MOCA

On By ResaIn Contemporary Art

Museum Of Contemporary Art

I’d like to welcome Trent (Trent’s World the Blog) to Graffiti Lux Art & More to discuss some of the art I saw at a showing at MOCA in Toronto.

For all of the images below, Trent was sent just the images without any notes or an artist’s name.

Jes Fan

Resa – After just looking at the image, what are your first impressions?

Trent – My first thought was it looks like when sewage comes up and then recedes and leaves nasty toilet paper sticking to things.  Second thought was just garbage bags. 

Resa – Fan’s silicone, soyaderm, resin, steel and glass “express the fragility and persistence of humans and animals in ever-changing, unstable systems.”So Trent, although you put it in different words, you have captured the intent. After knowing more about it, what are your thoughts?

Trent – OK, with the description I can see wasted people/animals barely hanging on to existence, flaps of skin sticking to bare ribs.  The edge of existence . Combining the two thoughts, after all is said and done, we do persist and there is always something about life and about humans that will always hang in there, cling to those bits of stability so even a strong flush can’t get rid of us.

Oreka James

Another image sent without notes – I’m a bit taken with the fact that Trent thought of Africa right off the bat. I was feeling something Canadian aboriginal.

Tempus – Stainless steel, earth and cow horns

Trent– I instantly thought “Africa”.  Perhaps agriculture destroying the land.  The big metal thing with the waves?  Not sure, perhaps the moisture that is no longer in the parched soil?  But I really think it is man destroying the land in Africa, mostly with agriculture, though I suppose that the horns could be wild animals destroyed by man.  Hmmm, that might make more sense…

Resa – In the description it said – “The use of metal references Ògún, the god of iron for the Yoruba people of West Africa” then goes on to say “and the alchemy of changing physical substances.” Your initial thoughts are quite on.

Trent – OK, “the alchemy of changing physical substances.”  I can see that, the bare soil bringing forth the iron.  I’ll stick with my first thoughts, but add that – our technical world is built from, and often destroys, our earthly soil.

  • 360 degress on Tempus

There were 2 more pieces by Oreka James, both in oil on unstretched canvas. There were no comments on these works, other than –“Horns are a reoccurring motif within this body of the artists work, symbolizing a quest for victory, freedom and fellowship.”

Night Angel

Night Angel was one of the original pics I had sent to Trent, without any info.

Trent – There is the animals horn that the person is wrestling with and the red soil.  The figure is odd, very masculine, yet at first glance I thought it was a woman, so can be either.  And their head is almost invisible, so they is all body. 

With the scorpion, I think man against nature, and again I place it in Africa.  And with this, I take the horns as wild animals, not cattle.

I hadn’t sent the next piece to Trent, and he is seeing it in the rough draft for the first time.

Resa – So, I thought this piece was painted on a stretched hide. Canvas never crossed my mind.

Trent – Ooo, those eyes are sinister, along with that red.  And a mirrored set of eyes?  It is a demon of the night waiting to get in.

Resa – At first I saw 4 butterflies of some kind, so I took a close up of them. When I got home and looked at the pics, I saw eyes.

Trent – Hmm, I guess I can see the butterflies, but for me the eyes jumped right out.  With the odd, angular shape that looks like arms reaching out, and the red fireball giving forward momentum, I will stick with night demon coming to get you.

Resa – Yikes!

P. Mansaram

Born in India 1934 – Died in Canada 2020. A diasporic artist using multimedia, he became friends with Canadian Philosopher Marshall McLuhan, of the famous quote “The medium is the message”.

Devi – offset colour lithograph & paint on canvas

Trent – I am not sure!  Very busy and hard to see, though I do see many faces and at least one Indian god. 

Resa – Most insightful, as the artist was from India, and you didn’t know that.

Trent – My very first thought was panic, but there is something strangely sexual, but sexual in a pornographic way, not a “natural” or “sexy” way.  Maybe “dirty” more than “pornographic”. I think it is strange that a sexual nature jumps out first thing, but I think it has to do with placement of shape and color.

OK, “Devi” is a multifaceted, all powerful goddess (I used Wikipedia  )  And she does represent female sexual energy.  I caught all of that, but I am not sure why I thought of that sexual energy as “dirty” – I think it must be implied by the male artist?  But, Devi?  It is perfect.

