Richard Hawkins

I found the Richard Hawkins show very interesting to say the least. The work was all over the place, showing collage, inkjet printings, fabricated houses, and for good measure some paintings up-stairs. He seems to be very representative of the contemporary in that way, being the transcendent artist without being relegated to one particular medium.

I thought the collage was funny, tongue-in-cheek, and allowed the artist to simultaneously to prove his intellect and understanding of art history while also being able to mock it-classic contemporaneity. Visually, I liked them. I thought his work was punchy and "punk rock" although considering its all coming from a now almost 50 year old artist, makes me wonder how punk rock you can be when you're about ready to get a senior citizens discount.

I thought his houses were interesting and I'm sure they would all blow Tim Burton's mind, but I thought it was heavy handed. I think that's how I feel about much of his work. Hawkins doesn't seem to allow any room for the spectator to explore the work. His imagery is arresting but easy to digest and its themes seem to be basic. Revolution. Rejection of current culture. Zombified people in terrible frames. It all adds up to a feeling that just seems to keep winding back and slapping you in the face.

He's very talented and I thought the imagery was very interesting. I almost wished that his houses would have been exhibited higher off the ground so you couldn't seen into every window. I've would've liked it a little more had it had a little more mystery, which is how I feel about the rest of the show as well.

Still liked it though.