Fethi Meghelli, “Untitled (sisters),” 2009,
glitter, charcoal, acrylic, cloth
the artist’s studio
Erector Square
2008 – 2009 Open Studios
Artist Directory $10
Artspace
50 Orange St.
Fabric takes to shadows, in this assemblage by Fethi Meghelli, hanging for the moment on a studio wall surrounded by other pieces of his own work, or inspirations for it. There is a heritage of cloth evoked here, covering and pillowing images of those who might be its makers. With faces evocative of coffin portraits in Graeco-Roman Egypt, but all their life-giving memories in the present, these are blessed witches borne up on silver fire.
Seeing this, I am reminded of the annual tug and pull around the local institution of Open Studios. During a recent press conference at Artspace, Rashmi Talpade — City-Wide Open Studios director — outlined the upcoming events. This year’s calendar will be extended by two unjuried summer exhibitions, followed by a juried show in the autumn. Registration is now open at this site, with an initial deadline of June 1. The Open Studios itself will once again take place on a single weekend, Oct. 3 – 4.
This last fact was a point of contention last year. It probably will be again. But without reason. Which brings me back to Fethi Meghelli in his studio. Why should I wait a year for an opportunity to see the work of an artist which I value as I do his? If people want art, ask the artists. Artspace published an Artist Directory last year with names, images, and contact information. They still have copies available. Buy one. Write or telephone or e‑mail a single artist whose work you want to support and arrange for an open studio of your own. Next year’s directory will be available online, a nice innovation, but why delay? And why complain?