  • Rear View Mirror#1
  • Rear View Mirror #103
  • My Gods

Resa – I mentioned Mansaram’s friendship with McLuhan, as together they had created a series of over 100 works together. The 1960’s series is titled Rearview Mirror (moving ahead while keeping an eye on the past). The first 2 in the above slideshow are from that series. Any comments on those? Anything to say on the last one My Gods?

Trent – They are interesting and really juxtaposes his Indian past with the Western present.  With all three (or four if you include “Devi”) there is that idea that the final product is more than the sum of the parts – your first impression of the image without seeing any of the material it is created from is more important than any of said material. 

I have a collage in my house (my wife used to work closely with an art gallery) that took years before I realized it was made of nude photos.  A strange sensuality is present without knowing, and once I knew, it didn’t change.  Same with these – it is the overall, not the parts of them.

Resa – Honestly Trent, when I originally saw the Mansaram art, I was like – MEH! Too busy! Now, I think it’s possibly the best part of the show. I love it!

Trent –  I can understand why these grew on you – they are interesting and powerful in their way.

For anyone interested, below is link to more on P. Mansaram.

P.Mansaram (1934–2020): A Canadian Artist in, and of, the World

Jean-Paul Kelley

I asked my artist friend, who treated me to the show, what was with the penis drawings? She fluffed it off saying – Oh someone always does a penis thing at all these contemporary art shows. There was no commentary with this installation.

Resa – I had sent you only one of the drawings, which in retrospect I now think is the rudest of all the drawings. It’s is at the end of the slideshow. This way if someone doesn’t want to look, they don’t have to. I think your take on it (and in many ways the entire display) is right on.

Trent’s Take on the Rudest Pic

Trent – Strange.  He doesn’t look like he is wiping his forehead with the toilet paper, it looks like he is using it to hide in shame.  The angle is like he is half squatting, half standing, but not sitting.  And either he is in the middle of diarrhea or he has very large worms… 

Resa – LOL! Still, I’m attempting to be open minded.

Trent – The non-sexual erection may be why he is hiding his face in shame – he has been exposed, the door opened, his “shame” on public display in the now far too, public toilet. There’s not one bit of sexuality despite that his penis is erect, which may be why he is hiding his face in shame.

Resa – Any comments on the other drawings?

Trent – The first and third in the series go very well with the one you sent – the guy is in the same pose, and it is like the same image seen from three different states of mind, or in three parallel universes.  In the other two it is smoke, not toilet paper, but still…

OK, the first looks like he just dropped dead of a heart attack.  The second he is peeing on the building because he can’t get in – I guess some sort of metaphor, just don’t ask right now.  yeah, such is life, you are denying me what I need, but I will just do it anyway, and it will be you who pays.  The third, like the first, but with the idea that he may be falling drunk, not dead.  OK, puking out the window?  No thanks. 

Resa – I can’t remember where I read it, but someone said that they did not take pics because they did not want to foul their camera. What do you say to that?

Trent – Lol, I can see why. Although there may be a message and if I looked longer I could find it, I don’t want to look longer!  They seem to be provocative just to be provocative. 

As to penises, there is so much female full frontal nudity in art, why not male?  I don’t think it has to be rude or “in your face”, but there is a place for it – I have both male and female nude paintings in my house. 

Of course the art gallery my wife worked with had a lot of gay artists, and yes, a cliche, they liked drawing or painting men more than women.  But, yeah, these drawings are not my favorite – I would not want to look at them every day!

Michael Thompson

I sent Trent the first image, again with no info. The anvil is new to Trent. The paintings are oil on canvas.

Mirror Match Shine

Trent – My first thought was roadkill.  A woman in a raincoat squished/flattened into a mud puddle.  But, gloves in the background?  Hold on.  Is there a person there or is it just accessories?  Do the accessories make the person and person an illusion in that sea of gloves?  The raincoat looks like just a piece of mylar, yet you have to look at it to see that is all it is. 

But those accessories – boots, mylar rain coat and gloves, creates the illusion of the person laid out in a puddle of gloves.

Resa – Info offered is a kind of “non-place” & “perhaps even fetishizes objects and their surfaces”. This isn’t ringing any bells for me.

Trent – OK, “non-place” & “perhaps even fetishizes objects and their surfaces”. comes close to my final thought, that it isn’t about the person, it is about the objects, the surface, the image of the person.  A lot of fetishes don’t depend on the people but on what I called the accessories in my initial description.  These “accessories” are almost a cliche, what people see.

