When Good Ideas Go Bad

Seattlest debated on whether to write this post at all. We don't want to come across as negative (not that that slows us down at all in the real world). Never mind those reservations however. Despite the fact that the exhibit itself is winding down for us, we feel its our duty to let our thoughts be known. Our words may come too late for Seattle, but maybe it can help out our friends in Austin.

After being spoiled at the end of the year by the Scion Film Series and Red Bull Music Academy, we had high hopes for the Scion art tour, titled Installation. The film series and music academy were far beyond being mere bright spots, but had an almost laser-like focus not on their sponsoring companies, but on their stated goals. The film series brought some relatively underground films to the forefront, and even surprised guests with a lecture from Ricky Powell. The music academy was a huge shot of adrenaline for Seattle's already active nightlife and provided the opportunity for musical cross-pollination. Both events succeeded through keeping the marketing message secondary, more an omnipresent whisper of logos than a screaming sales pitch.

Apparently Scion is using a different marketing team this time around, since this group show falls far short of the film effort, and even of their last Installation outing. Instead of providing a traditional canvas, Scion provided their selection of artists with 3-foot sculptures of one of their car makes. On paper this seems like an idea that isn't too far removed from the practice of exhibiting customized vinyl toys, but somehow it fails in execution. Where the vinyl toys provide a whimsical platform for the artist, the car sculpture provides a constant reminder that you're not walking through an art exhibit, you're walking through a commercial.

That's not to say that some of the pieces aren't impressive in their own ways. The chosen artists are all very talented, and that shines through, but only in moments. The car as deer head (with bullet hole) by Seattle-born Blaine Fontana and the car with tentacles instead of wheels are extremely creative and show a willingness to play with the format, but overall, it seems that the artists put in a merely perfunctory effort. Someone looking to expand their horizons on urban art would be better served with a few well-constructed web searches.

While the art didn't make much impact, luckily Roq la Rue has a very good book and magazine collection. That made the trip worthwhile, since this exhibit certainly didn't. Consider yourself warned.

Installation: Scion Art Tour
Through January 26, 2006
Roq La Rue Gallery, 2312 2nd Ave.
Free