Last Chance: New American Talent at Arthouse [Art Review]

For many, contemporary art is hit or miss - overly conceptual installations can confuse more than inspire. But when presented well, contemporary exhibits can speak to both lovers of abstract art and the casual observer. The latest incarnation of Arthouse's annual summer exhibit, New American Talent, is a great example of how contemporary art can be accessible to many audiences. Curated by Hamza Walker of the University of Chicago's Rennaissance Society, New American Talent features twenty-six artists from around the country with a particularly strong showing from Texas.

There are a few standouts amidst the many charming pieces in the show including a strong showing from Austin artists. Leah DeVun's photograph series depicts young girls dressed in their best Hannah Montana garb; for an older audience, their expressions betray the strangeness that is the idolization of a tween superstar. The altered ceramic figurines of Austin's Debra Broz look great in a formal gallery setting. Broz takes grandma's favorite porcelain duck sculpture and carefully mutates it using her skills as a ceramic reconstruction artist. Mark Aguhar's "Daydream" is a series of watercolor nudes that perfectly expresses the silliness of the human form.

New American Talent closes after this weekend, admission to Arthouse is free and they are open until 9pm on Thursday.

Art appreciators with twenty minutes to spare should not miss "Quadrangle", a video by Austin filmmaker Amy Grappell. The footage tells the compelling story of two families, who, in the late 60's decide to live together to facilitate the parent's four way love "Quadrangle". Both couples swap bedrooms after their children go to bed and return to their spouses in the early morning hours. Far from a torrid, scandalous tale, "Quadrangle" is a simple and intimate portrayal of four people and two families who were brought together under bizarre circumstances and made the best of it. Amy Grappell is able to tell this compelling story by interviewing her parents, one of the entangled couples.

Those who have walked by the downtown gallery in recent weeks may have noticed the print out reviews taped to Arthouse's window front. In July, the museum welcomed art critic Lori Waxman and her project, 60 WRD/MIN. Waxman encouraged area artists to come in with their work and have it critiqued. She and an assistant sat in the glass-aquarium-like front of Arthouse as she wrote her critiques live. Waxman completed thirty-nine reviews in three days. Her insight into art history is apparent in her critiques of many mixed media pieces, paintings, and even a fashion design submission.

New American Talent 24 runs through September 6th at the Arthouse. Admission is free.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.