Miniature Figures Carved in Wood Cradle Colorful Silk Lace in Ágnes Herczeg’s Tender Sculptures

All images © Ágnes Herczeg, shared with permission

Delicate silk threads laced around tiny wooden armatures compose intricate scenes in Ágnes Herczeg’s sculptures. Using branches from fruit trees like wild cherry or pear or foraged driftwood from the banks of the Danube River near where she lives, the Hungary-based artist (previously) meticulously carves the gentle curves of figures, animals, and domestic objects to tell stories about home, traditions, and daily life.

Throughout the past year, Herczeg has focused on woodcarving, enjoying the process as she learns along the way. “I really tried to make as thin and intricate pieces as I can by hand… I really love this process,” she says, sharing that the details provide “even more opportunities to show new stories and compositions.”

Find more on Herczeg’s website, where she also regularly updates her shop with available pieces, and you can follow her work on Instagram.

 

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Miniature Figures Carved in Wood Cradle Colorful Silk Lace in Ágnes Herczeg’s Tender Sculptures appeared first on Colossal.

from Colossal https://ift.tt/AUQ2S1z
via IFTTT

The Other Art Fair Returns to Chicago Featuring More Than 100 Artists

All images © The Other Art Fair, shared with permission

The Other Art Fair is set to return to Chicago from April 27 to 30, showcasing its annual weekend of independent art, workshops, and community-driven exhibitions.

The fair’s signature series has been running since 2011 with local editions held in London, Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, and Sydney. Presented by Saatchi Art, The Other Art Fair aims to break down the stuffy and tired gallery art scene, making the art marketplace accessible to both independent artists and local communities. Each fair features more than 100 independent and emerging artists and offers art at nearly every price point. It also combines art with live performances, immersive installations, food trucks from popular local vendors, and a bar, creating a lively neighborhood open house art party atmosphere rather than the typical expos.

 

The Other Art Fair runs from Thursday to Sunday and offers a unique vibe each day. On Thursday, opening night attracts the fair’s loyal community members, serious art buyers, and collectors who want to get a first look at the art before the weekend crowds arrive. Friday is known for the late-night party, which features local DJs, a bustling bar scene, and the fashion-forward art community coming out to play. Saturday is probably the busiest day, with weekend warriors scouring for artwork fueled by local coffee trucks and city dwellers meandering through for some casual late-afternoon shopping and cocktails at the bar. On Sunday, there’s something for everyone, from groups getting post-brunch steps in to the stroller set and solo fair-goers looking to get lost in unique art for the day. With four days of the fair, there is something for everyone, no matter what your scene is.

The fifth edition in Chicago features 102 artists with an even mix of popular local Chicago artists, artists from around the globe, and female and BIPOC artists—among whom 60 percent are showing at the fair for the first time. Confirmed exhibitions include CUT, COPY, PASTE from All Star Press Chicago and When I Think of Home from Pigment International. Additionally, fair-goers can participate in Chicago Collage community workshops. There are always surprises on-site and last-minute additions, so follow @theotherartfair on Instagram to stay updated.

The Other Art Fair Chicago takes place April 27 to 30 at Artifact Events in Ravenswood. Weekend tickets start at $15.

Learn more at theotherartfair.com.

 

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article The Other Art Fair Returns to Chicago Featuring More Than 100 Artists appeared first on Colossal.

from Colossal https://ift.tt/afVd36i
via IFTTT

Jukhee Kwon Revives Abandoned Books in Elaborate Paper Sculptures and Installations

“Oval Book Forum” (2023), paper (eight books), 400 x 200 x 150 centimeters. Photo by Jonathan Greet. All images © Jukhee Kwon, courtesy of October Gallery, London, shared with permission

In elaborate sculptures that range from a few inches to several feet, South Korean artist Jukhee Kwon explores the duality of destruction and recreation to give new life to abandoned books. Painstakingly manipulating old tomes by hand, she constructs intricate tendrils and chains of paper still attached to the spines, cutting between the lines so that the text remains legible and merges into new narratives.

Currently based in Italy, Kwon finds books published in Italian like Guerra e Pace—or War and Peace—to provide the starting point for her work. In others, the title of the book is obscured completely by loops and curls of paper. The artist repetitively twists, ruffles, weaves, or links the pages, creating a variety of meshes and draping forms that cascade from the binding and vary greatly from one piece to the next. In “Meditation,” she incorporates the craft tradition of jong-i jeobi, the Korean word for origami, and the original marker ribbon provides a focal point in “Red Circle Book.”

