On Friday night, I paid a visit to Pride & Passion 2008, the Tampa Museum of Art’s annual celebration of gay pride, to check out Equilibrium, a one-night exhibit featuring three Tampa-based GLBT artists: Jen Saavedra, Santiago Echeverry and Kurt Piazza. Wish y’all could see the exhibit, but it’s gone now. Instead, check out this video!
4 responses so far ↓
1 Katherine Gibson // Jun 5, 2008 at 11:05 am
Excellent Video - fully enjoyed seeing and hearing from the artists, especially because I could not make the event. Thanks for bringing it to me in my fuzzy slippers. More please!
2 Noah Rollins // Jun 6, 2008 at 10:27 am
It was a fun evening, but I think the artwork was relegated to little more than backdrop. Of course the Museum’s interim location is limited on space and exhibition options. But I think the artwork could have taken a stronger presence, been displayed with more rigor and been on display for more than one evening. This felt like an example of an artPARTY, where the creative works were considered secondary. A shame, as I know all those who put time into the work and curating cared deeply about what was on display.
3 Megan Voeller // Jun 6, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I’m inclined to agree with Noah. My heart went out particularly to Kurt and Santiago whose videos were relegated to circulation areas and, in Kurt’s case, muted by bright lights. A monitor showing Santiago’s videos was literally put in the closet– I mean, stairwell– away from the main party area. While I’m glad the event took place at all, I think a month-long exhibit would be more appropriate (especially given the caliber of talent in the show). Full disclosure: I am the proud owner of a pair of photographs by Jen Saavedra.
4 J McLean // Aug 20, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I very much enjoyed the video and an grateful that it was made. The curator is a woman of obvious energy, depth and soul to have invested herself into the show for such a short time allowed for the public to experience. I am very sorry that Tampa does not yet realize that it cannot progress in the arts until it embraces all aspects to the same degree that it does for the traditional. Bravo! Hope to hear more from Ms. Saavedra.
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