By Claire Cushman (MFA 2015)
Below, they answer some questions about the blog:
What
is Quantum, and how did you get it started?
Angela: We founded QuantumArtReview
last year as an online art review magazine. The idea began as a conversation within our mutual group of
friends, many of whom are artists and also curators. We wanted a platform
to share opinions, have discussions, and highlight the work of emerging
artists. We immediately realized that the blog had potential to become an incredibly
powerful resource for ourselves and others.
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| Crepuscular Things, oil on canvas, 46" x 60", 2014, by Angela Gram |
How
did you choose the name “Quantum”?
Angela: The Quantum in our title not only represents the minutia
of journalistic investigation, it also stands for this ineffable space
where artists are probing into the Sublime, (quantum mechanics being where the
laws of physics essentially break down). We’ve interviewed artists whose
work is concerned with the depth of cosmic vastness (Ekaterina Smirnova), and
the layers of embryonic anatomy (Bryan Christie) among others.
Tell me about the intersection of art and science you’re examining at Quantum?
Angela: Art and science are
essentially kindred disciplines. They are both vital methods of measuring the
human experience. The former is a more intuitive, introspective form of
investigation, while the latter uses formal empirical analysis. Inquiry
fuels the development of both fields and a paramount example of such
simultaneous flourishing is perhaps the Italian Renaissance. A classical
polymath such as Da Vinci uses multiple scientific investigations to directly
inform his visual work and inventions.
Contemporary artists in this dialogue seem to delve into the unknown. Some are interested in tenuous existential questions manifesting from the “threatening” speed of advancing technology. This seems to be a consistent trend in the zeitgeist.
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| Christ Becomes a Spider, oil on panel, 2015, by Jacob Hicks |
Contemporary artists in this dialogue seem to delve into the unknown. Some are interested in tenuous existential questions manifesting from the “threatening” speed of advancing technology. This seems to be a consistent trend in the zeitgeist.
How
has writing and interviewing artists changed your artistic practice?
Jacob: The more
I learn about the processes of those I admire, the more I add to my own tool set. I think a good way to drive my practice forward is to swim in
the great work, ideas, and techniques of those whom I admire.
Where
do you get most of your writing done?
Jacob: I am most efficient working
on my computer in a quiet and well-lit room. It’s important to be online while
I write, so I can research as I go. However, sometimes the old-fashioned pen
and paper is more conducive to thought. In which case I’ll go to a coffee shop.
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| The Gaits, 2006, 10'x12', Colored plaster, rope, steel, by Michael O'Keefe |
Who’s the most interesting artist you’ve interviewed?
Jacob: I had a great time interviewing Michael O’Keefe because I had known and admired his work as an undergraduate student in Texas. Critical writing for QAR is a great excuse to meet artists and explore their work and processes.
To read more, check out Venison Magazine's interview with Angela about her work and QunatumArtReview.
