SOTA
By Jasa McKenzie & Sarah Kuenzler
SOTASep 05, 2019
Art in Rural Places
Hello, SOTAns! Did you know that both of your hosts are from very rural places? This week, we're tapping into our rural roots to discuss how art can make an economic impact on the USA's small, rural towns. We lay out some common facets of rural culture then, bring in some exciting examples of rural towns that have successfully made art a pinnacle of their economy. Although this podcast centers around the Twin Cities, let's not discount the dynamic possibilities of our rural neighbors!
References:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/five_ways_the_arts_impact_rural_economies
https://www.ozy.com/the-new-and-the-next/can-the-arts-save-rural-america-from-the-recession/277323/
https://www.governing.com/gov-institute/voices/col-growing-economic-importance-arts-rural-america.html
The Nonprofit Industrial Complex
Greetings, SOTAns! So many of the arts organizations we love are nonprofits, many of which we have talked about on the podcast before. We even work for them! Although there are so many fantastic NPOs in existence, there is a another lens to look at how their system came to be. Criticisms of the Nonprofit Industrial Complex speak to how this system helps the rich to maintain wealth control, suppress dissemination of radical ideas, upholds a top-down hierarchy within an organization, and is a way for the government to keep track of people's causes. Join us as we talk about what this complex is and how affects the organizations we interact with.
References:
https://incite-national.org/beyond-the-non-profit-industrial-complex/
https://communitycentricfundraising.org/2020/08/10/nonprofit-industrial-complex-101-a-primer-on-how-it-upholds-inequity-and-flattens-resistance/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grassroots
Decolonize Art History: "Orientalism"
Hello, SOTAns! Orientalism. We know–we're cringing with you. Many of us haven't heard this term since our Art History 101 class (which has also ALSO historically been problematic, as so we have discussed before). But, let us not pretend that it didn't exist or what colonial BS lead to its subject matter and its name. In this episode, Sarah guides us through its definition and traits while also calling out it's totally Western-Centric, exoticized existence. Join us while we break it down, and going forward we can help break the colonialism in art history all the way down.
Accessibility in Curating
Greetings, SOTAns! This week, we're going over some basics of accessibility in curating. Jasa recently took a class on this subject from the Node Center of Curatorial Studies and wants to pass this golden info along to all her SOTA friends. Join us for some entry-level concepts, ideas on how to make the arts more accessible, and of course some anecdotes and mispronunciations. Do you have some tips on how to make art spaces more accessible? We would love to hear from you!
What is Conceptual Art?
Hello SOTA-ns! In this episode, Jasa indulges Sarah's (not so inner) academic, allowing her to wax poetic about Conceptual Art, and theorize why this type of Art is the most hated among her family members. No, this isn't a bad thing - sometimes art pisses us off. Jasa makes sure to bring it back to structural racism and colonialism, and we entertain how old 19th century white guys set up the definition of what art is supposed to be.
As always, our music is provided by The Von Tramps.
#jeffkoons #dalechihuly #art #arthistory #conceptualart
The Postponed Philip Guston Exhibition
Hello SOTAns! Welcome back for another exciting week of critical art discussion. We're talking about the postponed Philip Guston exhibition–what the situation is and its various reactions. We explain the positives and negatives, both the pro- and anti-postponement perspectives. Join us and let us know what you think of this topical subject!
Reference:
Graffiti: But is it Art?
Greetings, SOTAns! The answer is yes. Yes, graffiti is art. Someone who tells you otherwise probably has subconscious (or totally conscious) biasies. *Record scratch* But, let's go back to the beginning. We will tell you a bit about how this "non-art" stance got started and then satirize the institutional conception of "high" art. The Five Pillars of Hip Hop make a cameo. Then, we have some awesome examples of graffiti in museums and the larger art world. Join us!
Fair Pay for Museum Customer Service
Hello SOTAns! We hope you've had a lovely month and we are so glad to be back with our first-ever season! We've lined up some great content to keep you entertained and informed all the way through the rest of the year. Isn't it SOTA crazy that we're (thankfully) nearing the end of 2020?
This episode, we are drawing from personal experience to illuminate the wide range of tasks that museum customer service staff has to master. We bet you'll be surprised at all the duties these workers have to juggle, even while working in a very precarious position. We advocate for living–not minimum–wage and brainstorm ideas for additional ways museums can be friendlier work places for their front-of-house staff. Have you ever held one of these positions? Have thought about how to improve them? Let us know!
Fancy Shmancy Artspeak
Salutations, SOTAns! This week, we are talking about accessibility in language and how that relates to the art world. It's no secret that the art world is full of complicated philosophy and five-dollar words. We talk about why that is and how that may be a barrier for some when approaching the art world. We also touch on International Art English, which is a dialect all of it's own, which is known for its pretentiousness and inaccessibility. But, perhaps it's more accessible than originally thought? Join us for our conversation and share with us your thoughts!
