Art Review
Art is so subjective as it is, but if an artist is capturing their emotions, can it still be subjective? Or does it then become more objective and the viewer is supposed to see it that way? Perhaps it is too much to ask of the viewer to see it that way. These are the questions that fill one’s mind when looking at Nan Wilson’s work at the Sioux City Art Center.
Much of Wilson’s work could be characterized as abstract. There are obtuse shapes, bright colors, and use of items we don’t usually consider to be art supplies – caulk or wire, for example.
The title of the showing is “It’s About Time.” This title was said to refer to the fact that many of these painting were starting in the late eighties when Wilson was living in Florida. After she moved back to Sioux City, her relationship with some of these pieces changed. Titles have changed due to reinterpretation by the artist of what she may have been feeling when she painted it. In some cases, the paintings themselves have changed.
Wilson’s work “Primary Impulses” is one of the pieces being shown at the art center. Three canvases span 144 inches, but the only colors used are blues and yellows and reds. Yes, there are varying shades of each, but the strength of the primary colors put back to back in that way is staggering. The three simplest colors, the basis for all other colors are used to make you wonder, what are our primaries? Whether they be needs, wants, friends, we all have a top three. On top of the base colors, though, there are criss-crossing swirls of black, almost as though a ire is woven around the primary colors. This “wire” effect could indicate some sort of bonding to each other, or it could signify being tied to one another.
The artists use of bright colors and abstract shapes gives this art a feeling that works. It’s not dark, but it’s not bright. It’s not happy, but it’s not sad. You don’t get a feeling that the artist is neurotic or arrogant about their work. But it is beautiful and it should be viewed while it’s here.
Wilson’s show will run through November 14.