| Guinotte Wise’s work is not easily categorized; much of it appears to be sculpture and collage made of pieces of memorabilia found in small towns and urban alleyways. Mainly metal, much of it automotive, it’s usually welded. An admirer of street art, Wise has experimented with various forms of it and tried to bring a bit of it to his art in “Street Work.” Most of it fell short and ended up back in the junkyard. Real street art “ain’t easy,” says Wise.
“I still make horses and animals, but they’ve become more abstract — and the other collage-like art is more a mixture of graphic design and expressionism as well. I don’t know where it’s going but it manages to surprise me and that’s the main requirement at this stage.” I’ve tried to bring in a little street art feeling, but only a little so far. Real street art has become so sophisticated and deep that it requires study. It’s a genre in itself and a valid one. All its known practitioners are immensely creative and many had to work quickly to evade arrest and other risks. I don’t have to look over my shoulder for cops and gang members. So I may never capture the fluidity and kinetic grace of their work but it’s worth a try — doing something one admires is always worth the try.” Street Art is fascinating to me. I see influences of Picasso, DuChamp, George Condo, Franz Kline, Calder, Basquiat…museum quality, beautiful, beautiful art. I am hoping to learn from the Risks, the Chalfants, the Futuras and Kofies and El Macs. So many more. Meanwhile, I’ll weld my stuff and do what I know.” |
Street Work
Oct
1
5–9:30pm