References:
https://www.canopycanopycanopy.com/contents/international_art_english
The Magical Philanthropic Fairy Part III
Okay, SOTAns, this is the last edition of this thread! This week we address what organizations can do to make internships more equitable and point out a couple glaring reasons why they're often inequitable. Listen in for some solid tips on how to create change in regards to unpaid labor in museums!
References:
The Power of a Paid Internship: Creating pathways to careers in museums
https://www.aam-us.org/2019/02/11/the-power-of-a-paid-internship-creating-pathways-to-careers-in-museums/
The Magical Philanthropic Fairy Part II
Guess what, SOTAns? Our two-part conversation has turned into a three parter! Hooray!
Jasa has more questions about the Met’s new paid internship, funded by the Magical Philanthropic Fairy. How much will the Met be paying the interns? What about institutions that haven’t been visited by the Fairy? Could Adrienne Arsht’s philanthropy inspire others to donate money to pay internships rather than donating funds to put their name on a work of art?
Now is the time to transform what museum budgets need to do. Paying internships could change the entire premise of what it means to be a keeper of culture in the United States, easily diversify the arts, and allow Museums to be arbiters of their own continuity.
Let us know what you think in the comments - part III will be released next Monday!
Links:
Adrienne Arsht Gives the Met $5 Million for Paid Internships and MetLiveArts Programming Focused on Themes of Resilience
The Power of a Paid Internship: Creating pathways to careers in museums
The Magical Philanthropic Fairy
Greetings, SOTAns!
This week, we're talking about how the Metropolitan Museum in New York will now start paying interns. YAY! Right? Yes and no. Although the Met is one of the most visited museums in the US and does carry influence, it's the source of the paid internship funding that is the issue. The Met received a $5 million dollar gift from a philanthropist (who, seems to be on the up-and-up–we checked.). This is well and good, but it's not a reality for every museum and nonprofit everywhere. The Magical Philanthropic Fairy will not put that amount of money under every institution's pillow. This time, when museum budgets have been cut to their bare bones in the wake of the pandemic, makes now a perfect opportunity for organizations to build paid internships into their entire operating budgets for the future. This needs to happen in order to combat classist and racist discrimination in the art world. We have a lot to say on this so, this is our first ever two-parter. Join us for part one!
References:
Metropolitan Museum Will Now Pay All Interns - Hyperallergic
The Power of a Paid Internship: Creating pathways to careers in museums - AAM
Unpaid Labor in the Arts // Christopher Selleck - SOTA
City Pages "Best of" 2020
Hey Sotans! We detour briefly from our ongoing discussion of systemic racism and inequity within the arts to discuss the City Pages “Best of” 2020 edition. City Pages, a simultaneously well-loved and much-despised entertainment and news outlet based in Minneapolis, puts together a list of the “Best of” EVERYTHING in the Twin Cities - ice cream, theater, exhibitions, etc. Jasa and Sarah found at least 11 items named the “Best of” had been discussed on SOTA!
So join us, Sota fam, as we take a dive into the best that Minnesota has to offer.
Heads up: We are now selling SHIRTS!!! Visit our instagram @stateoftheartspod for details on how to win one for free!
Show note links, in order of mention:
- Museum accountability//Employee responses
- Institutional racism in museums
- Neurodiversity in Museums // Kelly O’Brien
- Stonewall @ 50 – the history of the LGBTQ+ movement
- Without Boundaries and Teresa Audet
- SOTA Artist Updates and Egypt’s Sunken Cities
- Participation Elements in Exhibitions // Jess Hirsch
- Hearts of Our People // Jacob Aaron Schroeder
- MCBA Jerome Exhibition and Thanksgiving Art List
- Art Halloween Happenings // Andy Ducett
- SOTA Pride Program
UK Monument Controversy
Hello SOTAns! This week, we discuss the public art work statue A Surge of Power (Jen Reid) by Marc Quinn and collaborator/subject, Jen Reid. This piece was erected by the artist in place of a toppled monument that depicted a slave trader in Bristol, UK. Although the sculpture was quickly removed by the city, controversy around this piece still lingers. Did Quinn (a white male artist) exploit Reid's likeness (a woman of color)? Was their collaboration genuine? Did the artist take away an opportunity for a BIPOC artist? Tune in for our recap of the story and discussion. We would love to hear your thoughts!
