Artists "Review" Artists: Grant Dale on Matt Hollis

The Artists "Review" Artists Project was launched on June 30, 2008.  Below is a "review" of Matt Hollis' work, last stand, written by Grant Dale.  Matt provided a second view of last stand, as well as a brief response to Grant's "review."

Matt currently resides in Washington, D.C., and Grant lives in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

If you would like to participate in this project, please email me at jtkirkland [at] gmail [dot] com.

                          
last stand
insulation foam, copper tubing, silk flowers
4.5' x 5' x 4'
2008

The "Review"

At first it seems that the only aspect of this work that makes it not just a wacky floral arrangement is the orange legs, three of them, its kind of insectoid. If it weren’t for the overwhelming rainbow of colour the form itself might be a little unsettling, a little menacing. Not that it isn't somewhat menacing, the pincer-like finish to the legs - no feet. But there is a definition of a calf muscle. And a hind leg shin thing. Suddenly I'm feeling a little saddened by this work. Like it’s some sort of over-effusive plea for mercy.  After a few moments my mind has locked-on a deer form. There is that kind of arrested motion, proud stance of a deer as it lifts its head, tests the air for danger. Given the title I'm seeing it now as the precise moment the hunter pulls the trigger. The colour is an explosion. Suddenly I find myself trying to see the floral multiplicity as internal organs exploding.

I'm reminded of a character in a Princess Mononoke (Studio Ghibli anime) - the forest spirit, how it steps and flowers sprout and bloom and as its hoof leaves the ground they wilt and die. This deer spirit/creature in Princess Mononoke had a human face - there are many ways to construe eyes and features from the flowers in the head area of this work.

Back to the absurdity - this silliness I think is particularly set off by the fanfare of green leaves at the top like an ostentatious hat. Also, those two orange flowers that jut out from the sides, awkwardly symmetrical contrary to the asymmetrical rules of traditional flower arrangements. The attitude to decoration has that unplanned, arbitrary feel perhaps like decorative offerings piling up around some sort of effigy in some tribal cultural ceremony. It’s like a piñata. The overall aesthetic of this work is the kitsch decor of a suburban home - little woodland animal knickknacks covered in peeling flock felt stuff and overly hue-saturated plastic flowers collecting dust.

So I feel this work's kitsch, excessive, frivolous aesthetic creates an effective counterpoint to an unlikely gravitas. Something to do with our alienation from the natural world? Not to over-analyse it though, I'm sure in the flesh it is also simply an exciting abundance of colour.

By Grant Dale

             
last stand
insulation foam, copper tubing, silk flowers
4.5' x 5' x 4'
2008

The Response

last stand was created for the "End of Nature" show which considered a future without nature.  If Nature was going down, it wouldn't be without a fight. I wanted to create a monument celebrating nature's resistance, capturing its last staggering moments, still proudly in full bloom, leaves erect. Dale's Mononoke reference was spot on, this creature represented the condensed essence of nature in all its showy, colorful, and absurd glory. While the review played up the humor and tacky excess, I was pleased he caught the underlying menace always lingering on the periphery of the playful innocence of my work.

By Matt Hollis

Previous "Reviews":
Pam Farrell on Ken Weathersby
Paula McCullough on Aric Calfee
Lee Gainer on Leigh Waldron-Taylor
Aric Calfee on Paula McCullough
Matthew Ballou on Heather Levy
Giovanni Garcia-Fenech on TJ Norris
TJ Norris on Giovanni Garcia-Fenech
Susan Tolbert on Mary Klein
Heather Levy on Gail Vollrath
Sharon Butler on Matthew Ballou
Mark L. Power on Steven Alexander
Steven Alexander on Mark L. Power
Molly Norris on M. Trigos
Ken Weathersby on Joseph Barbaccia
Sondra Arkin on Susan Tolbert
John M. Adams on Sharon Butler
Michael Paul Oman-Reagan on Brent Hallard
Daniel Mafe on Pam Farrell
Joanna Knox on John M. Adams
John Lucien Grillo on Joanna Knox
Brent Hallard on Lisa Klow
Joseph Barbaccia on John Lucien Grillo
M. Trigos on Michael Paul Oman-Reagan
Mary Klein on Imants Ozers
Richard Schemmerer on Michael Konrad
Michael Konrad on Richard Schemmerer
Jennifer Mawby on Lee Gainer
Lisa Klow on Molly Norris
Bob Barbera on Jenn Figg
Tom Wagner on Kimberley L. Lindsley
Michelle Hunter on Aaron McMasters
Gail Vollrath on Daniel Mafe
Aaron McMasters on Michelle Hunter
Demetrius Romanos on Chris Rywalt
Chris Rywalt on Demetrius Romanos
Imants Ozers on Sondra Arkin
Timothy Buckwalter on Rob Hitzig
Rob Hitzig on Susan Constanse
Carolina Mayorga on Timothy Buckwalter
Leila Holtsman on Carolina Mayorga

Comments

[Matt]

Is that the Warehouse (RIP) in the background? The crumbling walls do a lot for this piece! I feel that I would have an entirely different take on it if it were in a sleek white room.

[J.T. Kirkland]

Good eye, Matt. I think it is the Warehouse too. Maybe Matt H. can validate for us.

You said "RIP" but they are still having shows there. I have no idea what's going on with the Warehouse. I thought they had a closing show about 18 months ago.

[Matt]

JT -

That's great news about the venue. I just checked their site and it seems they're indeed very much alive (or back from the dead...?).

Hopefully something has been worked out for the long-term existence of that space.

[matt hollis]

yes indeed, that is the Warehouse and it is still kicking until the deal for its purchase is finalized, i got some insight last week at the TAG figure drawing session that is still held there every monday... so yeah, the cafe is closed for good but there are still some lingering art events and theater shows going on including that artomatic related artist's ball thing