I have a question for the muralists — here and elsewhere. Are you sure that what you are adding is better than what you are subtracting? Is what you have to say important enough, or urgent enough, that you’re ready to sideline, the work of another creator?
Tris McCall
Tris McCall has written about art, architecture, performance, politics, and public culture for many publications, including the Newark Star-Ledger, the Bergen Record, Jersey Beat, the Jersey City Reporter, the Jersey Journal, the Jersey City Independent, and New Jersey dot com. He also writes about things that have no relevance to New Jersey. Not today, though.
Posted inVisual Arts
Four Art Shows for Mother’s Day Weekend
Tris McCall reviews four art shows going on in Jersey City over Mother’s Day weekend.
Posted inUncategorized, Visual Arts
Five Artists Take on Climate Change: “Implied Scale” at MANA Contemporary
Should you really want to understand the sheer horror of California ablaze, you’re encouraged to head to MANA Contemporary (888 Newark Avenue) for “Implied Scale: Confronting the Enormity of Climate Change,” which will dominate the first floor of the gallery complex until July 22.
Posted inVisual Arts
Art Review: Polarity at PRIME Gallery
There’s no reason why painters shouldn’t share canvases, or hang their work on the same walls, or approach audiences shoulder to shoulder, just like a pair of emcees would. That Clarence Rich and Mr. Mustart grew up on hip-hop is apparent from the work they do. They understand the benefits of joining forces.
Posted inDowntown, Visual Arts
Art Review: “The Empowering: A Social Justice Exhibition”
“The Empowering: A Social Justice Exhibition” is an explicitly political show that asks visitors to take a hard look at America as it is, and question where we might be heading.
Posted inUncategorized
Should Politicians Be Judging Art?
Last November, Jersey City voters chose to create a public fund dedicated to the arts. They did not elect the members of the city council or the mayor to be arts judges.
Posted inOpinion, Visual Arts
Jersey City Arts Awards Lack Clear Standards
The Jersey Arts Council’s 2020 awards were deserved, according to arts critic Tris McCall, but the Council itself failed to justify its choices.
Posted inVisual Arts
Art Review: Dan Fenelon’s Primordial Pop
Dan Fenelon’s show “Primordial Pop” at Jersey City’s Novado Gallery features vibrant folk-art- inspired images sure to delight adults and children alike.
Posted inVisual Arts
Art Review: “Reaching for the Steal” DISTORT Show
DISTORT is one of the biggest names in Jersey City art, and I mean that literally: If you’ve walked around town, you’ve seen his name painted in big block letters on the many murals he’s contributed to the local streetscape. DISTORT is not shy about taking up space —- his mural by the Holland Tunnel […]
Posted inPerforming Arts
The Best Rock Band in New Jersey
The Front Bottoms are the best rock band in New Jersey. I can make this claim because I’ve heard them all, and yes, they’re better than that one you’re thinking of.