Resa – Okay the anvil has me stumped, almost annoyed. A description says “a place holder” & “present is inherently tied to the past.” Do we still use anvils?

Red Hot

Trent – I can see why you are stumped!  “A place holder” – well, something that weighty will certainly hold anything in place!  lol.  This is an anvil used for doing horseshoes, though the right side does remind me of a hole for a cylinder in an engine block – maybe?  Not sure.  Yeah, no real thoughts – well done, but “so?”

GB Jones

This is her first time showing these 3 graphite on paper drawings. I had only sent the first one to Trent.

Trent – Nothing jumps out.  It is a pretty good print, but not special.  The building does look almost ghostly, but no huge first impression – I’ve seen better likenesses and I’ve seen much worse!  Will have to wait for more on this one.

Resa – Here are the other 2 from the series.You said, “almost ghostly”? Uncanny!

GB says they are “… studies of haunted buildings” & “critiques social conditions through horror and the grotesque.”

Trent – lol, OK, so “ghostly” it is!  I do like the one you sent the best, but I think the train station is cool. 

Trent – The prints are well done, but there was nothing until I had that hint that they are haunted, and, yes, they are!  I like them better knowing that – it does bring something out, doesn’t it? 

Resa – I completely agree with you!

Trent – Strange that these pieces of art are so much better knowing what they are than not.

Catherine Telford Keogh

Following is another image (plus pics of 2 of the plastic boxes) I sent Trent, with no explanation.

Carriers

Trent – Hmm, very few thoughts.  A conveyor in a factory, but what are in those containers?  Random letters frozen in plastic or mud?  Life keeps coming at us on that conveyor, but what does it contain, what is frozen in the instances? 

Resa – Yes, your comment “Life keeps coming at us on that conveyor,” is relevant to what the artist says – “This new work mines the relationship between environmental histories and capitalist industry.”

Trent – OK, I get it.  If you haven’t seen it, go watch the video for the newer version by Yusuf of his former-self’s (Cat Stephens) song “Where do the children play”. Similar message, different medium.  Though the medium is the message, isn’t it?  In the case of the conveyor belt, yes, the medium really is the message!

The Medium’s Message

Where do the Children Play – at the beginning the 1970s Cat Stevens is playing guitar, at the end it is the modern Yusuf playing guitar in that band. 

Now for some MOCA Music, by Trent

I really could not decide on which I like better for the post. The first is a contemporary classic, the second a full MOCA blow out.

Resa – Trent, thank you so much for joining me in this journey of discovery through some contemporary art!

Greater Toronto Art 2024

179 thoughts on “MOCA”

    2. Trent did great. ❦❦
      Admittedly, I got everything wrong when I was at the show. My friend, a contemporary artist, kept saying what do think the artist’s intent is?
      I had no ideas on anything.
      Now, after working on this post with Trent, my next trip to MOCA will be a more intriguing experience.

  3. Interpreting this artwork is no easy feat but I’m impressed with both your and Trent’s ability to find some intention in these creations. Especially since Trent has nothing to go on but instinct and what seems a tremendous knowledge of contemporary art.
    Thank you for the tour and descriptions!
    xoxoxoxoxo

    1. Thanks, Holly. Years ago I used to spend some time at a gallery of contemporary art. I wasn’t told what to look for, but I did get exposure to it which helps my appreciation.

      2. You certainly have an eye for art Trent, wonderful instincts and interpretive skills, I think that’s what contemporary art is about. Let the viewer translate in their own mind what is before them.

          1. One might compare contemporary art to poetry. Its meaning is up for interpretation. Thank you Trent. And you darlin Resa. You make it a better day.
            xoxoxoxoxo

            2. I completely agree.
              I can’t help interpreting poetry. If I don’t get a vision, then it’s just words, rhyming or not. Of course, someone else may get a vision where I do not.
              Love the arts!!!!!!!
              xoxoxo🌹xoxoxo

              1. It’s true! Poetry can be interpreted in so many ways , it may make no sense at all to others while the writer knows just what she’s saying. 😊🐭😊🐭

    2. That’s what my friend who took me to MOCA said, it’s about the intent. Intent? I was lost, then again it was my first time at a Contemporary art show.
      Trent’s knowledge and ability made this art “happen” for me.
      xoxoxoxoxo

      1. I have little to no experience with contemporary art. I either like it or not and seldom find any meaning there so that’s why I’m awed that you and Trent can interpret ( even your guesswork is spot on) !
        Love this post you two.
        ❤️

    1. That first one, made partly of soyaderm, is fascinating. I wondered if it was edible? I love tofu.
      Working with Trent on these works of art has educated me.

