Idolization vs. The Human Touch

This work I have always loved, this work has endlessly inspired me. People have publicized, I've listened- one gratuitous comment even coming from a mentor. I've imagined an intimate meeting with the work, his work, him. This was a key upside to moving to San Francisco, the off chance I could meet a real life inspiration. The man of my dreams. Darren Waterston.

With the accessibility of the internet, it is so easy to acquire a sense of false obsession. Now, obsessed is an overstatement, maybe. The world is at my fingertips as I type this. I could "google" anything, anyone. I find photos of people, of things, of art. I create new standards in everything because of this screen that grants false freedom.

This is actually an art gallery review but my experience of the art has brought these arguments to mind.

I was able to view work from my "favourite" contemporary artist for the first time in person, Darren Waterston. Even since I found his work on an informal art blog, I've felt such a connection with it. I've read literature pertaining to his work and have done some research of the artist. What intrigues me most about him is how he moved through his career in art. He was born in Fresno, CA, where I spent most of my life and has moved throughout California, landing in San Francisco for a good while, at the Haines Gallery downtown. He now presides in New York. But following his career makes my experience in art school more hopeful because of these similarities.

Now, the experience of the work visually is the main objective of this blurb. Upon walking into the gallery my expectation were in a strange fashion. I've heard from my mentor, who has worked with Darren, "his surfaces are amazing." They were great, but I'm not so sure amazing. The placement of the pieces were interesting and his work intriguing.

I immediately froze and attempted to change perspective. I was looking at the work as if I was view it online. I searched for a sense of connection on the most superficial level and was looking at what was publicized to be great about the work.

So now I viewed the work closer and looked at it more critically.

I noticed brush strokes. Strokes were not visible online.
I rounded the single sculpture in the room. This feature was not available on my 2-dimensional screen.
I looked at pieces individually and moved back to understand the intent of placement.
I sipped wine and wondered how some of the pieces felt.
I read the artist statement and was a little confused.
I sidestepped a group of shorter people and was impatient when they wouldn't move.
I looked at the price of my favourite piece and died a little inside.

I think I discovered something about myself. Like any other type of mass media or easily accessible creative works, I would rather see it in person.