For critics digging for the traditional deep, time-consuming art gallery, Eric Brown's "Terminals" and Paul Dickinson's "Music For Worms and Compost" might not be the answer?Nthey're made for the New York minute.
However, what the exhibits lack in complexity, they make up for in eccentricity.
Appearing at the recently renovated Hallwalls Art Gallery, both Brown and Dickinson's shows are somewhat small and limited, but plan for the brevity by making their pieces simple and subtle.
Eric Brown's "Terminals" is a collection of neon sculptures, which on the surface do not look like much of anything. When examining the small structures within however, one is able to notice the significance of the title "Terminals," as each of the lights represents the overhead view of either an airport terminal or a train station.
"Eric was originally worried about the exhibit featuring a lack of hands-on materials," said Hallwalls Visual Arts Curator John Massier. "But if you look at each of the small little structures, all of the blocks are different sizes. Not all of the lights are stacked the same way, some of them lean upwards. So that the hands-on look is still there."
Dickinson's "Music For Worms and Compost" is quite an experience in itself. Upon entering the exhibit, viewers observe three television sets, three large wooden crates and three large speakers.
Inside each of the crates are compost, a few microphones, and lots of red worms, living, breathing and tunneling. The crates are specifically designed to capture the noise of these creatures through microphones. Each time the worm hits the microphone it makes a slight scratching noise, echoing through the speakers.
To hear the worm hit the microphone makes the trip well worth it. That is assuming you can appreciate the sound of worms fumbling with microphones, of course.
On their way out, viewers can pick up a complimentary compact disc which has nearly eight minutes of worm-hitting-microphone, perfect for alone time with that special someone.
Dickinson and Brown's exhibits are attempts at visual art, but leave little room for much else. Still, they're pleasing for those who can spare a few minutes downtown for this free exhibit.
"Music For Worms and Compost" and "Terminals" are both being displayed at Hallwalls on Delaware Ave. from now until Feb. 17. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
