SURFACE TREATMENT: January Art Walk

Two fine exhibitions stood out at this month's First Friday Art Walk: "The Process of Controlling Chaos" at Manichaus Art Space, and "Last Winter" at Art House. Both exhibits communicated a "paradise lost" content through controlled technical means. Elsewhere, the art offerings were good, but somewhat lower key.

"The Process of Controlling Chaos" is an outstanding mixed media exhibition by David Freeman, comprised of richly detailed and configured mixed media works. Exploring resins, enamel, and lacquer, David Freeman combines them to create mesmerizing imaginary imagery. He uses areas of clear resin to suggest hypothetical dimensions in combination with concentric shapes; some evoke miniature targets, others are clustered to assume a sensuously textured, sequin-like surface.

A large piece overflowing with artificial flowers fills one wall. Freeman describes this piece as an obsessive-compulsive visualization of the overwhelming jam-packed shelves of the dollar stores, the eight feet tall mounds of second hand clothes at the ropas.

"All the flower stores, the lacquers and resin and auto acrylic all came from downtown parts stores and the wealth of dollar stores, weekend flea markets and yard sales from my neighborhood," explained Freeman. "All this is my umbilical link to the community, place and identity that is so different from all I am familiar with."

Although these works are less politically or socially charged than his previous output, his core content remains. The surfaces appear to be hedonistic adventures in media, but there is an underlying social disillusionment that comes across in these works and is betrayed in the titles, such as, The Spirit of Integrity Lost.

"Last Winter," a series of Polish death camp photographs by Stephanie Brown, was hosted by Art House. This exhibit records Stephanie Brown's visit to WW2 concentration camps last winter.

"The title is ambiguous," Mayra Brown explained.

"Last Winter" may allude to Brown's visit there last year, or suggest the last winter of those who occupied these somber places. The small black-and-white photos are installed in an impersonal, structured order, reflecting the dehumanized organization of the camps. Photo subjects range from personal attire, interiors of buildings, to the exterior landscape.

"It was an intensive trip taking 12 days," said Brown. "There was a very eerie feeling that I tried to capture." Brown has recorded complete stillness. Nowhere in her images is there life.

Both exhibits will be on display the rest of this month.

Elsewhere on the Art Walk, ABDC Art Market emerged as a very popular venue this month. It moved outside of its previous location, which is now an open-air bar. An Arts & Crafts area, it was the temporary home to some wonderful objects. The fine art displays were professional both in execution and idea. Austin Boggus combined related imagery in his sensitive collages, such as, "Love ME! Please Don't Leave Me." Jewelry became serious attraction this month with additional vendors of well-crafted silver jewelry to augment the glass and casually witty bottle cap pendants.

Santa Anita Gallery hosted the exhibit, "6 Artists," featuring works by Josefina C. de Guajardo. UTA featured new pieces by Ruben Gomez and Manuel Miranda. Artist Cliff Caven brought in new paintings of the Southwest landscape for Nuevo Santander. Alejandra Garcia showed photos at España. All venues were filled with interesting displays.

Nancy Moyer, PhD, is an art reviewer for The Monitor. She is an independent artist living in McAllen and may be reached at nmoyer@rgv.rr.com