Beyond/In
is a biennial event that started some fifty years ago as a juried event
to showcase leading Western New York artists. It then transitioned to an
invitational exhibition featuring artists selected by a curatorial panel
before finally becoming a regional showing in 2005. This year, the event has
transformed once again into a showing of international art combined with
local and regional work. On Thursday, world renowned artist and
high-wire walker Didier Pasquette will walk between the statues of
liberty that sit atop one of the city’s historic gems, the Liberty
Building as an opening reception.
The high-wire walker is a proper choice as opening act for this once
city-centric event; the curatorial panel seems to be walking a thin
line with their new format. Some artists and art enthusiasts believe it
has become a competition for acceptance–a competition between regional and national artists. Some feel that their work will fall under the
shadow of the more “famous” artists. But I have also have heard murmurs that the
curators are tired of showing the same work over and over. Beyond/In has
become a confusing event for attendees and even for us writers; we just
don’t know what to expect year to year. In a search for the history,
one finds well-meaning evolution without explanation. This year already some reports claim there to be twenty-three venues hosting the event, yet
others say twelve. But perhaps the keep-you-guessing nature Beyond/In
has adapted is what keeps the event fresh. Unfortunately, only one
member of the curatorial panel was “available” to speak with me
regarding the chosen format.
Michael Beam, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the
Castellani Art Museum, feels that Beyond/In 2010 is true to the nature
of the original vision and the event’s long term goals of getting the
artists here the national recognition they deserve. He stated that if it
wasn’t for Louis Grachos, Director of the Albright Knox, and an
evolving format, the event would still be a small scale show happening
only at the Albright, and gaining no recognition. He feels that this event is good
for Buffalo in all facets– regardless of how the format has changed–because of the press, the attention and the scale of it. “If somebody
says tall, it’s short, if they say wide, it’s thin. Not everybody can be
included in a project of this scale, that’s the nature of it. So it’s
natural for someone who wasn’t included to be upset. I think it’s great
for these artists who have been included to be showing side by side,
because it will build dialogue and relationships.” And whatever the
event may be lacking in the local department, the Castellani is making
up for in their TopSpin series which gives emerging regional artists a
solo show with a full-color catalogue, opening simultaneously.
One Buffalo based painter stated that he was looking forward to
getting to know an artist whom he may never have met had it not been for
the invitation that brought her here. “There is room to learn from
someone who has a completely different perspective simply because of
their location. She happens to be from a part of the country that I’ve
always admired for its leadership in the arts. I want to know what they
are doing there that we could be doing better here.” Each and every
artist is sure to leave an impression, and the new blood in town for the
length of Beyond/In may mean sparked ideas are ignited into full-fledged
ventures, and actions may be taken to expand our arts scene.
But it was brought to my attention by another local artist that his
rejection letter was sent only after a debate between his work and the
work of another artist of international fame who could possible bring in
a tourism buck or two. As this was privileged information shared with
him by a friend involved with the process, he’s asked to remain
anonymous but offered his sentiments that he feels very slighted by the
event. As part of a larger collective that shows in the region often,
he has dealt with rejection as a part of his ten-year career, but never
in this fashion. “It’s the first time I’m certain the artist wasn’t
chosen on merit, but on personal–maybe political–agenda.” Do we run
the risk of losing our prominent exhibitors to bitterness?
The turnout for Beyond/In 2010 is still expected to be impressive as
it remains the one biennial event in the NorthEast to fuse together
venues and artists from various locations together for one singular
event and pinpoint Buffalo as being a destination for an ambitious art
show. Please share any insight or additional facts you may have in the
comments section.
For a complete list of participating artists and schedules, please visit the Beyond/In website.
Beyond/In
Opening Thursday September 23, 2010
With special guest high-wire walker Didier Pasquette
6:30 PM, Liberty Building
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Image of works by Do Ho Suh and Bill Sack
Laura Duquette is a former ballerina who now dances with words
and punctuation. She has a knack for asking questions faster than the
speed of sound, and her interviews are often off the cuff and personal.
She is Co-Owner of 12 Grain Studio, a Buffalo based creative firm that gives typical web design a kick in the ass.