Metrobsession

February 11

Some artists I know are organizing a small exhibit with the novel parameter that all submitted works must utilize New York City MTA Metrocards as their platform.  In its second year, and conceived by painters, the project is commonly exploited by two-dimensional artists using the cards as canvases for a small image.  Very often it is a diminutive version of the style of work they usually make, which is, ironically, no small feat; any artist will tell you that working in miniature can be just as challenging if not more so than going big.

Last year I considered doing some drawings but never submitted.  I made excuses about the affair being too painter-centric, but I knew this really meant I wasn’t taking the time to think up something cool.  This year I am determined to make up for that.  I’m a believer in parameters being a source of expansion rather than limitation.

Yesterday I wrote a message to one of the event’s organizers, Michael:

“Hey--can I use multiple cards in one piece (if I wanted to assemble some sculpturally), or is there a dimension/quantity limit for each one?”

He wrote back right away:

“there are no rules!”

That was all I needed to hear.