This past Tuesday night at Soundwall Gallery, artist Bisco Smith connected art and sound in an innovative exhibit in Tribeca. The event, hosted by Hannah Bronfman with music provided by April Hunt, was well attended by a diverse crowd of 20-somethings in industries from music, arts, and entertainment. The Gallery sits near the Brooklyn Bridge, conveniently located for subway and bus transit, and a stone’s throw from tourist attractions like Wall Street and the 9-11 Memorial. The Gallery is an open loft space, reminiscent of loft/studio apartments my former real estate agent would call quirky, and I used to think are “so New York”. Music by April Hunt proved to be the perfect compliment to the night’s art experience as her lounge sounds set the tone for great conversation and art appreciation.
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Funny as it is true, the postcards decorated with Smith’s art are actually a more intriguing and engaging form of presenting the work than the sound display. Meant to promote the exhibit and its opening, the postcards are fresh, kitschy, and more challenging as art because the miniature size hides the lack of detail in the large paintings and draws you in with the charm of small things. The postcards are a great tease for art that up close just doesn’t quite look as nice as it’s Tinder profile picture. But in 2015, aren’t movies more about the 3-minute trailer than they are about the feature length film? Aren’t we more interested in tweeted headlines than actual arguments? Perhaps for his next show, in addition to referencing modern American abstract expressionism and early post-modern street art, Smith should paint as a Japanese miniaturist.
Word isn’t yet out on if the show’s opening was a success in terms of sales, but overall it did seem to be a memorable moment for some in NYC downtown nightlife. And sometimes all one can hope for is to be a blip on the screen.