The sculpture “Wireless – Double Indemnity,” by Professor of Art Milt Friedly has been accepted for the national juried art exhibition “Unhinged.” The exhibition runs from Sept. 21 to Oct. 20 at the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition in Brooklyn, N.Y.
The exhibition was juried by Marshall Price, curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the National Academy Museum. This is not Friedly’s first national exhibit; he has shown in many national juried and curated art exhibitions, though this will be his first exhibition at the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition.
The sculpture is two tower shapes made from CD holders that were welded together. The sculpture also includes bundles of communication wiring in both tower shapes, with the wire coming out of the ends of the towers.
“The complete process, like many of my sculptural works, is a process of gathering materials for their aesthetic, intrinsic and historical values. I usually hold onto the materials until an idea gels. Once the concept comes together I begin to work with the material to create a whole,” Friedly said.
Most works take two to three months to complete, depending on how many pieces are required for the work.
“In the beginning, the inspiration for ‘Wireless – Double Indemnity’ was the wire itself, but I had to figure out what to do with it. I had just started a new ongoing series called “Wireless,” which makes reference to our push to become a wireless society and outdated technology – it is commentary on our culture, past and present,” Friedly said.
After the work was installed for the first time, Friedly realized that it referenced the Twin Towers due to its form and chaotic nature. “The form really speaks to structure/anti-structure – the chaos and order,” Friedly said.
Friedly said the most rewarding aspect of making artwork, specifically sculptures, is the end result and positive feedback from both the local and national art communities. He feels that it is important to get feedback, both positive and negative, from professional critics and not just the public who may or may not be informed about contemporary art. As an educator, he feels it is necessary to inform as many people as possible about contemporary art. After the exhibit in Brooklyn, Friedly hopes to show his work in a larger show or another venue.
