There are several ways in which one can mix present and past, history and technology. The practice of combining a variety of "ingredients" from different Eras can be considered even a kind of trend nowadays- I'm thinking of different fields, from art up to cuisine. Moreover, the economical crisis and the "eco-friendly movement" are forcing us to maximize the savings, cut consumptions or extra expenses and rediscover a lot of things from our past (or just from our basements).
What we miss, at this point, is a kind of quality index of these blends and combinations. We are way far from the initial candid interest for whatever has never been seen before. Now it's time to select and reward who works better than others.
In a previous review, I talked about Vanessa German and her moving work, so conceptually powerful and touching. Could we have a quality index, her work would be in a very high position.
Today, I would like to bring to your attention another artist, Don Jones, presented at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts as Vanessa was.
The thing I most like about his work is not the meaning of each piece, but the huge creativity and quality of every robot he builds. In the the quality index I would invent, he would be likely rated a little less than Vanessa, but just because of my personal appreciation for the meaning of things.
The blends he creates is magic, though, in terms of shapes and pieces - so perfectly they are put together. I've never seen such expressive spoons, forks, screws or bolts (just to mentions some of the basics of his work).
To create his robots, he mainly uses contemporary and new metallic pieces, even though you can find old boxes as well. Vanessa's creations are given meaning by the very old pieces she selects and that you couldn't substitute. The composition would lack of its meaning.
Don's relation with objects from our past seems to be more aesthetical, than philosophical or moral. As a result of this, his pieces are perfectly studied to capture your attention and give you pleasure for being perfect like Vanessa's one are, even of for different reasons.
I love them because the mix of Yesterday and Today is so balanced and well thought that each piece leaves you with a pleasant sense of domesticity. I warmly suggest you to see Dan's work, and maybe to buy some of his robots. They could be cool Christmas presents and perfect "companions" for the rest of the year.
Enjoy!
one of the working robots by Don Jones
PCFA Pittsburgh
Don Jones pieces are very interesting and on sale at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. You'll find them at the ground floor, temporarily set as "Holiday Shop" until December 30th, 2012.
TUE-WED 10-5
THUR-SAT 10-7
SUN 12-5
MON 10-5
more info at http://pca.pittsburgharts.org/holiday-shop-1
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