AVAM: Round: Galaxies, Eyeballs, And Karma

The first thing that you should know about the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) in Baltimore, Maryland is that it is quite possibly the only museum of its kind in the nation. AVAM is dedicated to curating, preserving, and exhibiting the art that is not simply "Folk," not only "Contemporary," but "Visionary." Many of the people whose works are included in exhibits not only make exceptional art, but fit along a spectrum of mental illness, too. Few if any are artists that you've heard of, and the works will not be found in any of the established museums of art's collections in the nation. To experience them, you have to come to AVAM.

Not only are there treasures within, but a multitude of treasures without. The actual campus encompasses 3 buildings, to plazas and a garden at the base of Federal Hill on the edge of the Inner Harbor.

The other unique thing about AVAM is that it dedicates the lionshare of its main building to a single exhibition that remains in place for a calendar year starting in September. In the years that I have lived in this area, I've enjoyed 11 of the 17 shows. The past couple of exhibitions failed to capture my imagination; however, this one rekindled for me the magic that is AVAM.

Every show is built around a theme. This year's offering is titled, "All Things ROUND: Galaxies, Eyeballs, and Karma". Within this broad concept are many minor themes: "Mandala and Enso," "Time," "Orb and Butter Ball," "Divine Feminine: Vesica Piscis," "Round Inventions," and "Recycle: Reuse ~ Reinvent ~ Renew". Within each interpretation of the larger conceptual framework the range and quality of the individual works was exceptional. Rarely is any one theme illustrated by a single work from a particular artist, but rather a collection of works representing the artist's expression of the underlying idea.

It's an amazing way to experience art. Peppered throughout the exhibition along with descriptions of the works, short essays on the artists lives are relevant quotes from various sources. When you go to AVAM you are given a chance to not simple see art, but to see into art. You enter a worlds of ideas and creations that are magical, often mythical, usually metaphorical, and sometimes even mystical. This is a very unique institution.

Some examples from the current exhibition.

Scott Weaver, "Rolling Through The Bay," 1974-2008, toothpicks and video.

At just over nine feet in height, this was the most ambitious of the works. A great set of detailed images of the work can be found by visiting the Colossal Art site.

J. J. Cromer, "Frustrated Rustics," 2007, Mixed Media

"There is nothing strange in the circle being the origin of any and every marvel." ~ Aristotle, 384-322 BCE

Laura N. James, "Nuit (Egyptian Night Goddess)," 2010, acrylic on canvas

Wendy Brackman, "Paper Plate Mandala," 2011, paper plates

YES, PAPER PLATES! Probably the second most ambitious work of art in the exhibit.

"Come out of the circle of time/And into the circle of love." ~ Jelalu Din Rumi, 1200 - 1273 CE

Anonymous Huichol Artist, "Huichol Yarn Painting," date unknown

The exhibition includes such a diverse group of artists representing many cultures and many mediums.

Greg Mort, "Man On The Moon," 2001, Lithograph

"A society is defined not only by what it creates, but by what it refuses to destroy." ~ Swahili Proverb

Again, this was an exquisite exhibition at the nation's most interesting museum of avant garde conceptual art. It would be the first place I would take anyone visiting.