Axis of Castration (installation view)
Expressing ideas about art in a theoretical or systematic fashion is a quick way to either set yourself up for a failure or a tired and clichéd success. I don’t want either of those. Art is such a great outlet to ask questions you don’t need an absolute answer to. I think there are too many currents in the art world focused on creating these neatly packaged systems to engage with art. The academic world (MFA programs) has put a lot of energy into celebrating and championing a dry formulaic way of experiencing and creating art. I’m more interested in allowing for diverse ways of interacting with the art. I don’t want to tell people what to think about what I create, rather I expect a willing viewer to intersect and interact with something I have made. I don’t want anyone to walk away with the feeling of ‘oh I get it’, and then that’s it. (Keck)
I recently came across Erika Keck’s mixed media installations at Envoy gallery in the Lower East Side. I was somewhat disturbed by the intensity of her work, but also captivated by the spontaneity of how each piece was conceived. If anything, I think her installations need more space for them to breathe and to do it justice. The following is a Q & A between Erika and Envoy.
Self Reflection
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