For the past several months, an exhibit has been changing lives across the country, one city at a time.
Now, it comes to UB.
The art exhibit "Shallow Soul, Shallow Shallowness," premiered at the Center for the Arts last Friday to wild, raving reviews. Critics ranging from local art aficionado Dennis Black to New York Times journalists came to experience the nationally renowned exhibit.
Consisting of 27 separate blank canvases of varying shapes and sizes, "Shallow" attempts to portray the blankness of the human soul in today's modern, consumerist society. While most patrons have revered the art, a select few have criticized the fact that there's no actual paint on the canvases.
"Are you kidding me? There's nothing on them! This isn't art! It's nothing! They are blank! Are you all insane?!" said Buffalo News critic Mark Wahlberg, no relation to the famous rapper Marky Mark.
"Shallow" appeared on the arts circuit only months ago, the third collection from famed Siberian artist Grey Poupon.
"I am not my mind, but simply the resilience of my spirit, body, and all of those wonders that cease to concur with the demands of society," said Poupon at the grand opening of "Shallow." While no one understands what exactly the quote means, damn if it doesn't sound really, really cool.
Local patron Harold N. Kumar agreed.
"This is just totally, fully beautiful, man. You know what I mean. Like, just, like, just, like, you know? His art speaks to me like a cow or a blade of grass would. And that only happens once in a while. I mean I mean I mean..." said Kumar, who proceeded to pass out from the excitement of answering of the question.
Rushed to ECH, Kumar recovered quickly. However, tests indicated over seven pounds of marijuana were present in Kumar's body.
Attendance at the art gallery in the CFA has tripled since "Shallow" premiered. Unfortunately, the pungent smell of weed has forced a constant police presence.
"I love pot as much as the next guy," said UP Comissioner Bill "Maddog" Maneater, "but smoking it in the art gallery, that's just dumb."
Despite this setback, "Shallow" has been cause for much debate, even if much of that debate is soon forgotten.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