References:
Slave trader’s portrait removed from Bristol lord mayor’s office
A Surge of Power (Jen Reid) 2020
Black Lives Matter Monument Replaces Statue Of Slave Trader In England
A joint statement from Marc Quinn and Jen Reid
Edward Colston's statue stood for 125 years. The Black Lives Matter statue that replaced it stood for about 25 hours
Black Lives Matter sculpture of Jen Reid removed from Colston plinth
Removing the statue of Black Lives Matter activist Jen Reid was a mistake
Who is Jen Reid? The Black Lives Matter activist whose statue replaced Edward Colston’s in Bristol, before it was taken down
Windrush memorial artist: ‘Marc Quinn’s Jen Reid statue colonised the Colston plinth and hijacked the BLM movement. It’s a con’
Decolonising Art History: Statue of Black Lives Matter Protestor Jen Reid removed
Jen Reid statue removal 'to be paid for by artist'
'Hope flows through this statue': Marc Quinn on replacing Colston with Jen Reid, a Black Lives Matter protester
Marc Quinn: 'Our Blood came from a sense of outrage' | British GQ
Britons toppled an enslaver’s statue. A guerrilla artist replaced it with a Black Lives Matter protester.
All Nature Flows Through Us: A Conversation with Marc Quinn
Marc Quinn’s Bristol statue is a vainglorious stunt
Marc Quinn on Contemporary Art
Minnesota Monument Equality//BIPOC Minnesotans
With the recent toppling of the Christopher Columbus monument in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Jasa and Sarah wondered - what if we created more monuments for the historically (and currently) significant BIPOC of Minnesota? In this episode of SOTA, w eexplore Minnesota Monuments, and the BIPOC people who should be memorialized in the form of a public likeness. Architecture, Law, and Hair Gel are only a few of the notable developments for which people like Carl Fraction, Reatha Clark King, and Clarence “Cap” Wigington should be recognized.
Minnesota protesters pull down Columbus statue at Capitol
16 trailblazing black Minnesotans you should know more about
How the US Got So Many Confederate Monuments
A Confederate Monuments Expert Explains How We Memorialized White Supremacy
Those Mass-Produced Civil War Statues Were Meant to Stand Forever
The Truth behind Confederate Monuments
Frederick McKinley Jones, innovator of many devices
Equality through education and giving, Reatha Clark King
Carl Fraction, a Minnesota chemist
Guerilla Girls: Then and Now
Hello SOTAns! This week, we're talking a little art history and a little current affairs. We recorded the original rendition of the episode back when we were just trying to keep you entertained in your coronavirus quarantine, before the murder of George Floyd and the prominent social movement that has prevailed since. We took this opportunity to reflect on how we viewed our subjects before beginning this journey in ernest to educate ourselves on antiracist discourse and decided to revisit this pre-recorded topic and add to it our critical lens of today. In the original section of the episode, we talk about the Guerilla Girls from an art historical standpoint, informing you about this anonymous feminist artist collective. Then, we did more research into how the collective has responded to the recent social movement which altered the way we spoke about them today. We hope this episode is informative and demonstrates how we in the arts must use intentional research that is relevant to today.
References:
guerrillagirls.com/projects
https://www.instagram.com/guerrillagirls/
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/guerrilla-girls-6858
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_Girls
https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/guerrilla-girls-exclusionary-feminism/
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/guerrilla-girl-power-have-americas-feminist-artists-sold-out-1666140.html
https://www.getty.edu/research/special_collections/notable/guerrilla_girls.html
Museum accountability//Employee responses
In this episode, Jasa and Sarah focus on humanities institutions that have been called out publicly by current and (recently) former staff. These institutions, SFMOMA (who deleted a comment criticising the museum’s lip-service allyship), NOMA (who was called out on its institutional racism in and open letter from current and former staff), the Toledo Art Museum (who claimed to have no political stance whatsoever), the Palm Springs Art Museum (who was critiqued for their “rhetoric and neutrality”), and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, whose employees created a petition on change.org in an attempt to save jobs.
Institutional Racism in Museums
Hello everyone! In this episode, we examine the institutional racism present in larger and older museum institutions (Minneapolis Institute of Art, Chicago Art Museum, and Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Art Museum, for example). Have the Diversity and Inclusion initiatives by museums succeeded? Sarah outlines three points of contention which Museums might use to examine their internal systemic racism, and how they might combat it successfully. Step 1 - Museums should examine (publicly) where their funding originated, how that shaped the physical collection. Step 2 - examine the museum’s staff racial diversity. Step 3 - What percentage of the overall collection has been created by artists of color, and how are those works presented?
Links:
Mia Receives Funding for Empathy and Diversity Initiatives
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan - the Cleveland Museum of Art
These Chicago Museums Are Being Paid To Diversify Their Board
Some of the Benin works are being returned! - British Museum to return Benin bronzes to Nigeria
DePaul Art Museum focuses on diversity, inclusion
This is the piece by Holland Cotter mentioned - Museums Are Finally Taking a Stand. But Can They Find Their Footing?
This Art Was Looted 123 Years Ago. Will It Ever Be Returned?
