You would think that with the opening of the 54th Venice Biennale just days away that The Biennial Project would have their hands full with last minute preparations—hair and wardrobe considerations, appointments with various stylists, finalizing the list of the best parties to attend (can you IMAGINE!!!???)……but of course TBP had to make time to be neighborly. Specifically, we had to jet up north to attend the 2011 Maine Biennial and let’s just say that with our crazy busy schedules seeing this show was definitely worth the trip!!!
According to interviews with a number of VIP’s,the Maine Biennial in recent years has committed itself to expanding its reach. Specifically, one VIP who requested to remain anonymous stated that the Maine Biennial has dedicated itself “to attracting more and more top notch contemporary artists.” The very same not-to-be-named VIP discreetly suggested to The Biennial Project that they should be included in the 2013 Maine Biennial as TBP summers in the greater Kennebunkport region (did we mention hanging w/ the Presidents Bush???)…
And now for some of our faves!!!!
As many of you already know, The Biennial Project is known for playing well in the sandbox with others and our adventure to the Maine Biennial was an excellent opportunity for collaborating with one of our BFFs—the noted Czech artist Bohuslav Petran shown here in action!
Bo’s very favorite piece in the 2011 Maine Biennial was a marvelous installation consisting of clay pieces and ink by Alisha Gould. The photo here does not do justice to the piece!
Eric, currently on assignment in Dubai, of course had his favorite too—not surprisingly, the main focus of the piece by Kim Bernard was a collection of large dangling balls—the TOTAL art “package”…
Anna was torn between two lov-ahs…we mean two pieces…and the winner was this cool installation by Lauren O’Neal.
Last but not least was Laura’s favorite—an amazing installation made of hay and twine (that spanned three stories!) titled “Cascade, Current and Pool (for the vanquished pools of the Presumpscot River) by Michael Shaughnessy who also was the recipient of the prestigious Juror’s Prize… CAN WE PICK ‘EM OR WHAT???!!!
Ever the magnet for celebrities, The Biennial Project spent part of the afternoon hob-nobbing with the son of Michael Shaughnessy—the handsome and charming Ciaran Shaughnessy who provided fascinating and poignant insiders insight into the process and work of his wonderfully talented father. Ciaran and his lovely companion Katie Eastman are pictured below with Michael’s AWESOME piece…
ROCK ON MAINE!!!!
WE’LL BE SEEING YOU IN 2013…….