  5. Thanks, Resa, this was a fun project! I do love art and Contemporary art does present its challenges. I think you did a great job in making this all come together so well 🙂 And thanks for sharing my music.

    1. Welcome, and Thank You, Trent!
      Yes, contemporary art is challenging. I had no ideas on intent. I was starting from a WTF pov, but took it all in.
      It was my first time going to a Contemporary Art Show.
      I learned a lot working on this project with you.
      Next visit MOCA will be approached differently, by me.
      Thank you for the music, and being part of this! ❦❦

  7. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

    Wonderful post, Resa. You two covered some cool pieces at the MOCA. I hadn’t thought about Cat Stevens in years. Trent’s Challenges are brilliant.

    1. I don’t listen to Cat Stevens often any more but I still love his music and am glad that he has decided to work with it again. Thanks, glad you liked my music!

    2. Thanks Tim!
      Agree, Trent really has some insight. I learned a lot from doing this post with him.
      Cat Stevens wrote some good songs. xx

    1. Contemporary art is an acquired taste and I am glad that old school art is still available to enjoy, but it is fun exploring it. Thanks.

    2. Agree, Brad! I do think having Trent along shone a different light on this art.
      It was fun to chat about. Thank you so much for your lovely comment!

    1. Thanks Gi! Thank goodness for art. Contemporary art is new to me, and Trent helped me make sense of it, a new appreciation. xoxo

      1. It was wonderful and I think most of us learned a lot from it. You did a fantastic job and it was a lot of fun having him guess what things were before you told him. I was guessing too, of course.

        2. Yeah, it was fun. That was my first visit to a Contemporary Art Museum. It won’t be my last! xx
          How did your guesses do?

  11. That was utterly fascinating! I loved the discussion, and was amazed at Trent’s eye, interpretation, and insights into the pieces without knowing the “facts.” I was totally immersed in your conversation all the way through. It was interesting to see how the images evolved as you both studied them, especially Mansaram’s work. It was way too busy for me – until I started reading through your discussion.

    I actually liked the Anvil a lot – the heaviness and solidity and all that blood red. The left side seems almost primitive/ancient (past), and the right side industrial (future?). These two halves certainly has clashed with lots of spilled blood – and will continue to do so. Is the anvil a placeholder for violence because the two sides are inevitably joined but refuse to be reconciled?

    And the penis series … the utter immoral and hedonistic degradation and self-destruction of mankind. It feels symbolic of what we’ve come to. We should be uncomfortable with it. We shouldn’t like to look at it. But it’s important that we do. Reminds me of Washington.

    You two did a great job with this. I spent at least an hour here that I didn’t have! LOL. Loved it.

    1. Sorry for keeping you away from your tasks. lol. Thanks, Diana! I’m glad you enjoyed the conversation.

      I think you are going the right direction with the anvil. Perhaps something between muscle (the horse and the human making horseshoes) and industrial (objects created from metal on an industrial scale. The anvil is in the middle? Maybe the bloody conflict?

      A lot of art is meant to be uncomfortable. Those drawings could be pointing out aspects of where we are today…

    2. Diana,

      I totally agree about Trent’s perspicacity re: interpreting the artworks.

      I did not have one idea during the show, except wondering if the soyaderm art was edible. I love tofu.

      I learned a lot doing this post with Trent, and will have new eyes next time I go to MOCA.

      Mansaram’s work grew on me while I was working on the post. “The medium is the message” set off bells, not just for Mansaram’s pieces, but some of the others.

      The Anvil, lol, I just didn’t get it. I love your take. I think you would be fun to go to MOCA with.

      Hahahahahaha! The Washington Penis series. I love it!

      I’m thrilled you enjoyed this post. I’ve become addicted to art, and just want to share what I find. Plus I want to do more: my Art Gowns, drawing gowns and now the portraits. I never knew I could draw portraits until Holly egged me on.

