Cannonball Press

     This exhibit was a lot of fun.  It is very clear that there is an overall scene of humor to the work.   The large scale crazy carny prints are totally  ridiculous.  I think that the artists are perfectly happy with the viewer being confounded, confused or hopefully humored.  I really enjoyed the super pulpy, freak show nature of the carny prints. They conger up thoughts of  a time long scene past where big top tents loured people from far and wide to come gander at the bearded lady and three legged chickens.  People love the freak show, weather discussed or not they cant help but to look.  The same mentality that forces you to slow down while driving by a car accident in hopes of seeing a body or a decapitated arm that has been flung down the road a ways.
   The print that states "man or monkey, you decide" speaks a language of social commentary.  The idea of capitalist wasteland forces me to look at this monkey as some type of diplomat or political figure.  Reinforcing the idea that the person at the top is little more than a well developed mammal who's interests included eating bananas and flinging poo.  Not necessarily the most important attributes for a person that is in control of a large number of people.
     I loved their artist statement.  Having read plenty of them, and having written a few my self, at times they can have a feel of ego masturbation.  Saying to your self "I know you think you're  great and all, but what dose this have to do with your art".  Their statement is more like a recipe for crazy as hell.  For some I realize  it will be a bit challenging, hopefully an good and engaging challenge.   For others, I am certain they will see the inherent humor and fun in the thing.
     I also wanted to point out that by having prints priced at $20, it not a huge investment for most people.  I really love the idea of affordable art, helping to change the stigma of a art only for the wealthy.  It is sad for me to think that many people have the idea that art is not to be grasped by the common man.  The overly intellectual patron walking into a gallery and slapping down a wad of cash for something that looks as if it could of been painted by a four year old.   This work dose a good job with mass appeal, not to say everyone will like it, more that the subject matter is pretty straight forward.
    This is a great body of work.  Not overly confusing and a lot of fun.  I think many people will really be engaged.  Some of the work is a bit one liner, but I think that is what make some of it really rich.