Art ain't always pretty

At its best, art forces itself upon us like a door suddenly swinging open ahead as we run full on down the hallway. Those moments of piercing self-realization or blunt awakening to the reality of the world around us are oftentimes the most beautifully ugly events in our lives.


Jenny Saville Closed Contact

And there is also art that hints at the ills of modern living while maintaining an exchange of pleasantries. Our good friend Jennifer Davis' current exhibition at Rosalux Gallery offers many opportunities for soft, subtle reflections of what's inside us. While Amy Crickenberger Oeth's paintings, hung alongside Davis', remind us of childlike days free from the weight of our histories.


Jennifer Davis Leaking

Amy Crickenberger Oeth

And, of course, less subtle reflections are found in the unflinchingly personal and confrontational art of Frida Kahlo. The emotional pain and struggle she endured throughout her life is so palpable in her paintings that we can do nothing more than thank heaven for the wonderful things we have in our own lives.


Frida Kahlo The Two Fridas

Both the Davis/Crickenberger and Walker Art Center's Frida Kahlo exhibits wrap up within the next two weeks here in Minneapolis. I'll be making a point to start the New Year by visiting both shows again to reflect upon all that I appreciate about this city. The harsh, cold winter here can bring a lot of pain and grey ugliness but it can also be very beautiful under the cover of fresh snow. And you can always spend an afternoon inside a gallery to escape the chill.

-kristoffer