Ranting Rampage

http://aokayofficial.com


I went to a few art shows this weekend. The first one, was one that I had applied to and did not get accepted to. I am not going to name any names, but it was not what I expected. I walked in and all the work were made by women which was really great and motivating. I started to realize that the women were much older and much wealthier and were staring at me and my friend like we were odd balls. I saw a few works that stood out to me. I thought that a gallery where women can feel apart of something, would be more inviting. It is really sad to see that those women were so judgemental.

The second gallery was in Wicker Park. It was large photographs of rock stars and it didn't really say much to me. My friend and I walked in and were aggresively ordered to sign in, it was really crowded and we could barely move. There was a line and it seemed like people were writing a novel. Meanwhile, we were waiting on the side by a sculpture set on a glass stand, the price was like $7000 and someone had set their pen on the stand. It was by the sign in table where people were crowding around. It was a scary thought if it had been my piece. When it was my turn, I scribbled my name and gave them a junk email account. Everyone there was dressed like they were trying to be cool and not really themselves, and it seemed like they were really there for the alcoholic beverages, really. I didn't feel comfortable there either and left.

The last gallery was the A. Okay Official on clark street, it has a storefront and in the backroom was a gallery, where they had japanese pop inspired illustration artwork and a dj not pretencious at all. It had an Urban quality that I had longed for that night. Finally, I felt that I was in the right environment, where it was okay and it didn't matter where and what you looked like, everyone was welcomed.

I felt that what I have learned was that I too have to choose wisely where I would like to show my artwork because It creates an environment and energy that I want to be positive and welcoming.