This exhibition focuses on the sickness currently infecting art.
Like much contemporary art today, these 8 up-close, large scale painted portraits, seem to have taken a pounding. In his attempt to resuscitate, Mendes operates with the speed of an emergency room surgeon, while digging for what’s of real importance in art.
Executed in the established style that appeared in the early 70’s that has been referred to as “Bad Painting”, (think Martin Kippenberger, Phillip Guston, Robin Winters, Ray Smith…..) these works are more concerned with responding with, quick ,intelligent creativity, than in pursuing a refined technique to produce that one “Masterpiece”.
Unafraid to take on taboo issues, Mendes confronts them head on. His controversial paintings, for example, that utilize the feminine sanitary napkin that he’s made to look like it’s been used. But on the other hand, maybe it takes someone from outside, to see clearly, forcing us to focus on the critical issues involved.
These issues are put forth quite bluntly in this exhibition. Beginning with the first painting at the door, we have a directress in hiding, there is always someone controlling things. This clearly states that all is artificial. The portraits are clearly actors in the play. In his use of the mirror Mendes implicates all of us. We all play a role.
The leading lady is a beautiful star, until viewed from the side, then, her deformities are revealed. We have the black man, the transvestite, the second lady, beautiful, but what happened to her? The girl with facial blemishes joins us…. in all of our imperfections.
In painting the portrait, the artist sympathizes with the African male….. who appears to have been severely beaten…… however… serves to externalize the intrinsic abuse that strangers face in a strange land.
As a friend suggested, “It looks as if you were painting a nice portrait of this guy, then he started smarting off, so you had to kick his ass with your brush”.
True or not it’s………………. a funny story, that speaks clearly to the issue of communication in art. That is, communication between the art work and its maker, and hopefully by extension, between the artwork and its viewer.
In the painting of an open wound, Mendes seeks to provide help, but when the situation is desperate he amputates……………………… Getting back to the issue of seductive beauty, his sculpture suggests that a pure beauty is still possible……….please don’t touch………… but, observe with an open and working mind…. considering the possibilities that still exist.
Creative intelligence can lead us to a prosperous future…………… let’s support it!!
