Artvoice: Buffalo's #1 Newsweekly
Home Blogs Web Features Events Weekly Features Classifieds Contact

Current Issue: Artvoice v7n47, week of Thursday November 20 » back issues

How You Like It - at Buffalo Arts Studio

Walking into the gallery space at Buffalo Arts Studio you are immediately hit with Amanda Wojick’s best drawing, “Big Orange Band-Aid Drawing.” The strength of this work captures her project at its best: a mixture of both fine art and everyday materials used to create landscapes ripe with unnatural colors (fire-engine red and other fluorescents abound). At first you notice many colored, striped ink markings suggesting worms and/or night crawlers, but then after stepping back, the Band-Aids actually begin to create an archipelago coming into the frame from the lower left-hand side. She judiciously, and perhaps unnecessarily, brings the point home with ink work taking the shape of exaggerated cattails and other swamp grasses, primarily placing them along the upper-left perimeter of the archipelago.

Indeed, with these works Wojick is focused exclusively on the landscape. And if, in her effort to create “hidden worlds,” she seems to have perhaps skimped on the quality of craftsmanship, it would be understandable; she has had quite a prolific year. (Thirteen of the exhibit’s 16 works are from 2005.) For example, in the work “Blue Cliff,” which adorns the far wall of the gallery, she gives us a whimsical world that suggests mermaids, and a curiosity as to what is inside this work coming out of the wall. Yet, upon closer inspection, the paint chips that obsessively coat many of the works of the show are not applied across the entire surface. Seeing the foam underneath is akin to finding out that Santa Claus can’t be dead because he never even existed. Instantly you’re drawn to the artifice of the work, but in all the wrong ways. If there is one criticism of Wojick’s show it is that her work always seems to stop short of offering up something beyond itself.

If Wojick’s work stops short of offering up something beyond itself, Sandra Rechico’s installation is an offering. Made with human labor, Rechico’s work does not seem as cold or conceptual as many viewers may initially feel upon walking into a world that is not hidden, but rather underlined. With yards of yarn hanging over various objects in Buffalo Arts Studio’s ceiling (she uses white yarn for the fire extinguishing system; gray for the roof drainage piping), Rechico has created a different map of what is otherwise a plain mixed-zoning room. When walking through the various sub-zones, or rooms within rooms, viewers get to experience a newly defined space. If the space is the macro, closer inspection provides the individual nature of not only the crocheted yarn tubes (which were fabricated prior to any of Rechico’s volunteers working on it) but of the manipulations at an individual level (some people have added knots, others left theirs looser, others tighter). By combining these two elements of the installation, what Rechico has in fact created is a map of community—a topographical assault on a room that can only be accomplished through the assistance of others.

It is to the credit of Rebecca Moda, Exhibition Coordinator, that the unique tension has been displayed between these two artists, both of whom explore the world—one how she would like to see it, the other as it is lived. The exhibitions continue through October 29.


Artvoice Blog Headlines

Who Goes Where When Hillary Goes to State?

posted November 19, 12:04 pm on Artvoice Daily

City Hall News has flow_chart that tracks who might replace who, from Hillary’s Senate seat on down (click to expand or follow the link—it’s an awkward shape):

It’s Robert Rich Sr. All High Stadium

posted November 14, 5:05 pm on Artvoice Daily

These new signs properly label the structure. We’ve been reading recent stories in the Buffalo News about sportswriter Tom Borrelli’s terrible fall last week at the old All High Stadium. He’s currently battling life-threatening injuries... (more)

CWM Fined for Violations

posted November 14, 2:41 pm on Artvoice Daily

This week Chemical Waste Management was fined $175,000 by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for violating its permits and the state’s hazardous waste laws. I don’t have much to say about that, except it doesn’t seem to me like too much money... (more)

Musical Chairs

posted November 14, 12:51 pm on Artvoice Daily

The AP reports that Hillary Clinton met with Barack Obama in Chicago yesterday, adding fuel to speculation that she might be Obama’s choice for secretary of state. If that happens, it has long been rumored that Brian Higgins would be appointed to her Senate seat... (more)

