WARNING!

Do not read this Sunday's Washington Post! Blake Gopnik's fear of rounded forms could irreparably harm nursing mothers and longshoremen alike.

Comments

[Rachel aka Gallery Manager]

I think the Washington Times article did us far more justice. It made me feel better after reading the Washington Post, maybe I will cancel my subsciption....
Here is the Washington Times article:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/entertainment/20051104-095602-7891r.htm

[howard]

why so thin-skinned? and why so jokey? critical attention is always hard to come by and this particular notice is serious and fair-minded, if not the rave you hoped for.

[Jack]

Howard... I hope you'll be flying out to see the show. Until then, I'm not sure you can seriously characterize Blake's trashing as "fair-minded".

[Debby]

Dear Ones,
After reading both the Washington Post and the Washington Times, I read between the lines. The building is magnificent in it's self. The Art that now fills it will compliment the hard work and dedication that so many people have put forth. Your continued commitment to make The Katzen a place for all to gather and enjoy is appreciated more that you will ever know. No justification needed.

[eyedazzler]

On the last page the Post's Arts section, Mr. Gopnik's taste was made clear. In juxtaposition to his tepid review of the Katzen Center, he offered heart pounding praise for an exhibit featuring a photograph of Marina Abramovic's self-mutilation.

[J.T. Kirkland]

I'm a bit confused. Gopnik discusses the Katzen and how it (the building) interacts with and relates to artwork on display, specifically paintings. The Times review is concerned with just the wood sculptures and makes no mention of the building. Seems like apples and oranges to me.

I'm not a Gopnik defender (Lord knows I've got problems with him) but here he seems to raise valid concerns. The Katzen seems perfectly suited for the big, physical wood sculptures, but the curved walls do make it hard to look at flat, 2D paintings... especially larger ones.

If nothing else he freely admits the Katzen is a great building, but maybe it's too great for some art.

I think he's just challenging you, Jack. That's all. I'm looking forward to seeing how you work with the space!

[Jack]

J.T. - I'm not sure we read the same reviews.

[J.T. Kirkland]

This is the one I read and thought you were referring to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/04/AR2005110400363.html

[J.T. Kirkland]

My sincerest apologies to all. Jack emailed me privately and sure enough I missed, oh, say 5 other reviews by Gopnik. I cancelled my subscription to the Post months ago and now only read the Web site. Only one review has Gopnik's name attached (the one above). After reading the others I can certainly see where you are coming from. The only good thing I can take from it is that maybe Gopnik has a new punching bag and will leave Art-o-Matic alone next year. Of course, that doesn't help you guys!

Again, my apologies for missing so much of the context. I'll retreat back into the darkness...

[Jack]

J.T. - You are most gracious.

[Kriston]

Would you care to post those other reviews?

[Jack]

Kriston, et al: I'm afraid that is beyond my level of competence, but if you just look at the link J.T. provided above... that is the correct link. In the electronic version, though, the individual reviews are kind of hidden. They are to the right of Gopnik's review of the building. Is that clear?

[Marsha Stein]

I'm just catching up with dcartnews news. Blake's reviews are always an interesting subject. I have the same objection to his comments that I've always had. His critiques are not about art. The criticism is disguised with other issues seemingly to avoid exposing his lack of perception of the art.