And then there’s this - Why western museums should keep their treasures
British Museum is world's largest receiver of stolen goods, says QC
Noah Purifoy and the Watts Riots
Greetings SOTAns,
We hope you are all keeping well. In light of the recent social unrest in the Twin Cities, we are discussing a similar situation that happened in Los Angeles in 1965–The Watts Riots (aka the Watts Rebellion). Similarly to the unjust story of George Floyd in Minneapolis, these riots started with the arrest of a black man by a white officer and lead to community rebellion against systemic oppression against POC communities. The artist, Noah Purifoy, was a resident of Los Angeles and created sculptures out of the refuse from the riots. He later moved to Joshua Tree and spent the rest of his life creating assemblage art, resulting in his outdoor art museum, which we reviewed in the fall of 2018. We wanted to share more of his story, highlighting how his great art career was catalyzed by a striking social upheaval and how his legacy continues on through his art.
References:
https://www.history.com/topics/1960s/watts-riots
http://www.noahpurifoy.com/
Anti-Racist Street Art // A History of Juneteenth
*Note: This episode contains historic descriptions of violence against African Americans by White Americans.
Greetings, SOTAns! Thank you for embarking on this journey with us.
This episode is a two-parter: first, Sarah and Jasa discuss the numerous street murals being created honoring George Floyd, supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, and encouraging policing reform. The University of St. Thomas Professors have created a Street Art Database which will document and celebrate the street art being created.
In the second part, we take a break from art-related topics to discuss the history of Juneteenth. Sarah takes us through the first Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas, and explains what this day meant for former slaves and slaveowners in the final days of the American Civil War.
Street Art Links:
George Floyd & Anti-Racist Street Art Database
George Floyd street art being preserved in gobal data base
Juneteenth:
For your information, not referenced during the podcast:
- What is Juneteenth? By Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
- Juneteenth.com - World Wide Celebrations
- A proposal by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) would commemorate June 19 as the anniversary of emancipation.
- Calls To Make Juneteenth A Federal Holiday Gain Momentum (published on june 19)
- National Archives Locates Handwritten Juneteenth Order
Links, in order of mention:
- Information on Major General Gordon Granger
- Image and description of General Order No. 3
- Smithsonian article discussing the reaction to Juneteenth: Juneteenth: Our Other Independence Day
- Discussion of the links between the business of slavery and Wall Street: The hidden links between slavery and Wall Street
- Story of the woman who escaped her enslaver and was killed - JSTOR reference: FROM NORTH CAROLINA: Ill Feeling Between the Freedmen and White Soldiers” New York Times (1857-1922); Aug 2, 1865; Proquest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times pg. 1
- A discussion of the Black Codes - Black Codes - history.com
- Statement from General Duval - Richmond Times, Richmond, VA, June 20, 1865
- Legal history of Juneteenth in Texas - Texas remembers - Juneteenth 2020
Antiracism & the Art World
This week, we're doing things differently again. We understand that this time is taking up a lot of people's energy–mentally, emotionally, physically. In this time of ongoing protests, while also battling a global pandemic, we did not want to put more on anyone's plate by asking them to use their energy for our podcast. (However, our platforms remains open to anyone who it may benefit.) We, your hosts, are both white and we are taking time to read antiracist literature and educate ourselves on systemic racism that is prevalent in daily life in our country and has been through history. To keep in line with our mission as an arts podcast, we talk about how these educational resources can be applied to the art world. Jasa leads us in a conversation based off readings from the book How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and combines it with statistics of racial disparities in the art world–including commercial galleries, museums, auctions, and biennials. We understand that this may be further exhausting for some audiences, so feel free to sit this one out if so and/or let us know if you have a recommendation for topical subjects.
We're thinking of you, Twin Cities/Minnesota/Midwest. Take good care.
Your Hosts,
Jasa & Sarah
References:
How to be an antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. You can search WorldCat to find a copy near you.
An Essential Reading List for Black Liberation, Brought to You by the Schomburg Center - Hyperallergic
It’s Official, 80% of the Artists in NYC’s Top Galleries Are White - ArtNet
-Student Population at Yale University - College Tuition Compare
An Estimated 85 Percent of Artists Represented in US Museum Collections Are White, a New Study Claims - ArtNet
The ‘Winner Takes All’ Art Market: 25 Artists Account for Nearly 50% of All Contemporary Auction Sales- Venice Biennale Artists by the Numbers - ArtNet
Solidarity from SOTA
Hello everybody,
This episode will be different. The Twin Cities has become ground zero for a necessary movement towards dismantling systemic racism, and we cannot carry on as normal. The murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer is despicable and tragic beyond words. We side with BIPOC-led revolution, support protestors, Justice for George Floyd, Black Lives Matter, and dramatic and complete reform of social and governmental systems. Now is the time for us to listen. In this episode, we encourage our audience to educate themselves and listen to BIPOC voices, support them, and follow their lead on how to help make change. Take care of yourselves and each other, everyone.
