DAN'S PAPERS, April 3, 2009 Page 42 www.danshamptons.com
Arts & Entertainment
Art Commentary by Marion Wolberg Weiss
‘Damaged Romanticism’ at the Parrish The current exhibit at Southampton’s Parrish Art Museum has a lot going for it. First, the same show is now at New York University’s Grey Gallery (in this critic’s opinion, one of the best Manhattan art venues). Secondly, it’s the kind of exhibit that is food for thought – it makes the viewer THINK, although often in ways that aren’t always complimentary to the show’s organizers. That’s not to suggest there’s a lack of imagination, innovation and insight. Quite the contrary. The exhibit suggests that some works are not always connected to the theme. Then again, the connection could be there, in a vague way. There’s always the possibility, too, that the interpreter just doesn’t get it. A literal reading of the show’s title, “Damaged Romanticism,” infers a loss of hope and optimism in a world that is (or was) brimming with emotion, passion and idealism. Or, as the exhibit’s wall texts explain, a confrontation between classic and contemporary sensibilities, a world full of heartbreak in the wake of hope. (Sounds like a good description of current times.) The only strong manifestation of this oppositional theme is the expressionistic style conveyed by several pieces. Expressionism, as a way of signifying violent contrasts, is most prevalent in Edward Burtynsky’s “Shipbreaking #2,” where sharp differences between light and dark define contradiction. Expressionism also suggests that inanimate objects are more important and energetic than people, and
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Naked Light Of Day, Annee Olofsson there are several examples of this in the exhibit. Leaving the idea of Expressionism, we have other examples that show contrast, like Annee Olofsson’s “Naked Light of Day,” where an older woman’s hands are placed over a young lady’s face. This is one of the more potent pieces in the show because it suggests several meanings. One is that the past (old hands) is less salient and beautiful than the future. However, another interpretation is that the older person is protecting the younger woman from seeing too much of the future, which is dangerous and hopeless. As such, it presents an entirely different worldview.
Life (either the past or future) as dangerous is also depicted by Mary McCleary in “Meters Per Second,” a noteworthy embroidery piece that shows people (perhaps a family) falling through space. Other bleak views are suggested by Angelo Filomeno in “The Accident,” filled with allegorical symbolism and beautiful metallic threads. In Shipbreaking #2 both works, the exquiEdward Burtynsky site craftmanship and materials belie the powerful pessimism. Petah Coyne’s work celebrates the horrors of life, unlike the other artists’ works, by contrasting such bleakness with light and humor, suggesting that celebration and loss can occur at the same time. Sophie Calie’s “Exquisite Paine” is also an outstanding piece, a combination of story-telling, words and images that chronicles the end of a love affair in a non-linear way. It’s an example that doesn’t offer a direct connection to the exhibit’s theme, yet its message is extraordinary in its own right, whatever that message may be. “Damaged Romanticism” will be on view at the Parrish Museum until April 19.
By Tiffany Razzano
Area Bands Compete at the Talkhouse The Stephen Talkhouse, in Amagansett, is a premier music venue not just for the East End, but for all of Long Island, becoming a haven for local bands and hosting many nationally known acts during the summer months. It’s the kind of place that often has to turn away bands looking for gigs and can afford to be selective with who they book. But now, unknown and fledgling bands will have a crack at getting on stage at the Talkhouse. Looking back at the success of a Hamptons Star Search it hosted about five years ago, the venue has decided to host its first ever Battle of the Bands. Featuring approximately 25 acts, the competition kicks off April 3 and will run throughout the month of April, with the finals being held on May 9. The winner will get $1,000 and will be booked for a future gig at the Talkhouse. All bands competing will be given a chance to play for venue’s booker, who is always looking for new acts. “It’s an opportunity for us to check out bands for ourselves as well as get something going, something different,” said Nick Kraus, the club’s booker and promoter. “It’s definitely a good way for us to find new talent.” While most bands participating hail from Eastern Suffolk, the Battle of the Bands is open to groups from further west, including a few coming out from New York City to compete. Each night, bands will given a half hour set. The winner of each
Al Madlinger of Double Yellow Line. night – based on the results of an audience ballot as well as the thoughts of the three judges, all affiliated with the club – will be invited back for the May 9 finals. Bands performing run the gamut when it comes to the genres they represent – rock, reggae, pop and more. “It’s really all over the place. There’s a whole
range of genres,” Kraus said. “But the level of music across the board is all very good.” Competing the first night, on April 3 is Double Yellow Line (doubleyellowline.us), with Al Madlinger, a Port Jefferson band that plays acoustic rock and roots music. East End high school punk rock outfit Smarter Than Yourself (myspace.com/smarterthanyourself), currently working on its first full-length album, will also be competing, as will Last Charge of the Light Horse (myspace.com/lastcharge), an indie rock band with an alt-country kick from Coram. Rock outfit Exit Row (myspace.com/exitrowband) will be making the trek to Amagansett from New Jersey for the competition and Sub Culture will also perform. The show starts at 7 p.m., runs until about 10 p.m. and costs $5 at the door. “It’s just an exciting opportunity to come out to the Talkhouse to catch some up and coming acts,” Kraus said. And, with so many bands clamoring to be a part of the competition, Kraus says the Talkhouse is already planning another Battle of the Bands for this summer. So e-mail stephentalkhouse@hotmail.com or call 631-267-3117 if you’d like to submit your band for consideration. For more information about this spring’s Battle of the Bands, go to stephentalkhouse.com.