Black Velvet Art and the Sensory Overload Chamber
The idea of a black velvet show started, as I remember it,
in a drunken conversation at Sindy’s bar.
It turned out that a surprising number of people
actually owned a piece of black velvet art.
In a later conversation with Jean,
we talked about me actually organizing such a thing.
I tentatively said maybe and started asking around.
Another surprising number of people were actually willing to make a piece with a black velvet theme.
Artists included
Joan of Art, Marc Clements, Terry Durst, Bruce Edwards, Frank Green, Ron Naso,
Steven B. Smith, Steve Torkar, Laila Voss, Beth Wolfe, Maria Winiarski,
and a number of others who I hope are only slightly miffed
that I just can’t remember (for instance there was
a late submission of a truly exquisite tall black velvet chair sculpture.)
It should also be noted that this show served as a good backup
for Charlotte Pressler’s freaky little ride.
Jay Clements
detail from Charlotte Pressler’s installation plans
Charlotte Pressler
Sound Installation
June 7 – August 11, 1991
wooden enclosure, interior 5.5’ long x 2.5’ high x 2.5’ wide
occupant exposed to 5-120 Hz frequencies and -3500 frequencies
at estimated 119 dB in total darkness
duration of exposure depends on occupant who assumes all risk