Higher Education in the Arts: How High?
Hello SOTAns! We're switching up our usual format starting this week. We will now be posting shorter episodes where we dive into one topic at a time. We'll be exploring how the art world works, subjects of debate in contemporary art, and delving into a little art history! Even better, we will now be posting once a week to help entertain and educate you during your shelter-in-place time.
Have a suggestion for a topic? An art world query? Let us know!
This week, we're talking about higher education in the art world. The MFA--do you really need it? Why is the art world so intertwined with academia? What degree do I need for what job and how will it help me? We have asked ourselves these same questions many times. And, now we will dig into them! This short chat just skims the surface. Let us know your thoughts on higher education in the arts!
Artist Relief Grants
Hello SOTAns! We hope you're all keeping well as we are still trudging through the world in the time of coronavirus. In this episode, we cover how the news is kind of...all the same, and mostly discouraging at that. However, an uplifting trend is that there have been a multitude of artist relief grants that are coming from foundations, institutions, non-profits, etc. We talk about different trends in the type of those grants and speculate on the different pros and cons that come with them.
Interviews are on pause for right now, since we're in the age of social distancing. But, we will have them back as soon as it's safe to do so!
Take care, everyone!
Support Art during Crisis // Artists React
Be well, SOTAns! We hope you are all staying safe and during this unprecedented time. This week, we wanted to highlight just a few of the ways you can stay involved with your beloved art community and support local artists during the pandemic. This is not an exhaustive list, but we hope that it's helpful in some way or another! We are keeping our entire creative community in mind during this time and will continue to post content to keep us all connected and to uplift local artists.
The interview this week is actually a virtual panel discussion between local artists Erin Sandsmark, Dustin Steuck, and Larsen Husby, all of whom have been past SOTA interviewees, discussing their reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on their practices. Go back and listen to their episodes for even more info on this amazing artists!
Resources to Support Artists
SooVac MN Art Mart
Minnesota Council on Nonprofits - The Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund
Springboard for the Arts' Personal Emergency Relief Fund
MRAC Emergency Relief Fund
Central Minnesota Arts Board - The Artist Emergency Assistance Program
Arrowhead Regional Arts Council - Small Grant: COVID-19 Emergency
The Arts Partnership - Arts Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund
Be Involved with Museums Online
THE M @ HOME
The Walker - visit online to explore themes and artworks in their Living Collections Catalogue and contemporary issues on the Walker Reader.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) online marketplace
The Des Moines Art Center virtual tours
What Local Artists Are Doing
Trina Fernandez IG project
Erin Sandmark online sale
Arnee Margh commissions for textile work
Alana Hawley - virtual art crawl
The Northrup King Building Art Sprawl
Amy Rice coloring book
Art in the Time of Coronavirus // Jacob Docksey
Salutations, SOTAns! We hope you are all well and getting through this crazy time alright. The coronavirus has effected everything. Ev-er-y-thi-ng. The art world is obviously no exception. This week, we talk about what kind of changes and adjustments various arts organizations are making. We also suggest some recommendations for how to engage in the arts during the time of social distancing and how to support local artists.
SOTA will keep bringing you local content and giving artists a platform for their voice.
That being said, be sure not to miss this interview with local painter, Jacob Docksey who works between 2D and 3D art, assemblages and painting.
References:
“Despite Anxious Times, Museums Offer a “Moment of Zen” on Twitter” – Hyperallergic
“Here’s a running list of coronavirus-related event postponements and cancelations” – CityPages
“See a List of Coronavirus-Related Closures at Museums Around the World” – ArtNews
“2,500 Museums You Can Now Visit Virtually” – Hyperallergic
Other SOTA episodes realting to online art viewership:
Outdoor Artscapes // Trina Fernandez
Hello SOTAns! We hope you are all well out there. This is especially so because, in the news, we cover museums, art fairs, and other public gatherings for art that are closing due to the coronavirus. Next, we talk about how outdoor artscapes benefit a community and present a case study of sorts for one way you can go about that. We also have a most excellent interview with local artist Trina Hernandez that you do not want to miss!
References:
A Daily Report on How COVID-19 Is Impacting the Art World - Hyperallergic
An Update on How COVID-19 Is Impacting the Art World - Hyperallergic
Installation Remix // Jes Reyes
Greetings SOTAns! This week in the news, we tackle the president's call to mandate that all Government buildings should be made in the classic style and why that's super problematic. Next, we talk about remixing installations. Many institutions, museums, and exhibits are permanent and preserved that way. How and why do you mix contemporary art into these established settings? Last but certainly not least, we catch back up with local artist, Jes Reyes, who we interviewed all the way back in episode three! She has a new creative initiative she's created in the community. Tune in to learn more!