Paint the Town

posted November 14, 11:06 am on Artvoice Daily

Late last night, at the tail end of one of the few weeks in the past year in which we did not publish anything snarky about anybody, someone threw two gallons of paint on our front doors. Seems a waste; we hadn’t even earned it. Nonetheless, we were cleaning up all morning... (more)

Old Editions Book Shop

posted November 13, 1:58 pm on Artvoice Daily

AV videographer Matt Quinn tours Old Editions, an often overlooked treasure at the corner of Oak and Huron Streets downtown: show enclosure (video/x-flv; 21.29 MB)

This Is Not Today’s News

posted November 12, 9:37 am on Artvoice Daily

But it would be nice if it were. Via the Data Stream, by way of Jon Winet.

This Just In…

posted November 11, 3:28 pm on Artvoice Daily

Always in the vanguard, researchers of the University at Buffalo’s Center of Human Capital have reached a bold conclusion, according to a statement disseminated this afternoon: Although no official determination has been made about whether New York State or the U... (more)

Silver Lining: Edwards Remains a Good Guy

posted November 11, 11:17 am on Artvoice Daily

Marshawn Lynch Amid the anguished finger-pointing, plaintive wailing and resigned head-shaking sweeping the region following the Buffalo Bills’ third straight defeat, Season Ticket would like to apportion a minute sliver of credit. Quarterback Trent Edwards, by most quantitative and qualitative standards, failed miserably at New England on Sunday (not coincidentally, this was also his third consecutive regressive outing)... (more)

Mazzariello’s Ristorante & Martini Bar

posted November 7, 4:30 pm on Chew on This

  Photo taken by Rose Mattrey From Antipasti to Primi to Secondi, Mazzariello’s (114 Bloomfield Ave, Lancaster, 206.0561) has conquered the map of Italian cooking. Your palate will be exposed to an array of spices, herbs, and ingredients indigenous to Northern & Southern Italy... (more)

Post Election Bits & Bytes

posted November 7, 12:02 am on Tech Voice

Election ‘08 is now in the history books - so I figured it’s time to take a look backward, and a look forward at some relevant headlines. Hacking Democracy First, we’ll take a look at one of the best kept secrets of the campaign season, from both sides, care of a Newsweek article published just today... (more)

BNMC Open Meeting Tonight

posted November 6, 1:19 pm on Artvoice Daily

Tonight at 6pm in the auditorium of the downtown library, everyone is invited to attend a public hearing on the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Campus—North End Projects. Among the projects planned are a 300,000 square foot Medical Office Building to be owned and operated by Ciminelli Development Company, Inc... (more)

That Pigeon Won’t Fly

posted November 6, 10:05 am on Artvoice Daily

Steve Pigeon Here’s another example, this one two years old, of the way Steve Pigeon’s political committees are alleged to steer money to candidates illegally. On September 15, 2006, the Pigeon-controlled PAC Citizens for Fiscal Integrity paid “RUR Strategy Group” $9,000 in consulting fees, according to CFI’s campaign finance disclosure forms... (more)

SeaBar’s Social Calendar

posted November 5, 12:44 pm on Chew on This

SeaBar will host live jazz and sushi nights starting Friday, November 21st at 8 p.m. (5235 Main Street, Wmsvl, 204.5283). A Cave Springs Riesling Tasting Event will take place at SeaBar’s suburban location on Wednesday, November 9th at 7 p.m... (more)

Artvoice TV: Latest Additions » more on AVTV

Neslon Starr Band w/Jeff Miers

posted November 23, 08:05 am on channel Music

On Saturday night there was a double bill with Bread Gone Wry and Nelson Starr Band at Nietzsche's. Sitting in with Nelson Starr for a couple of tunes was former bandmate and Buffalo News music critic Jeff Miers, featured here.

Bread Gone Wry

posted November 23, 08:04 am on channel Music

We haven't seen Bread Gone Wry for quite some time but they haven't lost their charm. The happy crowd cheered on every song.

