Self on a Sill

         Walking through galleries, looking at the many ways that the artists put their heart and soul out on display, most of us have something to the effect of one basic thought after the general good or bad judgment: “Would I put that on my wall?” We may not actually be shopping for art, but it is a phrase persistently heard as art viewers pace gallery walls. In one of CSUCI’s first shows of the school year, “Magic Realism” features two nationally recognized artists in order to turn the focus to a more personal view of both audience and artist, exploring the items that we do choose to place on our walls, and the significance behind them.

Phyllis Davidson’s collection “Shelf Life” consists of oil on canvas paintings that have a striking sense of realism. From across the room most of her works appear to be three dimensional, shelves supporting their array of dust collectors, dolls, and general knick-knacks. Objects range from contemporary to antique, easily acquired to utterly unique. These groupings are not just another stroll down still life lane, and require more than just a superfluous glance. Strong undertones of dark humor can be sensed in all pieces, and a majority of them are more than just slightly naughty.

In “Jane Be Good” (seen below) there are examples of both. Amongst an array of toys are three female dolls, all different, each placed with her legs spread wide, and a male figure reacting to them in different ways. This painting not only uses the American idolization of femininity in the name, but also with the imagery of Eve, and Little Red Riding Hood. A few of the images Davidson chooses may be slightly off putting for some (a Buddha with a forehead elongated to phallic proportion, an anatomically correct sock monkey doll), but it appears that she may be using these as tools to a greater purpose. Making so many objects that we consider utterly innocent and common place shocking or graphic, seems to be a manner of humor, forcing us to not take some of the things we prize so seriously. Davidson might be trying to hit a deeper note though, emphasizing that even the straight forward things in life (a Madonna, or book of Mother Goose Tales) is not as one dimensional as we presume, reminding us that that these icons have a past all their own, both light and dark.

“The Afterworks” is the much more family friendly, light hearted section of this show.  Douglas Sutherland’s oil on panel collection consists mostly of small studies in realistic still life style. While Davidson focuses on the larger picture, Sutherland crops the scope of his subjects with a keen eye for composition. His subject manner leans more toward the spiritual and matters of the heart. Works such as “Sue” and “Justin” stand out as photographic realism of the artist’s subjects are placed in a setting more commonly seen in religious iconology, with a halo framing the head, and an impressively detailed backdrop.

The most impressive piece in Sutherland’s collection is easily “Another Venus Cupid Folly and Time” (seen above). Here we see a brightly striped curtain tied back to display a strange macabre scene of objects. This painting is done with flawless shadows, making it appear to be just within our grasp. The hues of the curtain highlight and accentuate the painting’s subjects, so that nothing seems out of place, and yet the reasoning behind the setting itself in still a mystery. It is clear from seeing the collection as a whole in its progressive order, that the smaller works are the things that inspire Sutherland to create his master works such as “Another Venus Cupid Folly and Time.” These small but striking paintings are a look more into the personal life and mind of the artist in a refreshing twist on the classic still life formula.

The opportunity to see “Magic Realism” is worth the drive out to the CSUCI campus, and any student who misses it is missing out. We can all use the giggle or shock that will come from viewing the surprisingly dirty sophistication of “Shelf Life”, and art lovers with a soft spot for still life will find “The Afterworks” a refreshing take on the old standards. The show opened September 1^st  in the Napa Hall Gallery of CSUCI and will be running through until the end of the month. So go ahead, poke around someone else’s shelves, the artists are inviting you in.

http://art.csuci.edu/gallery/artgallery.html


http://www.phyllisdavidson.com/index.html