A meditation on Mary Hrbacek’s “Metamorphoses: The World Tree Series” at the Roger Smith Hotel
by Chris Twomey
As artists, we spend most of our creative time in the studio making work, or in the world wrangling a place to hang to show our work. Both require time and commitment. The places to hang are as myriad as our methods of production of this work, with the places being as subject to the whims, calculations, or art world considerations as sometimes even the work. Most of us, no matter how edgy the work, are traditionalists in that we prefer the cultural vetting of a gallery space. The rules are pretty clear, a precedent has been set, and avenues already forged in disseminating the art.
What is more interesting, more subversive, as well as culturally influential, is the use of a public space. Artwork in a public setting is a chance to change minds and initiate the un-initiated rather than confirm what people know already. The people who enter galleries are usually art worldly and want to see the usual suspects and the galleries are happy to show them. If you are not a usual suspect, then you could be out of luck. Or not…
For the clientele at the Roger Smith Hotel, there is the “Lobby Series,” curated by Matthew Semler, who is director of the adjoining gallery space on the corner, the Roger Smith Lab Gallery. Currently on view, Mary Hrbacek’s work Metamorphoses: The World Tree Series, the result of 10 years studying and drawing trees and the model, is installed in the doorway, lobby walls, and behind the desk, presenting stunning introduction to visual complexion under the guise of elegant beauty. Highly evolved in thought and execution, Hrbacek’s charcoal tree trunks, all recognizable as such, are formally composed, splayed with intention on the while paper field, like organic calligraphic marks.
Each tree trunk segment with naked branches has its own twisted and gnarled personality. These shapes, stylized gestures from afar, evoke the concept of abstract mark-making in the way they harness the paper space. The viewer is offered subtle texture and volume with restrained detailing. Point of view from below or from eye level plays with perspective, and shapes within the trunks metamorphize, suggesting figurative associations; and if studied carefully – sensual and sexual motifs.
The hotel space, full of people coming and going, is enriched by the high quality of the work; a subliminal passing experience of intelligence, form and sensuality. The information seeps in; the exposure is subconscious, and the audience is influenced. The hotel is open 24/7, the hours are flexible, and all sorts of people pass through on their way to somewhere else. Sales and reviews? Right now an artist usually must become a full-time marketer during the duration of the exhibition. The real question remains: “If we hang it, and it’s good - will they come?”
This concept of art in public places is valuable to a culture saturated with art malls and giga-spaces. Populist, at the same time well-heeled, the beauty is that the art is part of life. No longer a destination or a commodity, the art becomes a relationship; with people, with space, and with time.
Note: “The World Tree Series” will be on view through December 2nd at The Roger Smith, 501 Lexington Avenue, NYC. More on artist Chris Twomey in Features and Exhibitions.
Mary Hrbacek’s (website)
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