Kwon suggests there are numerous ways to comprehend what we see. A flower could also be a medallion; a series of curtain-like columns mimics waterfalls; and woven webs form baskets or provide the shelter of nests. Paralleling the way great writing contains multiple layers of meaning, the artist is interested in exploring different interpretations, visualizing how thoughts and experiences metaphorically unfurl and blossom.

If you’re in London, you can explore Kwon’s solo exhibition Liberated at October Gallery through April 22, and follow her on Instagram for updates.

 

“Red Circle Book” (2022), paper (one book), 60 centimeters diameter. Photo by Leonardo Puccini

Detail of “Red Circle Book”

“Blossom” (2023), paper (one book), 30 x 30 x 30 centimeters. Photo by Leonardo Puccini

Left: “In Fiore” (2021), paper, 15 x 55 centimeters. Right: “Layered Crystal Book” (2023), paper (one book), 60 x 22 x 18 centimeters. Photos by Leonardo Puccini

“Meditation” (2022), book and jong-i jeobgi with black paper, 80 x 80 x 150 centimeters. Photo by Jonathan Greet

“Escape” (2022), paper (one book), 20 x 40 x 25 centimeters. Photo by Leonardo Puccini

“Guerra e pace” (2020), paper (one book), 30 x 20 centimeters. Photo by Leonardo Puccini

Detail of “Oval Book Forum.” Photo by Jonathan Greet

“Where I can rest” (2023), paper (one book), 90 x 47 x 30 centimeters. Photo by Leonardo Puccini

“The Wall of Thoughts” (2022), paper, 103 x 64 centimeters. Photo by Leonardo Puccini

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Jukhee Kwon Revives Abandoned Books in Elaborate Paper Sculptures and Installations appeared first on Colossal.

from Colossal https://ift.tt/l7XweEb
via IFTTT

April 2023 Opportunities: Open Calls, Residencies, and Grants for Artists

Image © Kelsey McClellan

Every month, Colossal shares a selection of opportunities for artists and designers, including open calls, grants, fellowships, and residencies. If you’d like to list an opportunity here, please get in touch at hello@colossal.art. You can also join our monthly Opportunities Newsletter.

 

The Unpublished Photo 2023 Open CallFeatured
Aimed at young and emerging photographers between the ages of 18 and 30, Unpublished Photo 2023 is a global open call without theme constrictions or entry fees. The contest is organized by the Fondazione culture e musei and MUSEC museum in Lugano, in collaboration with the 29 ARTS IN PROGRESS gallery in Milan and the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti in Venice. The winner will receive 2,000 Swiss Francs with additional awards through fourth place, and chosen works will be exhibited in the museum for two months.
Deadline: April 16, 2023.

The Booooooom Art & Photo Book AwardFeatured
In partnership with Artmobile, Booooooom is open to submissions for its Art & Photo Book Award, which will grant six artists the opportunity to publish a collection of work free of charge. Submissions should be finished projects as opposed to works-in-progress, and the award covers all production costs.
Deadline: 11:59 PST on May 26, 2023.

 

Open Calls

The 11th Annual Art Competition at Bridgeport Art Center (Chicago)
Bridgeport Art Center is hosting an open call for its 11th Annual Art Competition and Exhibition, which will run from May 19 to July 7. Works in a vast array of mediums are eligible, and prizes range from $500 to $3,000.
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on April 4, 2023.

Future Lions 2023 (International)
Open to 18- to 25-year-olds, the Future Lions competition will help realize four projects that respond to the question: How can we pioneer the use of technology to protect people and make them feel safe? Four finalists will pitch their ideas at the Cannes Lions Festival, and the winners will work with AKQA and Volvo Cars to bring the concept to life. 
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. BST on April 14, 2023.

11th PHOTO IS:RAEL International Photography Festival (International)
Photographers, video, performance, and interdisciplinary artists from around the world and at any stage of their career are eligible to submit their work to PHOTO IS:RAEL’s 11th annual festival. Twenty artists will be invited to participate in an exhibition that will take place in Tel Aviv in November 2023. The entry fee is $15.
Deadline: April 23, 2023.

Lebasse Projects Open Call (International)
Artists and artist teams are invited to apply for this open call to create public art at 2050 S Bundy. A $400,000 budget will be offered as commissions for several works at the Los Angeles space.
Deadline: April 24, 2023.

The Burke Prize (U.S.)
The Burke Prize is a biannual $50,000 prize for artists working in glass, fiber, clay, metal, or wood.
Deadline: April 28, 2023.