References:
"Trump Wants to “Make Federal Buildings Beautiful Again” by Imposing Classical Style" - Hyperallergic
Retrospectives // Roshan Ganu
Have you ever taken an Art history course? One that focused on the great works from the Greek and Roman empires all the way through impressionism in Paris? What if we told you that those courses left out multiple cultures worth of art? Yale University has decided that their art history 101 courses need a redo, and are therefore canceling those courses until further notice. Some are saying that there is no way to ever include all art from every culture into these classes, so why are we trying? Jasa and Sarah have thoughts because of course, they do.
We then dive into retrospectives. What are they? Why are they important? Why is it so hard for artists to get one?
After a discussion about artists retrospectives, you'll get to listen to Sarah's interview Roshan Ganu, a storyteller and visual artist. Her work involves the creation of miniature scenes and strives to create a small slice of experience that is unique to each viewer.
As always, be sure to rate and review us on iTunes, and share it with your friends. Also, subscribe!
References:
Participation Elements in Exhibitions // Jess Hirsch
Hey SOTAns! This week, we're talking about P-A-R-T-I-C-I-P-A-T-I-O-N. We hone in on the recently closed exhibition at Mia, Artists Respond: American Art and the Vietnam War, 1965-1975, as an example. But, not before we share some news about a re-discovered Klimt! We wrap it up with a delightful interview with an artist who also uses participation in her practice!
Artists Respond: American Art and the Vietnam War, 1965-1975 - Mia
Art World Job Search // Alyssa Baguss
Happy New Year, SOTAns!
We are kicking off 2020 with some great art-of-the-Midwest-and-beyond content, with a whole new year of it to come! In the words of Sarah Kuenzler, “Let’s GO!”
Can we just talk about Lucas, Kansas for a moment? Wait, never heard of it? Well, listen on in because it’s a favorite art pilgrimage, listed on Artsy along with sites like the Getty.
Next, we talk about just why is it so hard to get a job in art?? Why, though? We talk about personal experiences and greater factors at play in the scarcity of stable art employment in general.
Lastly, but not leastly, we have a fun and informational interview with local artist, Alyssa Baguss! She has a show up NOW at the MAEP gallery at Mia and has an artist talk coming up on the 16th! Tickets are free, but you gotta grab em’ now!
References:
Our Readers’ Favorite Art Destinations, from a Kansas Town to the Westfjords of Iceland – Artsy
Outtakes 2019!
We hope you are enjoying your holidays if you celebrate! We are and, in fact, we're on a break right now. But, not to worry! We've prepared for you a hilarious blooper and outtakes reel from 2019. This is just for fun and won't have any educational content. However, we will be back in January 2020 with more great things to come. Happy New Year!
Queer Forms // Teréz Iacovino
Salutations SOTAns! This week, we have updates from Northern Spark which come with some participatory prompts! Check out our links below to participate in the community survey and get more info on their AOV10 show.
We're also giving you the DL on the magnificent exhibition Queer Forms, which was at the Katherine E. Nash gallery. This show was a spectacular queer wonderland of art excellence and we're so excited to talk to you about it!
Last but certainly not least, we have a reprise from Teréz Iacovino! Listen to Sarah and Teréz dive more into her own, personal practice.
References:
Northern Spark's Community Survey
AOV10
Queer Forms
Teréz Iacovino's Website
Women in Museum Collections // Donny Gettinger
Greetings SOTAns! This week we have a lot of juicy art discussions such as how the Baltimore Museum of art is starting an initiative to only collect women artists in 2020. Also, we talk about the new model of combined customer service and security position at the Portland Art Museum and some of the motivations and potential consequences regarding this adjustment. Last but not least, Donny Gettinger is back with a deeper dive into his practice!
References:
"Baltimore Museum of Art Will Only Collect Works by Women in 2020" - ArtNews
"Portland Art Museum announces layoffs, new visitor experience" -OregonLive
The Most Open Museum // The Anti-Automatism Laboratory
Wow, we are so excited to bring you this episode! It is overflowing with arty goodness. First, we have a bitter-sweet story on local artist Aldo Moroni, who called upon help from the local arts community to help finish his last project.
Next, we present to you The Most Open Museum, aka. The Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin in Madison! This museum has changed its hours to be open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. How does this benefit the community? What possible challenges does it pose for the museum? Listen in to join our discussion!
Finally, we get a three-person conversation with Donny Gettinger, Teréz Iacovino, and Sarah on the exhibition The Anti-Automatism Laboratory at the Truckstop Gallery in Minneapolis!
We love you, SOTAland!
References:
"After cancer diagnosis, Aldo Moroni asks for help finishing his final project" -CityPages
The Anti-Automatism Laboratory by Donny Gettinger at Truckstop Gallery
Alternative Exhibitions // CCA
What an exciting week! First off, we have to break it to you that Northern Spark is taking 2020 off. But don't fear - It will be back! Let us tell you what's going on.