      Thank you so much for taking the time you spent with this post. Trent and I did spend a fair bit of time making it. xx

      1. I can imagine that the post took a lot of time. But totally worth it. I was completely engaged. And it was fun to add my two cents – especially on the Washington Penis series. Lol. Glad you got a laugh from that one. Keep creating and enjoying, my friend.

        1. Same to you, Diana. Keep creating and enjoying.
          If you don’t feel like writing, paint another mural!
          I just made some Barbie Art Gowns. Took me out of my gown slump.

  12. camilla wells paynter's avatar camilla wells paynter

    Very cool!

    My favorite was the Oreka James piece that looks like it’s done on stretched hide. I didn’t find anything remotely sinister about it. I see the eyes as those of a pair of animals hunting at night, seeing but not being seen. To me, it speaks of the primal power of the non-human (more-than-human) world.

    The night is the time when the energy of human activity has subsided, and in this sense it can seem frightening to us, because it and the creatures who dwell under its cover are foreign to us. I see this work as an invitation to look inward and question what it is that triggers our fears. If there are “night demons” perhaps they are our own inner “demons” and the demons of our collective consciousness.

    I also note that the colors are those of many flags of the African continent, which have their own symbolism — black, green, yellow and red. Red, which features prominently in the piece, typically represents blood shed in the struggle for freedom and self-determination. If I incorporate this with my interpretation of the work, I would say that here the swath of red represents the struggle of the natural world and the deep mysteries of Earth and Spirit to maintain a foothold in a world still dominated by the mentality and materialist philosophy of colonialism and patriarchy.

    I am deeply reading my own world-view in this piece. I wonder what the artist would say?

    1. I think part of it is that you saw a painting on what looks like a stretched hide; I saw the “hide” as a multi-armed human, reaching out to grab something with those sharp-pointed arms. The eyes do like like an animal on the prowl or hunting, but since I saw a twisted human form, it was that twisted human with outstretched arms that was on the prowl, which is why I thought “Sinister”. Funny, I didn’t relate the red “fireball” with the red in the other pieces, but it is related – I think I thought “Africa” because of that red. I saw it as a force that was directed where the eyes are looking. Of course, my “night demon” might just be that bit of nature that we can never tame stalking the edges of our nightmares – not a real threat except in our human imaginations… Anyway, something with good art is different people can see different things in it 🙂

      1. camilla wells paynter's avatar camilla wells paynter

        Absolutely, Trent! Art is a shard of inner truth’s mirror. We all look at it and see ourselves. That’s exactly its beauty. Thanks for taking the time to read my comment!

    2. Ah, yes the Oreka James piece.

      I was way off the bat. I saw butterflies, (😂) until I got home and looked at the pics.

      Well, it was my first time with contemporary art. After this experience with Trent, I think I’ll be looking at future art with new eyes.

      Your own world view via the art is a wonderful thing. Whether or not the artist meant what you think doesn’t matter. I would think the artist would be thrilled that you got so much out of it. I know I am, and I’m not the artist.

      Thank you for your fabulous comment Camilla!

  13. Interpreting this artwork isn’t easy; Trent did an amazing job! My favorite is “Mirror Match Shine.” The red boots really stand out, and seem to make an almost defiant statement. I like “Carriers,” too, and the interpretation that life keeps “coming at us like a conveyor belt” is such an insightful analysis! Really interesting and thoughtful art, which makes the observer think beyond surface impressions. 🌸🌻😊

    1. Thank you Ada!

      Trent was fantastic at interpreting the art. I had no idea. My friend who took me to the show is a Contemporary Artist. I kept asking her what’s this and that mean. She kept saying find the intent.

      “Mirror Match Shine.” is cool. Ha! I did turn the pic upside down, which made it right side up, and it did not work. It looked …wrong… somehow.

      Carriers, yes, as soon as Trent said what he said, it made total sense.

      I’m digging “The medium is the message”.

      Thanks for popping by and reading, and for your fab comment! ❦❦🌹❦❦

    2. I’ll admit I did not see the title for “Mirror Match Shine” until I read your comment! It adds another dimension to it, though the meaning for me isn’t changed too much, just reinforced. Art does need to make you think and a lot of these pieces do. Thanks 🙂

    1. Thanks John! Trent taught me a lot about viewing Contemporary Art. OX OX
      I went to a Photography Show this afternoon. I almost forgot about it.
      I walked there through alleys and found a rusty old 1950 Chevrolet truck. It’s fabulous. I took pics for you. No art, just rust.

