IAC to let art fans discover their fantasies

 

Mention erotic art, and many think of the more sordid side of photography, but the International Artists’ Community is out to prove that image wrong in their next exhibition.

The best erotic art, the IAC argues, is playful and suggestive, and leaves room for the viewer to complete the fantasy themselves.

And caf Blind Spot seems sure it won’t have patrons spluttering on their cappuccinos, as they have agreed to host the event. Ten artists from five countries will show paintings, photographs and mixed media works.

They include artists who have exhibited overseas, such as Jos Antonio Nigro, Lee Ha and Mike Stewart and others such as Stephen Nicol and Richard J. Beaumont with decades of experience.

The interpretations vary wildly. One fantastical image features two cavorting rabbits, some are more conventional nude portraits, others are indirect ― a pair of ankles, for example.

Richard J. Beaumont, the exhibition’s curator and an artist participating in the show, says the exhibition aimed to broach the subject in an entertaining way ― an approach he feels is important for all art.

“I think art should uplift, inspire, challenge and entertain both the artist and the audience,” He said. “If it is heavy, self conscious and contrived, aimed only at the critic and the market then it is in my opinion, more like any other product offered for sale and not really worthy of being called art.”

But portraying something in an amusing way does not mean that the work should not be taken seriously, Beaumont said.

“Art that is ‘fun and entertaining’ does not mean ‘frivolous,’” he explained.

“Serious subjects and messages are often most effectively conveyed in a light-hearted way. The art in this exhibition is multifaceted and layered, beneath the surface lurks a serious intent waiting to be discovered by the discerning viewer.”

The opening on Saturday will feature music from Southern-influenced “Just Friends.”

French performing artist “Alex” will show “FraiseVinyl” between 8-8:30pm on Saturday evening. Beaumont is reticent to reveal the content.

“All I can say is that it will be sensational and definitely should not be missed,” he said.

“Erotic Fantasies” will show until Dec. 17 at Blind Spot, which opens 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. To get there, walk straight from Sangsu Station for about 50 meters, and the venue is on the left.

By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)