“In its broadest sense Realism is any art in
which the goal is to portray forms in the natural world in a highly
representational manner.” (Living with Art, McCarter and Gilbert,
Knopf, N.Y., 1985) This exhibition is dedicated to representational
work. But it is in the broadest sense we view these works. For, though
we can always tell what they depict, the why and the how they show
us of the world, is often various, exciting and unique.
realism2002 juror Michael Cornfeld |
Choosing an exhibition from 450 or more works is a
daunting task Over and over I looked at the submissions, many very,
very fine. Why should this piece have a place in the exhibition; why
should that be excluded? How do you form an exhibition with such a
wide variety of subjects, interests, techniques and media?
I chose works that represented technical skills to
the highest degree. I looked at each piece individually. Each had
to be a fine example of the use of the visual elements and those of
design, as well as, an appropriate and proficient use of the media.
The variety of approaches was as deferent as the number of artists,
who submitted. But, no carelessness or awkwardness was permitted.
I chose each work as an example of an artist who had
an individual and decidedly unique vision, whether the subject itself
was one of a kind or actually rather banal. There are wonderful examples
of both in the exhibition. Subject matter is only a small part of
the content of a work. The originality or “attitude” each
artist brings to the work determines the content. The force of artistic
vision is paramount. Obvious solutions were surpassed by and eliminated
by those very elegant, those very dynamic, those over the top.
The quality of work that was submitted to REALISM
2002 was exceptional. It was with great difficulty that I selected
these eighty pieces to be included in exhibition. I understand that
in terms of quantity of works this exhibition will be one of the largest.
I certainly believe and hope it is one of the best. Congratulations
to all the artists for enthusiastic contributions to thoughtful and
exciting approaches to realism.