    2. Thank you dahling!
      It was a trip working with Trent. I learned so much, and yes, I love his music!!
      ❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦

  16. This is too funny and awesome dialogue between the two of you. I was like… yeah I think or see that too. Then I think “geez I can do this”… lol. Not like your dresses that are true talent IMH opinion! And everyone would agree.
    Now my fav was P. Mansaram with all of the great colors.
    Maybe you guys should do comedy.
    That song .. soooooo good.. the children would love to play with you all.
    ooh and Trent’s imagery is outstanding with great music.
    AMAZING!
    🙌🏽❤️🙌

    1. Thank you dear Cindy!
      And special TY’s about my Gowns! x❦❦❦x
      Loved the Mansaram works, too.
      Comedy, yet another art form. I think Trent and I could be very funny not being funny.
      Where Would the Children Play is a wonderful song. I wish CS/Yusuf would have continued writing songs. All the videos are terrific.
      THANK YOU! XOXO

      1. You are more than welcome!!! Your gowns go without saying! I’m still looking for the perfect venue to wear and announce them!!! ( I might need a little help from our friend, Tim)!
        You sure could!!!!
        He was brilliant for sure!! It was great to hear it again!
        🩷🙌🩷🙌🩷
        Xoxoxo

    2. Someday we may need to write a serious/comedy sketch… lol. I was mostly serious most of the time here, but everything does better with a touch of humor – it was a lot of fun. Thanks! Glad you liked the music and slide show!

  17. What a wonderful line up you gave Trent.. And I feel his intuition was kicking in and almost spot on in many of his interpretations of the art ..

    I enjoyed reading Trent’s versions of the art pieces, and his musical slide shows on YT I enjoyed also..

    I so enjoyed the dialogue between you both ❤ 💖

    Have a wonderful week Resa…. Sending much love .. 💖✨💖

    1. Thank you Sue!
      I’m so glad you got to see this article. It was a while in the making, and I’m very happy about it.

      It’s fun chatting with Trent. He has a cool mind & lots of talent.
      You have a great weeks Sue. It really is big garden time now!
      ❦❦💖✨💖❦❦

    2. She did send me a great selection and it was a lot of fun ciphering out the different pieces and working with Resa 🙂 Glad you liked the musical slide show!

  18. Wow! Such a fascinating and engaging way to present an art exhibit!! It does raise the question in my mind, which holds true for visual art and for fiction and poetry: does the art object benefit from explication or should it be able to stand on its own? A very enjoyable post!

    1. I had a friend who ran an art gallery and he divided the world of new art into “Decorative Art” (it matches your sofa) and “Fine Art” (it tries to be socially relevant). What I am talking about here is what he called “Fine Art”.

      I think most artists have a message or meaning they are trying to get across; an intent. We might not get what they are trying to say, but if it makes us think, it is a win for the artist. The message is a huge part of the art, the reason for its being. If it can stand alone, like (to me) Oreka James’ African themed works, that is great! If you need the message, or the message improves it, well, I might still like it, but will it stand the test of time? Maybe, maybe not.

      1. The “Decorative Art” an “Fine Art” distinction makes perfect sense to me. There are art pieces I find compelling for their strong message, but there is no way I’d want something that upsetting hanging on my living room wall.

    2. Thanks Liz, fab question!

      Hmm, that might depend on the individual. For one, I have benefitted from explanation on this contemporary art.
      What I learned from talking with Trent, will enable me to view things differently next time, so perhaps that will change.

      Classic art forms, have gone both ways,.
      for mr
      Example: in a beautiful painting with gowns, I just love to look at it, so I don’t need an explanation. When I get an explanation, sometimes I might like it better (usually because of history), but not usually.

      With the art in this post, I like all of it better with an explanation.

      1. You’re welcome, Resa! This question rose to the fore in the graduate literature courses I took when the commentary on the “text” became more important than the “text” itself, thereby devaluing the novel/short story/poem. For someone in the fiction-writing program, this was simply unacceptable. What I came to (after much insomnia) was that commentary (historical context, connections to other work, etc.) had value when it enhanced the reader’s experience of the text. When the commentary reduces the text to a sociological, literary, or other theory, it does more harm than good. This is the hill I die on!

