Angela on Art
Ai Weiwei and First Thursday Art Walks
Have you visited the Ai Weiwei exhibit at The Seattle Art Museum yet? You still have time because it closes September 7. I just experienced it for the second time and I could go back for more! PS: Being a SAM member makes it a lot easier to check out exhibits, because you have members-only events plus you don’t feel like you have to get your money’s worth each visit. Otherwise, I suggest visiting on the first Thursdays of each month when it has free admission.
So, back to Ai Weiwei. This installation of his works is over the top. Kudos to the staff who put it together. You will proceed through his artistic journey chronologically, and witness his evolution through his own experiences and witnessing.
Weiwei is a conceptual artist, which means it’s not about a thing to own, but an idea. His themes are mostly human rights, democracy, corruption and immigration. The mediums include Lego-type bricks, back packs, wooden stools, Chinese pottery, photographs, porcelain and wallpaper. I think you will be moved emotionally and blown away with his courage and artistry.
On another note, you may want art to own! Seattle is bursting with artists and venues to check out their work. Pop ups are taking over vacant buildings downtown. I think art walks are a fun way to see what’s out there. Ballard, Belltown, Georgetown and Pioneer Square are examples of regular monthly art walks.
I have gone to the last two First Thursday Art Walks in Pioneer Square. There is a huge range of gallery types and art styles. One of my favorites is Gallery Axis @galleryaxis on 1st and Main, which has a huge show every 1st Thursday from 5-9. This month they are showing an incredible artist John Britt/NoThinG @j5_one. His work is big, bold, a lot of mirror image pieces and super cool! I’m amazed at the reasonable pricing of his art. The crowd at Axis is always lively and fashionable. Summertime Pioneer Square Art Walks are great for people watching.
July 17-20 is the Seattle Art Fair at Lumen Field Event Center and I am going at least one of those days. It brings together the Pacific Northwest’s top museums and institutions and the region’s strong collector base. I’ll let you know what I see and discover in my next column, or maybe I’ll see you there!
