Do You Get It? Minimalist art at Piante

‘Meeting Arcata & McKinleyville,’ Lindsay Coats. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Normally, I talk to an artist and discuss the work in terms of intent, but this time, I haven’t talked to the artists at all. And as I said, I haven’t had a chance to see much of the show. There is more to it than what I’ve seen on the postcards, of course. For one thing, Dolan-Wilkinson’s show includes an installation piece (she’s known for them) and Coats’ work addresses a theme and includes more representational pieces. But I know this will be a show to make viewers ponder, and I’m leaving it open to interpretation.

So here’s an opportunity to go and see a show without background information. And for a lot of people, it will be work that isn’t to your taste. Perhaps you should go see it anyway and try to look at it with a new perspective. Instead of seeing the simplicity of the work, see the subtlety of it. Rather than fretting about what it means, let yourself be taken in by it and think about how it makes you feel. What do you take from it? What memories do the pieces evoke? What attracts you and what doesn’t attract you? If you detest something, why do you feel so strongly about it? Even not liking a piece of art can tell you something about yourself. And of course, if you think you can do it too, then by all means, be inspired and go home and create something of your own.

The show will be up until Oct. 3, at Piante Gallery, 620 Second St. in Eureka. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

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