“The Awful Art of Dan Zimmerman” opens on Friday, October 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Bucks on Bridge, 25 Bridge Street, Lambertville.
Since the Hamilton-based visual artist and musician uses imagery from myths and old spooky films, the exhibition works as an introduction to the Halloween season.
Yet as the artist notes in the following statement, there is more to the exhibition where the artist wants to get to the “awful” truth:
What is “awful” art? Before I say anything about that, though, let me confess I don’t believe there is such a thing as “art.” I do, however, believe artists exist. They are makers of significant things. And when they seek what is significant for them personally, it is possible they might unearth something worthy of the attention of others. For me it’s been a moving target.
This exhibit features relatively early work of mine. There had been intimations of the “awful” before, but in 1993, I began consistently to create work that expressed a link between the mythos of the church and the dark imagery of cinema.
According to the limited scope of today’s vernacular, “awful” is defined as “something bad or unpleasant.” However, I find its archaic meaning more interesting and accurate, defining awful as something “inspiring reverential
wonder” or “giving rise to shock or fear.” I have sought to create images that stop us in our tracks, that keep us from proceeding as we normally would in life. When we are taken aback like this, when we are in awe, we suddenly open up to horizons we’ve never seen.
I prefer to see myself as a maker of images rather than a creator of art. It seems to me that, through imagery and symbol, it is possible to discover a commonality with others, whereas in the rarified realm of art emphasis seems to be put on setting oneself apart. Case in point – in a museum or gallery it is generally expected that a piece be framed, with adequate space between it and the other art objects. Accordingly, it seems to me the psychology of art is a thing that excludes or at least separates.
In my work I remain interested in trains of thought being set in motion, in images that open new psychological territory, engendering a revelation of who we are and where we’re going. Through this, I hope to become less interested in distinguishing myself from others and more given to becoming one with all people.
The Awful Work of Dan Zimmerman, Bucks on Bridge, 25 Bridge Street, Lambertville. Opening reception, Friday, October 6, 6 to 8 p.m. Closing reception, Friday, October 27, 6 to 8 p.m. Free. www.facebook.com/bucksonbridge.
