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An Artist's Perspective: What's Happening At Mark Arts?

 

Several keynotes came to light at Wichita’s Mark Arts this past week. 

We saw the opening of “The New Cool-Emerging Artists Exhibition,” which features 26 of the area’s newer, extremely talented up and comers, showcasing an exciting array of works in a wide variety of mediums. Although I was quite surprised to see not one video presentation or site-specific installation piece, most of the works on view are of high quality and very well done. Among favorites are Kelsey Gossett-Dennis’ archival inkjet prints, Mathew Miller’s oils on panel, Garet Reynek’s ceramics, and Hugo Zelada-Romero’s acrylic screen prints on raw canvas.

Dimitris Skliris

The artists for this show were brought together by Mark Arts Exhibition Director Dimitris Skliris, which brings me to my second keynote: Skliris was fired from Mark Arts directly after this show opened. The reasons remain undisclosed to the public.

Now, artistically speaking, I must say that Skliris is exceptionally talented at what he does and has hit the ball out of the park on most counts since Mark Arts opened. He has an exceptional eye and takes needed risks with content that add depth and extreme to his exhibitions.

When such a talent is thrown away I am left to wonder if Mark Arts wants to take a sleepy and ultra-conservative road, and if so, exactly who this will serve. Although Mark Arts is brand new, I can only say it’s a sad end to an era. I will miss Skliris and his great talent.