KAC Exhibit Probes Tough Political Questions

A common way to begin an art appreciation course is to ask students to answer the question, “What is art?” The answers are as diverse and nuanced as there are students. Often times frustrated biology students just want to know which answer is right, only to be given the scientifically unsatisfying answer that perhaps they are all correct.

While art can be purely for aesthetic enjoyment, it can just as easily be making a powerful statement about something “ugly” -- war, poverty, abuse -- all subjects of some of the world’s “best” art.

Local artist Deborah F. Lawrence collaborated with the 's Jayme Yahr to curate the current show “Social Security.” Eleven Puget Sound area artists submitted socially probing and politically aware artwork, ranging from the large-scale paintings of Western Washington University Professor John Feodorov to the ironic white and blue porcelain sculptures of a CCTV camera or Uzi by Charles Krafft.

Upstairs, artists Lara Kaminsky, Tina Russell and Jessie Wilson use  both poignant humor and satirical honesty in “The Game of LIFE” installation, as the familiar board game has been altered for vastly different experiences of the American life. The glitzy “Privileged Edition” (Russell) shimmers with silver spoon opportunities and a glitter-studded Wheel of Fortune spinning device.

In sharp contrast, the “Urban Ghetto Edition” (Kaminsky) is bare, concrete-laden and depressing. Rusted out cars and dilapidated buildings surround a relatively short cement track. Players might find themselves on “Apply for a job” or “The more affluent African Americans depart the inner city.”

A myriad of brightly colored flags are tethered to a miniature Statue of Liberty in the “Fresh Off the Boat Edition” (Wilson). Hardships like “No one can say your name: Lose a Turn” lie next to “Choose a new American name: LIFE TILE.” The juxtaposition of a light-hearted game with heart-breaking realities is an easily accessible concept for viewers.

Outside of the LIFE installation are three large collages by Deborah F. Lawrence. Using many varieties of red and white striped cloth in conjunction with letters cut from magazines, Lawrence has constructed maps both of the world and of the United States. In what reads like a ransom note, “New Preamble” challenges our nation’s founding identity document to modernize with the times.

Downstairs, Feodorov’s paintings hang with disturbing and inaccessible symbols: dotted rain clouds, faces blurting out silent screams, a constellation map, even a rabbit in the belly of a snake. His bio sheds necessary light on the fact that he is of mixed Navajo and Caucasian descent, two apparently conflicting identities literally rearing their respective heads. They are the type of pieces that might be better understood by a collection of individuals discussing the works than solely on one’s own.

The variety of art objects from paintings to photos, reliefs, sculpture, ceramics and collage give ample opportunity for viewers to connect with a piece. Though some convey obvious social and political messages, others are more obscure. Art resonates with each person differently and cannot be viewed from a static position.

"Social Security" will be up at the Kirkland Arts Center through July 2. To participate in a hands-on art experience, join four of the show's artists on Sunday, June 26 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for a mixed-media workshop. Register online or call 425-822-7161; cost is $50 per student.