Wham Bam Philosophy

Director’s note:

GUTAI - Japanese artists aimed to open a dialog between the material’s and the artist’s spirit while attempting to transform the material into something new.

It’s younger American brother FLUXUS adhered to a similar philosophy with a more deliberate anti art establishment stance. Both Avant Garde movements have influenced artistic thinking through the ages. Not all of it good. The combination of POP ART  and FLUXUS manifested itself as a culmination of “ Anything goes as long as we can sell it ”  attitude,  --- and much  of Post Modernism has adhered to this.

(A friend once said, if you want to quiet the Avant Garde, absorb it into the fold of the establishment.)

In a time when we have to think about our resources, recycle, address sustainability, maybe even rethink what we think we know,  WHAM BAM aims to create an environment in which to ponder and apply in the spirit of GUTAI and FLUXUS philosophy,  art that questions convention, is not for sale,  is more of a happening then an exhibition, encourages group efforts and becomes a communal event. 

The Artists chosen for WHAM BAM April 2012:  

Abbigael Rae Beddall

Is well grounded in performance art and Fluxus philosophy as demonstrated in many of her spirited endeavors. Outstanding, is her sophisticated and well planned,  Box Project, that questions or celebrates the value of art.

Chris Donadio

Like Miss Beddall a graduate of Penn State , opens dialogue often referencing to art history and in Fluxus tradition encourages physical  interaction with his audience.

Jed Miner      

In his drawings, trusting the rhythmic flow of his hands to then add deliberate gesture signifies the dichotomy of his thinking, which pivots between the realm of pure abstraction and commentary. He’s a graduate of Cal Arts.

Jason Schwab

Humorous and provocative thinking is well demonstrated in his surrealist based  photography often making fun of  male/female stereotypes.

Jayne Struble 

A more formal thinker about space and rhythm, her main body of drawings ventures in and out of implied and real space.  A collaboration installation with fellow Kutztown U. graduate Jason Schwab, yielded a contemplation of the American home, by installing card board furnishings in an empty apartment.

Thank you to everyone for helping create a successful event!

(read more about the event)

“I love the space… The art is very very awesome It’s really great to see such young people come and show their work. It’s just a great vibe. I really enjoyed it.” - Alex

“It’s amazing, lots of creativity, a lot of interesting characters and everybody is just dressed so lovely.” - Brandon

“It’s beautiful, I like it,  it is definitely different and unique. I am intrigued with the combination of performance art and the pieces and how everything is interactive. I like it.”

1. -Alfonso Todd
   

(read more accolades)

This is the continuation of Wham Bam being created worldwide.

This time in Obama City, Japan