Finding Art in the 'Uncommon Goods'

UH professor of art history, Jaimey Hamilton Faris released her first book Uncommon Goods: Global Dimensions of the Readymade in October 2013.  The Offsetter sat down with Faris to chat about her book and what inspired her to research the impact of common materials in modern art.  Faris delves into the works of Marcel Duchamp to Ai Weiwei, Thomas Hirschhorn, and fellow UH professor, Gaye Chan to explore the concepts of consumerism and the impacts our "common goods" have on society.  As a resident of Hawaii, Faris talks about the importance of understanding the lack of sustainability in our way of life, relying on mostly imported goods for everyday living.  However, an interesting point made is that Hawaii is not alone in its reliance on shipments of goods.  Most products used on the mainland are shipped in from various parts of the world as well.  Click here to read the full article and get Faris' insight into the art of consumerism within modern society.

Why So Serious?

Mark Tansey Action Painting

Some of the greatest artists utilized their talents to delve into deep issues forming dark, thought provoking works.  However, equally talented artists have been able to find the lighter side to art, exploring humor through different mediums.  This semester the University of Hawaii Art Department is offering a new class, Art 400 Humor in Art and Mixed-Media Sculpture.  The title of the class focuses on sculpture but the diverse art backgrounds of the students have drawn in humor from various other forms of art.

The Offsetter recently featured an interview with Lauren Jo, the lecturer for Art 400, where they discuss how the class can study such a subjective topic within art.  Jo insists that this healthy discussion of defining "what is humor in art" has added healthy discussion to the class curriculum.  Also, understanding and exploring different types of humor within art has brought a different dimension to the class that was unexpected in the original curriculum.  The class has a blog where students can share pieces of art they find humorous and discuss with classmates.

Click here for the full interview.

Alum Spotlight: Dana Paresa

Honolulu Magazine recently featured an article on successful Hawaiian artist, and UH alum Dana Paresa.  Paresa was born and raised in Hawaii, after graduation she quickly found success in the local art scene with multiple solo gallery exhibitions and feature articles praising her work.  Despite her local success, Paresa wanted a change so she uprooted her life and moved to Portland, Oregon.  After living in Hawaii for her entire life, Paresa has connections with major art galleries and local magazines.  She wanted to find a place where her art would be critiqued solely on artistic value from someone who doesn't know her personally.  Paresa's daring move comes at the height of her local career, a daring move for an artist who has already found so much success. In James Cave's article Paresa gives an in-depth look into why she left her sunny oasis home to immerse herself in a completely different art scene.

Check out the article here to learn more about Paresa's local success and how she's doing since her big move to the mainland.

Jonathan Swanz is bringing Vibrant Matter to the Public

 Since graduating with his MFA at UH, Jonathan Swanz has taken his glass art on an impressive global stage.  He has worked in various locations across the U.S. with permanent collections in the Headly-Whittney Museum in Lexington, KY and Jewish Hospital and Hilliard Lyons in Louisville, KY.  

After graduation from UH and before taking permanent residence in Louisville, Swanz traveled throughout Europe as an apprentice for esteemed artists Philip Baldwin and Monica Guggisburg.  Since 2005 Swanz has been working independently with his own studio in Louisville while doing installments around the nation.  

The most recent installment is soon to take place in Eugene Oregon.  Lane Community College will be featuring one of Swanz latest glass sculptures titled Right of Passage as part of his Vibrant Matter: Sculptures in glass.  The installation will be open from March 31st- April 24th and will include a lecture on April 2nd and special dance performances.  Stop by Lane Community College if you're in the area and check out Jonathan Swanz incredible craftsmanship!

Lawrence Seward Sets a new Standard for Hawaiian Artists

Lecturer Lawrence Seward was recently featured at SPF Project in Kakaako for his exhibition titled The End of the Rainbow.  Seward's exhibit featured photography, sculpture, and painting to bring humor and serious issues to light in the Hawaiian community.  Liz Miller wrote a complimentary article for The Offsetter in which she said:

"Seward delivers social commentary by interweaving a labyrinth of materials and methodologies. His witty discourse between form, content, and context is both thought-provoking and unpredicted. The End of The Rainbow is an intellectually stimulating show, and it fills a void in Honolulu’s much-too-often homogeneous contemporary art scene. Can the local art market expand enough to support more challenging exhibitions like Seward’s? I certainly hope so."

Click here for the full article.