Next, we discuss alternative means of exhibition-making. Exhibitions can exist outside of a certain space and/or time. We have many examples of how and also want to inspire you to re-think how you might go about making an exhibition!
Finally, we have a guest who we have mentioned before! Their name is Christopher Corey Allen, aka CAA. We reviewed their show earlier this year, now we actually have gotten the chance to sit down with them and pick their brain about their art practice!
Listen in for all the Minne-SOTA goodness.
References:
Art Halloween Happenings // Andy Ducett
First, have you seen that billboard at the corner of University and Vandalia? The one where there are multiple depictions of a shirtless man posing with various vegetables? We have discovered what that's all about!
Next, want to know how to get in the Halloween spirit and also support local arts at the same time? We have many creepy, creative happenings to suggest for you!
Finally, we have an exceptionally excellent interview with renowned Minnesota artist, Andy Ducett! Listen in to learn more about his practice, illustration, and moms! Yes, moms. Why? Check it out!
References:
This billboard, explained - CityPages
State Fair Fine Arts // Ifrah Mansour
Salutations SOTAns! We are excited to be back from our short break! This episode, we discuss the unveiling of Kehinde Wiley's Rumors of War in Times Square and the implications of its final home in Richmond, VA. Then, we bring you back to the great Minnesota get-together, the MN State Fair! More specifically, we talk about the Fine Art Competition at the fair. How does this exhibition serve and reflect our communities? Why are MN artists so attached to it? Finally, Sarah presents a knock-out interview with local artist, Ifrah Mansour!
References:
Kehinde Wiley’s Times Square Monument: That’s No Robert E. Lee - NY Times
Kelly O'Brien Bonus Interview
Greetings SOTAns! We are pleased to present the third and final edition of our September bonus content! Please enjoy this extended interview with Kelly O'Brien. Check out our recent episode, Neurodiversity in Museums // Kelly O'Brien for the full interview and get to know the artist even more!
Christi Furnas Bonus Interview
Hello SOTAland! We have another fantastic bonus interview for you this week! Enjoy this extra segment from our interview with local illustrator Chirsti Furnas. To hear more and get to know Christi even better, check out our past episode Local Mental Health & Art Resources // Christi Furnas.
To learn more about Christi, visit her website!
Alison Hiltner Bonus Interview
Hello SOTAns! Don't you just love the local artists we've interviewed? We definitely do! And guess what—we have even more interview clips to share with you! This week, we start with an extended clip of our interview with Alison Hiltner. If you haven't yet, go back and listen to our episode "Des Moines Art Center and Alison Hiltner" to get acquainted with Alison even better!
For images and more info, visit Alison's website https://alisonhiltner.com/
Andy Warhol at SFMOMA // Regan Golden
Hello SOTAns, We have some fun things for you this week! In the news we talk about artists participating in the Aichi Trienniale who asked for their work to be taken down, in reaction to a closure of a gallery in the exhibition alleged as censorship. We then talk about the Andy Warhol retrospective exhibition at SFMOMA and if the most famous figures in art history can be presented in a fresh way or, if they even need to be. Then, we have a fabulous interview with local artists Regan Golden!
References:
Artists Demand Removal of Work from Aichi Triennale Following Censorship Controversy – ArtNews
Neurodiversity in Museums // Kelly O’Brien
In the news, we discuss how the artists of the Whitney Biennial leveraged their very presence in protest of Warren Kanders (of Defence company Safariland) continuing to sit on the Board of the Institution. Kanders officially resigned his position at the Whitney in late July.
We discussed how Museums can better equip themselves to appeal to a neurodiverse audience, and what the benefits are for institutions who make small changes to be more inclusive.
Finally, Sarah interviewed the talented and dynamic sculptor Kelly O’Brien.
‘It’s Just the Beginning’: Art World Responds to Warren B. Kanders’s Resignation from Whitney Board
Warren Kanders Quits Whitney Board After Tear Gas Protests
Instagram @kosculpture
Hearts of Our People // Jacob Aaron Schroeder
Greetings SOTAns! This week we highlight ways you can engage in physical activity at some of your favorite local art museums! Take advantage of these while the summer still lasts! We also discuss Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists at Mia and why it is both important and timely. Sarah wraps things up with an interview with local multimedia artist Jacob Aaron Schroeder.
References
Local Mental Health & Art Resources // Christi Furnas
Hello SOTAns! This week, we give you a little blast from the past in the news when we talk about former a Mia curator leading the charge to return Nazi-looted art! We then discuss local mental health and art resources–who are they and what services do they provide to the community? Sarah wraps it up with an excellent interview with local illustrator, Christi Furnas.
