Amy Sillman – Transformer at Sikkema Jenkins

Amy Sillman’s exhibit at Sikkema Jenkins struck a magical note for the art press. Seems like everyone has written about this show, but why? Beyond the quality of the work, Sillman has found the sweet spot. It’s abstract with figurative elements, it’s process oriented but narrative, she covers a lot of territory but somehow manages to keep everything covered. It never seems forced, her work evolves out of several unique lines of inquiry. Just look at the exhibit’s title “Transformer (or how many lightbulbs does it take to change a painting)”. The word ‘transformer’ is practically a manifesto, explaining her creative process as a reiterative and evolutionary approach. She’s not dropping a completely formulated “art brand” but is showing the steps that lead to the development of new visual forms. The parenthetical title, while being jokey, also reinforces the idea of art as being transformational. She is changing painting and inviting everyone along for the ride. While much has been written about obvious influences (including Guston) I wouldn’t describe the work as derivative. This would seem to be another element of transformation, of adapting and ultimately transforming source materials into a new line of inquiry. The most brilliant and bold manipulation of her work and this exhibit is keeping an element of lightness, the jokey-free spirited quality helps to alleviate what could be a crushing seriousness. It was the exhibit that gave you a little bit of everything, even a $1 zine… what more could you ask for?