ART BAR

ART BAR

Hi there:
I understand there was a discussion about the Art Bar this morning… I want to give you my 2 cents….for what its worth… please accept my stream of thought with out edit. Also, please keep in mind I am not suggesting you solve this but as you are assistant curator, I want to share this.

Art Bar is successful on many levels and has potential as a revenue generating installation. It is indeed drawing people in to dialogue about the gallery and its exhibitions, and yes I believe we can frame the installation as art/design/idea because of its conceptual framework….location. The artist and crew have certainly created an installation to be reckoned with. They’ve transformed the space and have turned people’s perceptions of art on their ears. ….However it’s performative / technical aspects have some flaws which I’m sure you are aware of. There are many unresolved components…for me they are as follows:

- Technical problems with regard to live video / audio playback component make it a bar and just a bar. The experience is lost without the ongoing video documentary component… I hope jesse resolves it because last night we ended up just playing music and yes I emphasize that it was a bar without any art aspect.
- ventilation is poor and air circulation make it an uncomfortable experience after a short while. But, the building temperature in general needs help.
- Art Bar could require educators to be on site for interpretive support. In my opinion, bartenders who have to explain the concept to customers/viewers break the wall of performance as server when interrupted by discussion about what we’re doing. It’s a stage and the bartenders shouldn’t have to explain… perhaps didactic panels on the exterior could also help the viewer.
- sound quality is terrible making it not the greatest experience.

On a positive end note…we are breaking some new ground by bringing people in for this type of experience and we provide a very hospitable and quality venue for our guests… everyone is happy and it is very provocative….

Thanks for letting me rant.
vg