USF Contemporary Art Museum

calvin beard

The USF Contemporary Art Museum is a small museum with two good sized rooms. I concluded that these artworks were chosen based upon the blather that the artists said about their work. Actual art objects were far below expectations. If any of these were left in one of my apartments, I would not hesitate to throw them out. However, the little commentary plaques were extremely entertaining, near hysterical. Some examples: One display consisted of some ceramic chunks. They looked like the cutoffs from someone making extruded products. They were painted so that it looked like someone was checking the spray paint cans before painting something else. The plaque read, “.. his ongoing material exploration and expanding visual lexicon transcends ancient and modern forms of communication and invites decoding and interpretation from multiple perspectives.” Never, outside of political speech have I heard such a string of non-sequitur phrases. This museum is fascinating. There was a waterfall looking display that appeared to be made of crocheted, red painted trash bags. It was kind of attractive. The plaque read, “.. the material exploration of crochet stitching as a transformative act which honors the strength and residency of abused women, materially interwoven with the trauma and power carried and contained within their bodies and psyche”. I suppose that these works become meaningful if enough cultural catch phrases are applied. Another exhibit looked like damaged mattresses with trash thrown into the holes. The plaque read, “... work melds corporeal and geological ... gaping orifices that gesture a link between our own skin and the surface of the earth.... The rich velvet and utilitarian canvas comment on society’s preoccupation with superficial status as we face certain failure with the impending climate crisis”. That interpretation must be obvious to someone. Apparently these works of art are created only for display in these museums. Who else would want them? These hidden works of art, inaccessible, sequestered, in an art community whispering secrets to each other, self congratulating society with no commercial or cultural impact, a nursing home for ineptitude. I see that this exhibit was put together by the Curator of Public Art and Social Practice at the USF Institute for Research in Art. How could there be a paid position that is more removed from reality or even accountability? Keep those catch phrases going, you’ll keep getting funding. Indirectly, I suppose, from me.

Joseph Learned

As a local and alumni, I love this place. Always a friendly, inviting, and calm atmosphere. Having worked a significant portion of my life at an art museum, I am aware that this takes a great deal of effort to achieve. Such a great place.

J B

While there was a distinct curated focus on one artist i fully and thoroughly enjoyed seeing such a topical display at this art museum! Robert Lazzarini in 2012 explores Barriers, Walls and Government. Quite the subject for 2019.

Will Power (ALonelyChurro)

Honestly, I was not expecting to be so impressed when I walked in. Yes, the place can be described as a small museum, however, the set that is here is genuinely cool and some of it engaging. They host events regularly and it feels nice and comfortable when you walk in. The staff are incredibly nice and helpful, and you may end up walking out with a few brochures.