The Future Generation Art Prize (International)
All artists aged 35 or younger from anywhere in the world and working in any medium are eligible for this prize. One winner will receive $60,000 in cash and a $40,000 investment in their practice, and five special prizes totaling $20,000 are awarded to support other projects.
Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Art in Odd Places (AiOP) 2023: DRESS (International)
Running from October 13 to 15, 2023, and curated by Brooklyn-based artist Gretchen Vitamvas, Art in Odd Places invites artists who are using dress as a medium to apply for its 18th annual festival taking place along 14th Street in Manhattan. Works may take the form of garments, textiles, fashion design, costume, performance, sculpture, and installation.
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. EST on May 14, 2023.

Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise (U.S.)
The Vilcek Prizes support emerging to mid-career immigrant designers who have demonstrated exceptional achievements early in their careers. Three winners will receive $50,000.
Deadline: June 12, 2023.

 

Grants

Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants (U.S. and U.S. territories)
The Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants will distribute $300,000—up to $20,000 per project—to support environmental art projects led by women artists. Proposals must have a public benefit.
Deadline: April 18, 2023.

Fundación Botín Art Grants (International)
Fundación Botín will award six grants worth € 23,000 to support individual projects that may consist of training (academic or not), research (non-academic), and production.
Deadline: May 5, 2023.

Jerome Foundation Arts Organization Grants (New York City and Minnesota)
These two-year flexible grants are designed to support Minnesota and New York City-based arts organizations that offer ongoing programs, services, and/or opportunities for multiple early career generative artists.
Deadline: 4 p.m. CST on May 18, 2023.

Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund (Ukraine or refugee)
Adobe’s Creative Residency Community Fund commissions visual artists to create company projects on a rolling basis. Awardees will receive between $500 and $5,000.
Deadline: Rolling.

 

Residencies, Fellowships, & More

The Bloom Residency (International)
The 2023 Bloom Residency is the third annual artist-in-residence opportunity at Chicago Printmakers Collaborative. Awarded to a woman of color, one applicant will be chosen for this two-week, project-based residency, culminating in the creation of a limited-edition print. The chosen artist will receive two weeks of 24/7 studio access, a $500 stipend, and mentorship.
Deadline: April 1, 2023.

Fondation Fiminco Residency (International)
Each year, Fondation Fiminco welcomes 12 transdisciplinary visual artists for 11-month residencies in research, creation, and production. The program is open to artists anywhere in the world, of any age, and at any stage of their career, and residents receive accommodations, studio space, 5,000 euros, and travel stipends. 
Deadline: Midnight on April 6, 2023.

Santa Fe Art Institute Thematic Residency Program (International)
Sovereignty is the theme for the 2024 program, which calls for artistic and creative engagement as it pertains to the individual, jurisdictions, systems, and society as a whole. Artists receive studio space and accommodations.
Deadline: April 9, 2023.

KODA Borders + Boundaries Residency (International)
Open to two mid-career, women or non-binary artists who create conceptual and socially engaged work, this year’s KODA residency is based on the theme of borders and boundaries. Chosen artists will receive a $1,000 award, $200 professional development credit, studio space, and exhibition opportunities.
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET on April 10, 2023.

A Studio in the Woods: Rising: Climate in Crisis Residencies (International)
Open to artists of all disciplines, this program is for artists who have demonstrated an established dialogue with environmental and cultural issues. The six-week residency includes a $3,000 stipend and a $2,000 materials budget. There is a $20 application fee.
Deadline: April 10, 2023.

Fire Island Artist Residency (International)
LGBTQIA+ emerging visual artists are encouraged to apply to this four-week program. Artists receive lodging, workspace, stipends for meals and travel, and an honorarium. There is a $40 application fee.
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. EST on April 15, 2023.

Quinn Emanuel Artist-in-Residence Program (New York City)
Open to emerging and mid-career artists working in all disciplines across New York City, this residency offers studio space in the Quinn Emanuel New York office. Chosen artists will receive $20,000, plus a $1,500 materials budget.
Deadline: 11:59 PST on April 16, 2023.

Parent Artist AIRspace Residency (New York City)
One parent artist working in visual arts, music, curatorial practice, and/or literary arts will receive studio space, a $1,000 unrestricted stipend, a semi-private studio, a $300 studio visitor stipend, and $2,000 for child care.
Deadline: April 16, 2023.

Lillstreet Art Center Artist-in-Residence Program (International)
Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago offers residencies in ceramics, metalsmithing, textiles, drawing & painting, and printmaking & book arts beginning in September every year. Residents receive a $400 monthly stipend, studio space, access to the center’s facilities, an exhibition, and paid teaching opportunities.
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. CST on May 1, 2023.

ON::View Artist Residency Program (International)
Artists working in any medium are eligible for the ON::View residency in Savannah. Artists receive free lodging, studio space, and opportunities for exhibition, lectures, workshops, and other public programming. There is a $50 application fee.
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 1, 2023.

