Work that referenced graffiti taggers was one theme among many at the “Beating Art” show at Hansford ArtWorks on Charleston’s East End, like this piece by a contributor who prefers to go by just ‘Preston.’ Photo by Walker DeVille. NOTE: See other shots from the opening at the DowntownWV photoblog

Sour: “Given Sweet’s post below, let’s focus on some more positive things in the arts world, before you slit your wrists. I’m calling it — with a nod to Dickens — “A Tale of Two Openings.” There were two big openings of note this past weekend, both a sign of the times. The Art Store opening (under new management) and the “Beating Art” group show at Joe Mullins’s arts colony complex and long-time arts/party center on Hansford Street. This was quite the “other side of the tracks” from the tony Art Store opening in exclusive South Hills. The “Beating Art” show is the opposite of exclusive and that’s a great thing.
Sweet: “This weekend marked a changing of the guard. Lisa -Fischer-Casto is taking over from legendary local art divas Sherry Lovett and Ellie Schaul at the Arts Store as the most powerful gallery director in town (since Callen McJunkin hasn’t gotten her new space together yet).”
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Sour: “The ‘Beating Art’ show is unabashedly proud of being the newest breaking art scene in town.
Sweet: “You couldn’t have had two more different openings.. The old guard changing hands at the Art Store and the chaotic, nascent sign of what will be the new guard on Hansford Street. Two very different sides of the coin in terms of the local arts world.” NOTE: See more photos of art in the show after the jump.
Work by the artist known as “Minni Purl” greeted - and warmed the hands of — visitors to the “Breaking Art” show even before they got inside. Photo courtesy of Mark Wolfe

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Sour: And we thought the Buswater Gang on the Boulevard was a breath of fresh air — which it still is. But this “Beating Art” show is wildly exciting as a new arts space. (Although I’m not sure the new air here is fresh! More like semi-toxic– but that’s a good thing and representative of the actual air in Charleston). You think we should give Dane Klingaman and the “Beating Arts” gang a DIY (Do It Yourself) award?”
Sweet: “Absolutely. And give Joe Mullins a lifetime achievement award for enabling great arts things to happen at his Hansford Street arts complex through the years. Joe, thanks for all you have done to help practicing artists have a space and place to live, whether they can pay or not! This “Beating Art” show makes the Buswater gang seem staid. (Not dissing the Buswater gang as we love their shows). Just saying — this “Beating Art” show is wonderfully wild. The freshness and borderline chaotic vitality of the show reminds me of the vibe of the old punk rock shows at Boll Furniture and various industrial spaces in the ’80s.”

Keith Allen’s painting, “Black and White No. 7,” was one of several pieces that sold the night of the “Breaking Art” opening. Walker DeVille photo
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Sour: “Oh, I remember those old punk rock days when it was fresh. Well, I sort of remember. Um, most of it. I was NOT a straight-edge type then (more the blackout type). But “Breaking Arts” is like the old punk vibe and is completely unapologetic for reveling in wild creativity.”
Sweet: “Speaking of parties, the opening was wild. It did this new generation proud as a legendary opening…”
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Sour: “Yes, I am proud to say it will chart as one of the most creative and wild arts events in the history of Charleston. And, believe me, having been around as long as I have, that says something. I’ve been to some wild ones.”
Sweet: “In classic, rough-edge style, all pieces weren’t marked as to which artist did it. So, I don’t really know who did what in many cases…”
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Sour: “And that’s a good thing. This is not a blue chip gallery (unlike The Art Store. But we’ll get to that later). Some of the most recognizable names in the show include Mark Wolfe, Amy Williams and Jamie Miller — and they are considered the New Guard. Yet in this show they are some of the grand old names.. So many new names, such great young energy.”
Sweet: “Yes, fantastic! Love the new fresh talent — some of it better than others. But all attempts here by a new group are appreciated. Great work! Keep it up. Can’t wait to see your next show.”

He had no interest in being identified, but this hoody-ed guy wasn’t voting with his thumb, but hand-painting figures on the wall during Friday’s “Breaking Art” opening. Walker DeVille photo

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Sour: “The party was over the top in a good way — it had people from the upper crust to the lower underbelly mingling together. Obviously, that rarely happens in Charleston, which has a caste system perhaps more stringent than ancient India. Big-time blue chip collectors (who would don a suit or tux the next day and go to the Art Store opening) taking to unknown street kids…”
Sweet: “Who would most probably not go to the Art Store opening the next day. Frankly, they’ve probably never heard of the Arts Store…

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Mark Wolfe’s painting for idolotrous. Photo courtesy of Mark Wolfe

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Sour: “And if they did go to the blue-chip, old-school, shark-tank-in-suits Art Store opening the next day, chances are the wild kids in black leather and unwashed hair probably would have been escorted to the door.”
Sweet: “Yes, let’s take up the Art Store opening contrast in a day or two — let “Beating Art” bask in its glory. Go see it while you can! I loved Amy Williams and Mark Wolfe’s installation of fabric voodoo dolls or whatever they are. This installation of them is second only to them putting fabric dolls in a baby carriage at Taylor Books over the holidays, where they looked like “Rosemary’s Babies.” And I loved the young guy who did the skull face rabbit pieces in a variety of media — they kept popping up all over the house like surreal Easter Eggs.”

Two works by Jamie Ferguson adorn one of the Hansford Street house walls. Photo courtesy of Mark Wolfe
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Sour: “That whole wall to the right in the big room — the one with the murals and a variety of pieces displayed in a good juxtaposition was great. And the ‘dead bodies’ in the skylight in the floor….!
Sweet: “The fabric things (the young woman who had the pink things on the stairs leading up to the show) were inventive and great. I apologize that I can’t remember her name or website — comment in and let us know. Others of you blog in and tell us which pieces you did and what your name is! And send digital images of your art and scenes from the opening to sweetandsourwv.gmail.com.

NOTE: Several pieces from the show have since been sold, Dane Klingaman tells gazz, but what’s left can still be viewed by calling him at 612-251-2119. Also, see other photos from the opening night at the DowntownWV gazzblog.

This work by Brain Dead Kid says “IMPORTANT: Inhalers like this are being discontinued due to environmental concerns.” Photo courtesy of Mark Wolfe

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