        1. Ahh, I’m with you there, Liz.
          The issue would then become, how does one know if the commentary will do good, or harm, without reading it?

          I would dare say, for some, commentary is always essential. For others, not.

  19. This was like going to a virtual museum. Wait, check that, no . . this WAS a virtual museum. Don’t mind me, I’m tired.

    A wonderfully funky and informative trip, as per usual.

    2. Thank you, Marc!

      TIRED? Quick make something with your tired intent!
      Okay, now I’m tired, too. It’s our long weekend. I walked to a photography show yesterday, and walked back. 4 hours. 4 horrors. Then wake up to find the Leafs XXXXX.
      Go Jets!
      Go Oilers!

      1. Tired Intent . . . that’s a title!

        FOUR HOURS??????!!!!!!! You ARE Wonder Woman!

        The Leafs didn’t even show up last night. I stayed with it until 5-1 and I’m not sure why.

        Go Oilers . . . to paraphrase Princess Leia . . they’re our only hope.

  20. Fascinating discussion, Resa and Trent!! Boy, this is a tough challenge to do, but I appreciate Trent’s frankness. That first one certainly made me think of garbage bags and those yellow pair of eyes look somewhat demonic as well (though I see butterflies too after Resa mentioned it). As for the b/w drawings of the buildings/houses, I immediately think they’re haunted as well.

    1. It was challenging, but fun – I do enjoy studying art, and being “forced” to figure it out makes me appreciate the artwork even more. Cool that you saw some of the same things I did. I am sure that is purposeful on the artists’ part – we can interpret them any way, but the artists do have an intent and try to create a meaning.

    2. Thanks Ruth!

      Seems you have good instinctual insights as well. I still think there was something to my wondering if the soyaderm (first piece) was edible.
      Anyway, after exploring this type of art with Trent, I look forward to my next trip to the MOCA!

  21. An amazing and brave collaboration. Also highly original. Hats off to you both. I saw this late last night but bookmarked to come back and read again. What I also enjoyed was trying to think how I’d describe these pieces. Thank you both for this. I loved it.

    2. Thank you dear Shey! And You are welcome!
      I must say this was a most interesting adventure for me. Trent has opened my mind, in terms of how to regard contemporary art.

      I just LOVE all the arts! I feel like a kid in a candy store when I go to a gallery.

  22. Pingback: The Weekly Smile for the 19th of May, 2025 #weeklysmie | Trent's World (the Blog)

  23. Different perceptions of modern art—very interesting! Actually, I am a bit sceptical about such art in general, but I found these fascinating!
    Wel done, both Trent and Resa; with a special thanks for this expert article.

    👍👏🫵

    1. A lot of people don’t really like modern/contemporary art, but part of it is the “high price of admission” – the more you put into trying to get the artists’ meaning and intent the more you will get back from the work. You can look at a van Gogh and be awed, but looking at what seems to be sewage hanging off of pipes? Not so much until you think about meaning, which takes some patience.

      anyway, glad you enjoyed this 🙂

  24. This was a most enjoyable, creative and thought provoking post. Trent – your insightful comments prompted me to more deeply explore these challenging art pieces. Resa – you are absolutely stellar at bringing a community together through your artistic ideas. I LOVED this post. Many thanks to you both.

    1. Thanks, Rebecca! Resa gave me quite the challenge, but it was fun – I might have done little more than glance at these art works but this made me take a deeper dive. I’m glad our commentary did the same for you. Resa’s collaborations are great. I’ve really enjoyed the ones she has done with you.

      1. Rebecca is amazing. She’s said she’ll do another in the future, but she’s got a lot of grist to get through the mill right now.

    2. Thank you, Rebecca!
      It’s been a learning adventure for me, because of Trent’s insight.. Yes, I like to look at some art better than others, but all art intrigues me.
      Welcome!

  25. What a fabulous and original collaboration, you too! I love this. I guess you knew Trent was into art enough to be able to participate in this venture! Excellent.

    And wonderful music, Trent!

    1. Thanks, Dale. I know I’ve talked to Resa about art but not sure why she thought of me when looking for someone to collaborate on this project. I am glad she did! I’m glad you liked the music 🙂

    2. Thanks Thunder!
      Actually, I didn’t know much about Trent’s background, although I knew he had a decent amount of artistic exposure through his fab trumpet playing and his designing of music and writing songs.

