Before entering the James Walker Henry and John Carlson exhibit at the Macomb Arts Center, ask yourself, 'Where is my headspace?' Then, follow up with, 'Has it changed since?' If you're seeking a gut-punch reality check, the work of Henry and Carlson will tickle your fancy, as you'll see that 'Our perceived reality is considered an illusion, not in the sense that it's unreal, but that our perceptions and conditions create a false sense of separation.' I hope I made Buddha proud by comparing his teachings of wisdom to the overall atmosphere this exhibit emits.
As I like to point out, each time I write a review, art is in the eye of the beholder. Its beauty isn't the only factor that matters; what you derive from it and how it resonates with your own narrative or challenges it can vary significantly from person to person. On display until Saturday, June 28, let Henry and Carlson be your guide as the judge, juror, and executioner of how you are, how we are as a community, and most importantly, how we portray ourselves as a society.
Let's start with Carlson's oil-on-canvas pieces. I see this as a melting pot of our daily experiences—the ecstasy of happiness alongside the challenges that each day brings, if you will. The vibrant colors serve as eye candy for your senses, but look a little closer, and you'll notice items carved into the portrait, resembling leaves, lips, teeth, eyes, and feet.
Carlson's work acts as the calm before the storm of the rawness that becomes Henry's illustrious reality check.
Henry, Henry, Henry.
There are so many adjectives I could use to describe their pieces. Let's see: pride, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, sloth, and wrath. Wait, did I just describe the seven deadly sins? I did! Henry did an immaculate job of capturing the mood of these seven offenses we often bestow, whether they were purposefully trying to convey it or not. As you'll see, Henry's work ties into the current political climate we are facing today, provoking deep-rooted questions we need to answer for ourselves to heal and help others (we are still far from done seeing works that depict the mood of our country, folks): which party is the best to support, is my religion the best to practice, am I superior to others, am I selfish or selfless, does my voice matter, am I what I eat, and if so, does it make me complete? Again, check your headspace before you walk in. Hopefully, by the end of this exhibit, you'll gain a better understanding of who you are and where you can correct any doubts you might have after seeing the reflection of the illusions we believe to be our perceived reality.
The James Walker Henry and John Carlson exhibit will conclude the MAC's spring and summer showcases. The MAC will reopen its gallery on Tuesday, August 5, with Pamela Sue Johnson's 'Retrospective.'
The Macomb Arts Center is located in the heart of the city at 25 East Side Square.
Its hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
