Art Explosion 2003 drew a large, diverse crowd to ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale on Feb. 21. Organizers and guests said the event was bigger and better than ever. The sight alone of the jam-packed parking lot and a steady stream of cars parked alongside Holiday Park for blocks was in itself a sure sign of the event's popularity.
A rich fusion of various visual and performing artists came together to ensure that attendees were treated to a feast for the senses. Guests strolled from display to display, observing the various artworks and performance venues.
The excitement was apparent as soon as one walked through the doors of ArtServe. In the lobby was an art piece put together by one of the organizers, Chris Yoculan, vice president of Arts United, the local group that presented the event. Male and female models stood together with their heads and bodies covered in graffiti.
"We had one word of defamation written on our bodies, and then we each took turns writing healing words on each other, words of praise and love," explained Mars, one of the models participating in the piece. It was fitting that the models stood near the door, since it offered a preview of the plentiful artistic expression to be encountered during the evening.
A burst of color and textures awaited those who entered the gallery, as striking paintings stood out in bold colors. Some of the work incorporated a combination of different materials, such as the three-dimensional work of Roberto Capparatti and Carla Margarit. The figure in their painting 'Hermafrodita' had a face that protruded from the canvas and appeared to be glazed ceramic. The work looked like something out of the Fellini film Satyricon.
An equally eye-catching twist of Baroque royalty also stood out: Jesus Barranco's 'Louis XI' portrayed the ruler standing nude except for his robe, wig and knickers. Nearby, there was a stunning sculpture of a female torso in polished marble by Joel Shapses, titled 'Female in Motion.' These works were just a few of the wonders that prepared guests for the dazzling art to follow.
The artists represented a diversity of backgrounds. Women artists comprised a large part of the talent pool and included Janine Kristensen, who is originally from United Kingdom but has lived in Florida for many years. Her poetic and dreamy work was represented in her piece 'Luck of The Iris,' which portrayed a beautiful fairy emerging from an Iris. The work was reminiscent of the tale Thumbelina, only more sensual. This was Kristensen's first year showing at Art Explosion.
This was the second showing at Art Explosion for artist Gozde Yilmaz. She creates eye-catching and unique sculptures, masks and jewelry with leather. Yilamz said she enjoys working with leather because of the challenge and the unusual effect it produces. Yilmaz, who is a lesbian, recently moved to Florida from Turkey.
A separate gallery room held an Adult Exhibit, which featured erotic art. There, one could find tantalizing fetish photography by Dennis Dean showcasing a well-endowed model in an array of striking poses with accessories such as horns and different leather gear. Smoldering paintings such as H. Gordon Fleming's 'Night Glow in Puerto Rico,' showcasing a reclining male figure, further teased passers-by.
The visual arts were complemented by a wealth of various performance arts. Whether it was musicians playing the piano or the flute, vocalists or male and female belly dancers, these performers showed off their stuff.
Most of the music and dance, and even the comedy, took place on the main stage adjacent to the gallery. In the Rainbow Café, poets and writers read and spoke to onlookers seated at tables. Guests were clearly just as appreciative of the performances as they were of the visual art.
"I really like the variety here, and I like the fact that they've added poetry as well because that is a form of art and medium a lot of people do not recognize or get involved in," said Kim, a first-time visitor. "The fact that you've got painting, you've got performance art and you've got music, drama and poetry altogether, it's something for everyone."
In the auditorium, the mixed-media fare included scenes from three local plays, a reading by acclaimed writer Patricia Nell Warren and a short video about the making of the film 'Hunting for Herschell,' produced by local filmmaker and Express Senior Editor Michael James. Director Robert Hooker and screen writer Jarrod Canepa were also present at the Hunting for Herschell screening, which included an on-screen appearance by cult icon Herschell Gordon Lewis.
Warren traveled all the way from Los Angeles to be a guest at Art Explosion. She read from her groundbreaking book The Front Runner and captivated those in attendance during a question-and-answer session afterward.
"I'm very impressed with the spirit that is here, the caliber of the art, the variety, the diversity and especially to see people in the visual arts being supported," Warren said.
One common observation by many artists and guests was the increased popularity and size of the event when compared with last year.
"It's a really wonderful show," said second-year artist Chris Linden, who works with mixed media. "I was impressed by the quality of work, and it is hung beautifully." As for the attendance, Linden added, "It is so crowded, I think it?s great."
A bar was set up and with proceeds going to Arts United, which promotes gays and lesbians in the arts. A catering table set with delicious food was set near the stage. One guest was overheard raving about the "delicious and carb-free" meatballs being served. And tasty delights from Stork's Bakery were also in supply. In fact, Stork's owner and Wilton Manors Mayor Jim Stork was among the crowd enjoying the art and performances.
"The turnout is awesome," Stork said.
Given the success and growing popularity of Art Explosion, it looks to be a long-running tradition here in Ft. Lauderdale.
providing local lesbian and gay artists an interactive and supportive working environment.