      I just figured, well, he’s a great chit chatter, and he’s creative, so I asked if he like to do this.

      Honestly, after he replied to the first images I sent, I realized this was going to be a learning experience for me, and began to suspect he had some background in art, beyond some drawings I’ve seen.

      Also, he writes, and his book of short stories is in my line-up of reading.
      I’ve got 7 books (1 currently reading) in my TBR. That is it for the year!

      xoxoxo⚡️💥xoxoxo

      1. You bet!

        I love that your intuition was bangh on.

        And what a great collaboration this turned out to be.

        Yes, I know, I have read one of his books and I have another in my Kindle for … whenever! You only have 7 in your TBR? How do you do that?

        xoxoxo 🧚‍♀️🪄 xoxoxo

        1. Yeah…intuition counts!

          Thanks!

          I just say …cut-off. NO more books in!!!!
          Then, when I’m on the last book, I consider the next few.
          A person has to put their foot down!

          xoxoxoxo⚡️💥xoxoxo

          1. That it does.

            And you are a strong woman 😉

            And some doorknob liked about 30 WW posts and filled up my notifications bar and I cannot access all my comments. Gah. I hate these ‘bots. Thank goodness I do have emails of comments… 😏

            xoxoxo 🧚🏼‍♀️🪄 xoxoxo

            1. What?
              A doorknob Bot!
              OH Gawd!
              It’s bad enough to get 15… which have had.
              It’s crazy they can’t be stopped. Do we visit the fake site and report suspected Botivity? I’m going to check into that!

              It is annoying, and I’m in the mood to complain.
              xoxoxo⚡️💥xoxoxo

              1. Yes! A doorknob Bot!
                Most annoying. I can block them but don’t know if that stops the automatic “liking” – mind you, this is on Marc’s blog.

                Mind you, when clicking on her blog, it seems legit so maybe she is just annoying.

                Complaints Department is officially OPEN!

                xoxoxo 🧚‍♀️🪄 xoxoxo

  26. 😳

    I’ll probably skip MOCA if I ever go to Toronto…

    (Compliments to both of you on the interpretation… The art reminded me a bit of my two years study of Sigmund Freud’s Introduction to psychoanalysis…)

    1. I think modern/contemporary art goes well with psychoanalysis – Instead of depicting a person or object, the artist tries to depict an idea. For the viewer to decipher that idea is almost like being on a psychologist’s couch…

      1. Agree totally. I see that in France (my home country) with the vocabulary. It would seem that no-one ever speaks in simple terms. eg. A cat is a cat. No. they will say, a feline in an urban environment. Or if a political leader just lost an internal party election? They will say the tragic demise of XYMZ. There is blood on the walls… (I did make a living for many years to analyse consumers’ speech and discourse…)
        Anyway, thank you Trent.
        ~Brian.

    2. MOCA is not everyone’s cup of tea, for sure.
      I do love living in a city that is rich in all art forms, with museums, art galleries, theatres, concert halls, and on. AND street art.

      I’m sure between the street art and AGO, you would be a happy camper!
      Maybe the street art alone is enough?

      Interesting, about studying Freud.
      I have not history in that area, I’m afreud.

      Love ya! xx

      1. “A-Freud”? LOL. We had a “philosophy-Litterature class for the first 2 years of College. Included Freud, Macbeth, Pirandello, Marx, and a few others… Great class.

        1. Lucky!
          It does sound amazing.
          I was shallow, and studied Fashion Design & Technology in college. Thinking about it, there should have been some philosophy, after all colour and design do effect the psyche.

          Although we did have a Literature class, and I was all A+’s!

    2. Me too! That collection is my fave of the show.

      I love doing these kind of posts. Gives a chance to chit chat, get to know someone, and learn about something they are knowledgeable about.
      Thanks Dave!

  28. This was a fascinating art show and discussion. I have to agree with the first pic, it looks like soggy rotting paper bags hanging, lol. ❤ xxx

    1. LOl…
      Well, it is fascinating art. It’s great Trent helped me with this, as I wasn’t sure what to think. It was my first time visiting the MOCA, and its type of art.
      xoxo🌸❦🤗

    1. Ah, thank you, Teagan!
      I basically stumbled creatively into doing the post the way I did. That is mostly due to my lack of experience on the subject , and Trent’s experience.

      I really enjoyed doing this post!
      Higs!!! (codeword hugs)

Comments are closed.