Dr. Riyaz Hassanali: The effect Smoking has on your Skin

posted November 21, 4:50 pm on channel Local Interest

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Riyaz Hassanali sat down with Buffalo actress and television host Lorraine O'Donnell for the first in our series of interviews with area medical experts. Today's subject is the effects of smoking on your skin and appearance. Dr. Hassanali, of Williamsville (626-1593) is a well respected cosmetic surgeon who works internationally, as well as locally. This is the first of six segments from Dr...

Twilight

posted November 19, 1:09 pm on channel Movie Trailers

Movie trailer for Twilight, in theaters November 21. Read M. Faust's review of the film here.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

posted November 19, 1:06 pm on channel Movie Trailers

Movie trailer for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, in theaters now. Click here to read George Sax's review of the film.

Avi Takes Artvoice Shopping for the holidays @ Lexington food Co-op

posted November 19, 11:52 am on channel Food

I met up with Avi of Obviously Avi Catering to learn about classic ways to spruce up some great thanksgiving dishes and some more contemporary ideas for this years holiday season.. Also check out the Co-op this weekend Saturday the 22nd to sample some of the fresh turkeys that u can pick up for your family!

TRAIN DAY! @ the Buffalo Historical Society

posted November 17, 3:07 pm on channel Local Interest

I met with Peter Burakowski from the Buffalo Histroical Society to check out their fantastic train exhibit.. Now I have to be honest I was kinda embarrassed to tell Peter that I Hadn't been to the museum since I was about six years old... But the place looks great and has a lot going on for the holiday season. Check out this clip then head on down to the Buffalo Historical Society!

Mass Appeal: Elmwood Fashion Event

posted November 15, 10:19 pm on channel Events

On Friday night the Elmwood Village Association packed the Lafayette Presbyterian Church with a sold out "Mass Appeal: An Elmwood Fashion Event." The atmosphere was electric in the brightly lit church as models strutted down the catwalk to lively deejay beats.

Buffalo Contemporay Dance

posted November 15, 6:43 pm on channel Events

This weekend we stopped at Alt Theatre, 255 Great Arrow, to check Buffalo Contemporary Dance's 10th Anniversary performance. The little black box theatre in the Great Arrow Industrial Center is exceptionally intimate and provides a that up close experience you won't get at larger venues. Dancers and choreographers Amy Taravella and Leslie Wexler put together a lovely set of dance pieces with a variety of musical styles and an enthusiastic group of dancers...

Old Editions Book Shop

posted November 13, 11:42 am on channel Local Interest

I had a chance to check out the Old Editions Book Shop & Café at 74 East Huron Street, Buffalo.... WOW i was blown away at how any cool things they had on display there....Not just the thousands of books on everything from local authors to rare leather-bounds, but hundreds of maps, prints and other artwork. If you havent been down to the corner of Oak and Huron to check it out i suggest you do!

Off Stage: Conversations with Anthony Chase

posted November 12, 4:50 pm on channel Theater

This week, Artvoice and TAB present Part II of the interview with Road Less Traveled founder, Scott Behrand. This is the second installment of "Off Stage", a series of conversations with the Buffalo theatre community and AV Theatre Editor Anthony Chase.

Happy Go Lucky

posted November 12, 2:08 pm on channel Movie Trailers

Movie trailer for Happy Go Lucky, in theaters now. Read M. Faust's review of the film here.

Quantum of Solace

posted November 12, 2:01 pm on channel Movie Trailers

Movie trailer for Quantum of Solace, in theaters November 14th. Read George Sax's review of the film here.

Flash Party at Essex St.

posted November 9, 10:59 am on channel Events

The annual Flash Party-Griffis Sculpture Park fundraiser at the Essex St. art complex was the raucous gathering of music and art it's always been. With live music by the Ifs, plenty of art and free beer what else would you expect?

Lakeview Effect at Nietzsche's

posted November 8, 4:54 pm on channel Music

When Lakeview Effect crowded into the front bar at Nietzsche's with their keyboards, drums, two guitars, bass and percussion, there wasn't much room left. Nevertheless, people space to jam in and groove to the interesting and often unpredictable tunes. Some even found room to dance.



<http://artvoice.com/issues/v4n40/how_you_like_it> © 1990-2008 Artvoice. All rights reserved.