I'm just sayin' - Edwin Decker
"Bagged" (detail) - May-ling Martinez
(photo: May-ling Martinez)
I thought it apropos to have Edwin Decker, writer, performance artist, and homme extrordinaire, honor the virtual pages of Art as Authority - which he so graciously accepted to do - notably, for his award winning performance at the California Center for the Arts Escondido Performance Slam, and his text spoken that night, which can be found in its entirety below.
I am one of the very few who do not yet fully grasp the breadth of this man's talent, having just met him briefly that fateful night - well, actually we just smiled at each other as I mumbled a few congratulatory words to him, but, I was nonetheless impressed. Being impressed is not good enough however, so having an ulterior motivation is helpful, not necessary, but it makes me look clever.
I wanted to post Ed's piece for its humorous and satirical take on the "Innocence is Questionable" exhibit at the CCA, but also because it conveniently fell inline with my own sentiments - and I mean exactly. Besides, if you don't show up for the party that was planned and given in your honor - uh, that would be the artists in the exhibit - you never hear what good was said about you. It is unfortunate for them but great for Ed, and wonderful for us. Thanks Ed, stop by anytime. kf
HE name of this exhibit is, “Innocence is Questionable,” about which, the brochure says, “Ultimately, what each of these artists question is whether or not the folly of the world is the responsibility of man?”
It’s a synopsis which makes me wonder, how does a great artist illustrate the subjects he or she finds “questionable”?
I look at these paintings and I see the man-made uglies of this urban life made beautiful: The mall escalator, the casino, the toilet in the desert, even the depiction of Best Buy, so bounteous, and blue, and expansive that it becomes a planet unto itself; making me instantly understand that I need another flat screen TV – you know – for the bathroom.
