Fri 1/31 @ 6pm
Thu 2/6 @ 6pm
It seems fitting that SPACES’ first two exhibitions of 2014 examine space and memory. With recent announcements of a new director and search for a larger venue to grow into over the next decade or so, the 35-year old staple of Cleveland’s art community is poised to begin an exciting new chapter.
Saturday’s exhibitions feature two female installation artists. Lauren Herzak-Bauman’s Field includes thousands of similar porcelain pieces. Her use of the material’s characteristics examines the media and medium themselves, while her repetition of form raises questions of individuality, modern-day consumerism and the production of contemporary ceramics. Field is also an introspective, personal examination of the artist’s own relationship with life and death.
These works are placed directly on the gallery floor – not on a pedestal, stage or platform. This puts the work directly in your space, dissipating the subconscious line between viewer and object. The work’s neutral, raw finish creates a timeless style that focuses the viewer’s attention on the individual and collective forms and each piece’s unique characteristics. Field is a meditative experience that forces you to look closer at your environment.
Migiwa Orimo’s Visit/Revisit is more of a reflection on the artist’s recent experiences in local homes. During a recent residency as one of SPACES World Artists Program (SWAP) artists, Orimo completely embedded and immersed herself in the homes and lives of Cleveland families. Her work explores how our objects, environment and possessions reflect our memories.
At SPACES, Orimo’s Visit/Revisit is an installation incorporating relics from her experiences. The work is successful in collapsing the boundaries between public and private spaces, as well as the parts of ourselves which we share openly and keep intimately private. The psychological questions raised by this work create a fertile environment for an active, transcendental viewing experience.
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SPACES new director Christina Vassallo took time out of her busy schedule to introduce herself to her new patrons.
Cool Cleveland: Can you give us a little background into your history in New York and Cleveland? What attracted you to the city, and specifically SPACES?
Christina Vassallo: In Queens I ran the nonprofit art collective, Flux Factory, which promotes artistic collaboration through an international artist residency, exhibitions, and educational programming. Flux has up to 17 artists working together at any one time in its studio building, with new people constantly arriving. I was originally aware of SPACES because of the research we’ve done to configure the Flux residency.
At Flux we’re always asking the question, “how are we going to do this?” and at SPACES the question is more, “what would you like to do?” SPACES provides unparalleled support to artists for an organization of its size and can be seen as a national model. I especially appreciate SPACES’ willingness to let the creative process unfold, and I’ll be bringing with me the resourcefulness and collaborative spirit that I gained at Flux to Cleveland.
I haven’t spent much time in Cleveland yet, but it’s obvious that Clevelanders have a tremendous sense of pride in the arts & culture scene. It’s fun to read all of the bucket lists and top ten lists that friends keep forwarding to me about Cleveland. Also, as an avid cyclist, I’m looking forward to getting to know the city on two wheels and figuring out my favorite bike shop.
The gallery recently announced it will be moving. Has there been any progress you can let us in on? Is there a timeline of when you could be in your new space?
We’ve entered into a favorable lease with the new owner of our current venue for the next 3 years, and so, we’re in a very stable situation right now. We’re able to approach our options in a thoughtful way and don’t need to rush into anything. SPACES is thinking about how our choice of location will affect our programming, visibility, sustainability, and connection to the neighborhood and rest of the city. We want a new home that is flexible and accessible, and that we can grow into over the course of at least a decade.
With a new director and (soon) venue, it’s an exciting new chapter in SPACES’ legacy. What changes can we expect moving forward?
It’s incredibly exciting to jump into a 35 year-long legacy of experimentation and exploration. We will continue to support the creation of new work in Cleveland through engaging programming for both artists and audiences, and with a new venue on the horizon, we’re poised for a higher profile. Personally, I’d like to leverage our programming to discuss social issues from the artist’s position, as well as form new partnerships that encompass more perspectives and help us reach diverse audiences.
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SPACES’ future may be a bit uncertain, but it’s clearly looking very bright. Don’t miss their first opening of 2014 this weekend, and be sure to continue supporting this catalyst of the local arts community! Orimo will offer insight into her work at a gallery talk on Thu 2/6 from 6-8pm.
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.