It's been awhile since an installation at one of the smaller Staten Island venues has looked like more than a vanity showcase. Ron Morosan's “Knock Knock, Whoʼs There?” uses paintings, drawings, and installation constructions to explore his curiosity about the "art world" - the term and theories of the "art world" culture especially it's American institution.
My favorites were the two paintings with small portraits and text- critic Roberta Smith "Opinions are part of the air we breathe." and artist Chuck Close "I don't wait for inspiration." Bold statements.
The Close statement I was able to find the rest of- "if you wait for the clouds to part and to be struck in the head with a bolt of lightening, you're likely to be waiting the rest of your life. But if you simply get going, something will occur to you." I always found this to be true, the "aha" moment seems to come as part of the process. I can't conceive of sitting around, not making all of those mistakes and suddenly "getting it",
The Smith quote I couldn't find online and had never heard. I would imagine for her it is true as a critic, publicly assessing work through a knowledgable lense, with a taste for contemporary issues, yet probably still bombarded with contradictory ideas. But really everyone is constantly being bombarded with opinions not about art- what you eat, wear, vote for, purchase, etc. So yes, I guess it is true, part of the air we breathe...
This is the inaugural event for The Studio at 194 Bay Street.
The show runs- January 11 to February 2, 2014.
