‘Face Value’: Face Up To It
Photo for thegazz.com by Douglas Imbrogno
If you get out much in Charleston, you are going to recognize many of the faces on the wall at “Face Value,” a new photo exhibit by Charleston artist Mark Wolfe. Above is Charleston artist Keeley Steele and co-proprietor of the Bluegrass Kitchen in Charleston’s East End. Many others faces may be unfamiliar, but all are worth a look, a gaze and a ponder. Having all other identifying details shorn away — background, clothing, any other color but black, white or gray — is a singularly focusing feature of these works. And not everyone smiles or even has open eyes. It’s an intriguing, absorbing show.
The exhibit is up through Oct. 19 at the University of Charleston’s Frankenberger Gallery, in Geary Student Union. The gallery is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
September 29th, 2006 at 5:37 am
Sorry, but how many mentions does this show deserve? If you wanted to talk about the various people portrayed on the walls, you could have edited the original blog post rather than keep making new ones.
I’m not hammering the show at all, just the fact that this has received five posts by the Gazz editor in this one blog, the last three on the same day. With the several other exhibit reviews posted in the blog, you can’t say it was a slow art day.
September 29th, 2006 at 6:01 am
Anonymous -
Thank you for checking in with Gazz online. Nice to see people comment on the content pro, or con. I’m thankful to Gazz editor for highlighting visual arts in the Valley. I’m very grateful that he finds this exhibit with such favor.
Question: Why do you care so much if they highlight this show? I’m curious to know why, instead of complaining about reporting on local art, you rail against it.
In fact, why don’t you do something of your own, perhaps it will also receive such notice.
September 29th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
I do not have a clue what you meant by that post. I looked at all the local art being mentioned in the blog, and noticed that this one particular exhibit suddenly got three blogs by the editor on the same day.
Obviously, my post offends the artist, since he chooses to start off nice and polite, but then accuse me of “railing” against local art reporting. Looks to me like there is plenty of local art reporting this week, and it’s all appreciated.
As I mentioned, the comment has nothing to do with the show, simply the blogging. I’d expect to get a reply from the Gazz Editor rather than the artist.
September 29th, 2006 at 4:28 pm
Does seem to be a bit of overkill on coverage of this show.
October 1st, 2006 at 12:07 pm
I am often working on my graphic design business and sometimes it’s a challenge to find time to create fine art at all.
I’m always thrilled when art is covered in the paper and (as you might understand) extra thrilled when it’s my work.
I do understand what you’re saying though, as I often see a lot of the same stuff covered too.
I’ve been really thankful to have all the response to this exhibit and to those who have supported it.
Cheers.
October 2nd, 2006 at 4:47 am
After all of the hype I thought I’d wander down and take a look at this show. In my judgement this presentation is only a step above an Olan Mills studio. Certainly not bad, but also not a showing of what should be described as “fine art”.
Would this have received the same level of coverage had the subjects been complete unknowns? Or if Mr. Wolfe had not been a contributor to The Gazz in the past? I think not.
Too bad the Gazz continues it nearsighted coverage of the arts by over-hyping a show by one of its contributors. What’s next, a week of reporting on the finger paintings by children of Gazette employees showing South Hills socialites and East End hipsters?
October 2nd, 2006 at 8:43 am
Just a heads-up, the subject in the photo is Keeley Steele, not “Kelly.”
October 2nd, 2006 at 9:02 am
fixed the Keeley slip-up. thanks for the heads up.
As for the multiple mentions of this show, we’re looking to use this gazzblog as a notice of new exhibits, but then as the exhibit approaches post a reminder it is opening. Then, post pix of the opening if we can get some. (Which, BTW, e-mail us art opening pictures to gazz@wvgazette.com and you may see them here). We’re trying to ramp up coverage and frequency of coverage of area art exhibits. We’ll spread the wealth, certainly. Pls, do send notices of new shows if we miss them.