Art Gallery presents “A Random Map of Kitsch”
February 1, 2005
The vitality of popular art and music today prove that artistic expression is one of humankind’s essential creative needs. Irvine Valley College Art Gallery B-112 brings into focus the distinction between the arts—high and low, sophisticated and primitive, sublime and banal, elite arts and popular imitations, art and kitsch—with “A Random Map of Kitsch,” Feb. 22 –Mar. 25.
Gallery Director Zoran Belic examines the spontaneous manner in which popular culture observes, enjoys and cherishes decorative objects, music, architecture, film, literature, news, foods and customs. From pink flamingoes to amusement park architecture, the exhibit illustrates the “diachronic and synchronic differences between the aesthetic appeal and conceptual qualities of art that is of dubious cultural significance.”
The public is invited to attend a panel discussion on Thursday, Mar. 10 at 7 P.M. Panelists discussing “kitsch” include Zoran Belic, visual communication practitioner, professor of graphic design, philosopher and theorist; Michael MacManus, painter, professor of art history, theorist; and Snezana Petrovic, painter, professor of art, set designer. The public is invited, admittance and parking are free.
Gallery hours are Monday & Wednesday: 2 P.M. - 5 P.M.; Tuesday: 11:00 A.M. - 5 P.M.; Thursday: 12 P.M. – 9 P.M.; and Friday: 10 A.M. - 2.30 P.M. The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, Feb. 24, 6 P.M. – 9 P.M.
IVC Art Gallery is located in Room B-112, Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618. For more information, please call (949) 451-5404.