References:
SOTA Pride Program
Hello SOTAns! This week, we are bringing you the special Pride Program we made in collaboration with KFAI Minneapolis. This aired live on Pride Sunday and features an interview with local, queer artist Christine Furnas, a discussion on local, creative, queer spaces, and a review of the Stonewall at 50 event at Mia! We hope you all had a happy Pride!
References:
What is Digital Art? // Amy Rice
This week in the news, we discuss the Arts + All Museums Salary Transparency 2019 spreadsheet where thousands of cultural workers are anonymously presenting their locations, position, and pay. Hopefully, the results can help lead to closing economic gaps in the art world.
Next, Jasa helps to demystify the question, “What is Digital Art?” Sure, you may get the concept, but we go into detail about some popular denominations and particularly highlight the realm where digital and sound art meet! This is inspired by our upcoming SOTA Projects launch, Terraforming by Danelle Cloutier, who works in digital sound art.
Finally, Sarah presents an interview with Amy Rice, a local artist and printmaker who uses nontraditional print-making methods, often with wet media on natural-based surfaces. She aims to make a tangible or visceral connection between the materials used and the image rendered.
Don’t forget to join us TONIGHT, June 16th at 9pm in Boom Island Park for a community star-gazing experience titled Terraforming, by Danelle Cloutier! Details HERE.
References:
Arts + All Museums Salary Transparency 2019 spreadsheet
Museum Workers Share Their Salaries and Urge Industry-Wide Reform – Hyperallergic
What is Digital Art? Definition and Scope of the New Media – Medium
Stonewall @ 50 - the history of the LGBTQ+ movement
Hello SOTAns!! This week, in a special mini-episode, Sarah talks to Dustin Steuck (see the episode “Dustin Steuck and Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum” from October 7th, 2018) to discuss the history of the Stonewall Riots, their impact on the LGBTQ+ Rights movement, and the (FREE!!) Stonewall@50 event at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts happening on Friday, June 14th from 6 – 9 pm.
Thanks for listening, and Happy Pride Month!
Getting Wiley with Gauguin // Danelle Cloutier
We are thrilled about this episode! We are switching it up this week, with Sarah serving up the critical discussion while Jasa presents an exciting interview. In the news, we dive right into addressing the budget the Democratic party has recently unveiled, benefitting the NEA and proposing to raise their funding significantly! Unsurprisingly, there are rough waters ahead in this budgetary debate.
Sarah presents a segment that we’ve dubbed Getting Wiley with Gauguin! She highlights painter, Kehinde Wiley’s, new portrait series, depicting subjects of people in the community of Tahiti’s third gender. She contrasts Wiley’s powerful portrayals from the well-known paintings of Tahiti by art historical figure, Paul Gauguin, and the related, sordid history.
In conjunction with the first edition of SOTA Projects, Jasa interviews Canadian audio engineer and journalist, Danelle Cloutier. Danelle’s work blends captured audio with music and experimental sounds. The sound art experience she is presenting to the public with SOTA, titled Terraforming, uses NASA audio recordings from space to explore the feeling of existential loneliness.
Remember to join us on June 16th, beginning at 9pm for the Terraforming experience! The location is TBD so, follow our blog and social media for updates! We will be gathering, lying on blankets, and gazing at the stars while listening to the sound art. Feel free to bring a blanket, headphones, and friends!
References:
“Dems boost National Endowment for Arts funding after Trump proposes eliminating it” – The Hill
National Endowment for the Arts Website
Getting Wiley with Gauguin:
Original article:
Detailed portraits of Tahiti’s Third Gender…
Kehinde Wiley’s ‘Tahiti’ Exhibition Confronts the Legacy of Paul Gauguin
Gauguin’s history:
‘The art world tolerates abuse’ – the fight to change museum wall labels
Rare Photographs Could Show Paul Gauguin in Tahiti
Paul Gauguin Receiving Fresh Spotlight In Two Widely Varying Exhibits
Is it wrong to admire Paul Gauguin’s art?
Biennials & Art Fairs // Christopher Corey Allen
Hello SOTA listeners! It’s SOTA-nice to see you. Just kidding! We are always ecstatic for you to be joining us.
The news this episode is about US! We have a Big Announcement! Next month, SOTA Projects will be launching! SOTA will be infiltrating the physical dimension, bringing pop-up exhibitions and happenings around the Twin Cities. Be sure to add your email at the bottom of this page to get notifications for when we announce programs to the public! Also, follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest announcements as well. Please, visit our new SOTA Projects page for more information and check back at our calendar below for event listings.
Now, onto the art–why we’re all here. You can look forward to Jasa dealing out the DL on biennials and art fairs–What are they? How do they function in the art world? What’s the difference between them? All shall be answered, friends! Sarah gives a lively review of the exhibition ‘Ardkore, A Thing Like You and Me by local multimedia artist Christopher Corey Allen at Hair and Nails gallery in Minneapolis.
Go, and be artful!
References:
International Biennial Foundation Website