This year VOLTANY presented a good, solid show. While it was held in an office high rise, the quality of the work presented (most of it) was quite interesting. Sure, there were the far too simple, conceptual pieces, the jump on someone else's bandwagon art, and some cliched stuff but otherwise, solid, well crafted work. To the delight of several men, a young topless woman participated in a "lucky" installation entitled Golden Ghost by Surasi Kusolwong at the Hoet Bekaert booth. There was a rowdy yet touching puppet show at the Danielle Arnaud, written by Heather & Ivan Morison and performed by Rich Pulito and Artie Poore.
Rich Palito and Artie Poore performing I hate her. I hate her.
The gallerists were mostly friendly which was a nice change from the atmosphere at Armory. This was the first year for the solo show concept, where each gallery presented works from only one artist. While this limits the variety of the show as a whole, it created a simpler but more in-depth presentation at each individual booth. I liked it.
A thump on the head to Galerie Brigitte Schenk which presented the works of goth rocker Marilyn Manson. The pieces were nothing but an extension of his music and appearance, his brand. I don't particularly like it when celebrities try to cash on their fame by hashing out some mediocre art, but it happens and that's capitalism for you.
A thump on the head also goes to the VOLTA/Armory dual pass. There's no way you could visit both Armory piers and VOLTA in the same day unless you had a time machine. Or perhaps you could pull a Lampoon's European Vacation style visit with 15 seconds allotted to each booth. Eh.
All in all, the general atmosphere was cool, friendly and stylish (lots of dirty hair, pointy shoes and skinny jeans). I literally felt short. What is it with these tall Europeans? What's in the water over there? I even managed to score a VIP only show catalog. Good work, VOLYANY... I'll be back next year.
The Dancing Plague by Andy Harper presented by One in the Other.