ICCI Art Valley Program (International)
The USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative of Shanghai Jiao Tong University is recruiting five international artists and scholars to participate in the ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM from November 1 to December 15. Visiting artists will hold exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and/or other public programs and will receive accommodations, airfare, and a stipend of at least 10,000 RMB.
Deadline: July 15, 2023.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article April 2023 Opportunities: Open Calls, Residencies, and Grants for Artists appeared first on Colossal.

from Colossal https://ift.tt/Lte6v8n
via IFTTT

Global Architecture Rises from Resin Hermit Crab Shells in Aki Inomata’s Consideration of Home and Borders

All images © Aki Inomata, shared with permission

When hermit crabs outgrow their shells, they participate in an encouraging act of resource sharing. The crustaceans line up by size and swap homes, and hopefully, each creature finds an appropriately sized shelter. Options tend to be limited to the shells washed up on shore, unless Tokyo-based artist Aki Inomata is involved.

Since 2009, Inomata has been designing tiny homes for hermit crabs topped with towering skyscrapers, windmills, and churches. Part of an ongoing series titled Why Not Hand Over a ‘Shelter’ to Hermit Crabs?, the 3D-printed resin works resemble urban landscapes and draw similarities between human and animal environments. Inomata’s designs, although not released into the wild, evoke the species’ organic exchanges as a way to consider the evolving nature of home.

 

The artist shares in a statement that the project was born out of her participation in the 2009 No Man’s Land exhibition at the French Embassy in Japan, the final show in the space before the building was demolished. She elaborates:

This work was inspired by the fact that the land of the former French Embassy in Japan had been French until October 2009, and then became Japanese for the following fifty years, after which it will be returned to France…A piece of land is peacefully exchanged between two countries. While it is the same piece of land, our definition of it changes. In the same way, the appearance of hermit crabs changes completely as they exchange shelters. The hermit crabs in my piece, who exchange shelters representing cities of the world, seem to be crossing over national borders.

Now more than a decade since Inomata began the series, the project takes on additional significance given the surge in migration and refugee crises around the world. The array of global architecture allows individuals to seamlessly swap Western streets for Eastern palaces or capacious spaces for dense cities, emphasizing the potential for more communal, cooperative living.

Head to Vimeo to watch the crustaceans scuttle along wearing Inomata’s works, and follow additions to the project on Instagram.

 

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Global Architecture Rises from Resin Hermit Crab Shells in Aki Inomata’s Consideration of Home and Borders appeared first on Colossal.

from Colossal https://ift.tt/cn4iQSU
via IFTTT

A Short Art History Lesson Explores the Realistic Impressionism of John Singer Sargent

A new video from Evan Puschak, the creator behind the Nerdwriter YouTube channel, delves into the uniquely blended style of the American painter John Singer Sargent (1856-1925). Described by Kottke as “realism through impressionism,” Sargent’s approach centers on accurately capturing the tonal value of a scene, the spectrum of light to dark, rather than on faithful depictions of objects, figures, or shapes. “Everywhere you look,” Puschak says, “you see his supremely confident looseness, a kind of painting you maybe wouldn’t think to associate with a realistic representation of the world. And yet that’s exactly the final effect—a realism that is somehow more true than finely detailed painting.” Watch the short art history lesson above to learn more about Sargent’s training, work, and process and how “the impressions of light and color were his subjects.”

 

Details of “Nanchaloir” (1911)

Detail of “Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose” (1885-1886)

“Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose” (1885-1886)

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article A Short Art History Lesson Explores the Realistic Impressionism of John Singer Sargent appeared first on Colossal.

from Colossal https://ift.tt/rwSt6i1
via IFTTT

Shishi San’s Vibrant Tufted Sculptures Celebrate the Colorful Motifs of Chinese Vases

All images © Shishi San. Photo by Alix Joiret

The soft pile of tufted yarn meets vibrant color in Brussels-based artist Shishi San’s bold sculptures. She began tufting in 2019, working on two-dimensional pieces that feature playful flowers, insects, and other creatures, and last year, she propelled her practice into the three-dimensional realm. Inspired by the shape, hues, and patterns of Chinese vases, she began a series of nine voluminous vessels that draw on traditional motifs in a collection titled Fluffy. “I wanted to create my own version of them, inspired both by my own experiences and by their visual identity,” she tells Colossal.

San is currently working on her biggest project to date, so you can keep an eye out for updates on Instagram and find more on her website.

 

  

Photo by Alix Joiret

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Shishi San’s Vibrant Tufted Sculptures Celebrate the Colorful Motifs of Chinese Vases appeared first on Colossal.

from Colossal https://ift.tt/pF1A6k3
via IFTTT