, Bruce Schiefelbein’s diptych Abused By My Inner Child, shows the fragmenting of form in a style similar to early Cubism. (Anyone who has attempted this technique is well aware of the challenges!) The rendering of the self portrait in two stages of life—one as a child on the right panel and as an adult on the left—makes the use of fragments and the space/time continuum of Cubism an appropriate pairing. Surrounding the adult image with the fragments from childhood, and certainly the title, make the self-portrait’s content intriguing. It would have been helpful to read a bit more on the artist’s intent.
In Marcy Kawalek’s Self-Portrait: Irradiated, a torso dominates the canvas. The head, usually the focus of a self portrait, is barely suggested at the top. Her artist’s statement explains that the work is a response to her breast cancer several years ago. One side of the torso is classical and naturalistic in its detail. Haziness on the other side of the torso implies a physical loss, but vibrant colors and the painting’s organic quality combine for a dynamic treatment that suggests ultimate triumph. This is a painting that invites the celebration of life. Of all the exhibition entries, Self-Portrait: Irradiated is the standout.
It has been a privilege to view the exhibition and offer these comments. As a writer and educator of art history and communication design, I can certainly appreciate the talents and work of each artist. As a former VAL board member, I can see the risk-taking and experimentation members have made over the years since I was active in the organization, and I applaud your creativity and fine talents.”
Our next members’ show is titled “Saying It with Color” and will open on Thursday, May 11. Please be working on a new piece using color to convey your message!
