The Easel

12th November 2024

I ventured to Michael Heizer’s remote land art masterwork—and left transformed

William Van Meter | artnet news | 6th November 2024

To call this piece an appreciation would be an understatement. Located in the desert, Heizer’s monumental land art/sculpture City is “an oasis in the vastness.  It is its own ecosystem, an awe-inspiring, soul-cleansing, liberating, transcendental experience. There was an electric frisson that overtook me … a palpable feeling I got once before when visiting Pompeii. More than a monument, it delves into the ancient and the unknown. Profound.” A review of some other Heizer sculptures is here.

The drawings the Shakers got from God

Jackson Arn | The New Yorker | 7th October 2024

The Shakers led famously unadorned, disciplined lives. Their simple, elegant furniture is celebrated while their art – notably drawings – deserve greater attention. Made exclusively by women and inspired by spiritual visions, drawings were gifted to other communities. They were not intended for display, pride and ownership both being sinful. Contrasting with their severe lives, these drawings are “ravishing” and brimming with colour – somewhat akin to the godless outside world. If you have paywall problems, another review is here.

5th November 2024

Museum shows can be death for street art. Osgemeos look alive and well.

Sebastian Smee | Yahoo | 1st November 2024

Apart from rare examples like Keith Haring, graffiti artists just don’t get art world attention. Brazilian duo Osgemeos seem another exception to this rule. Their art comes out of 1980’s hip hop and comprises intricate drawings, paintings and sculptures. So, what allows them to straddle the street art / fine art divide? Their art is original but also “twee and repetitive”, prone to nostalgia for 1980’s-style graffiti. This writer found Osgemeos’ appeal came from elsewhere: “discernment is not the point: exuberance is.”

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