TODD CAMPLIN WEEKLY: SPRING ART SCENE IS HERE

This is the weekend to get out and see some art. The top five shows I want to see are Erin McAllister at Jen Mauldin Gallery, Robert Sagerman at Cris Worley Fine Arts, Geoff Hippenstiel at Holly Johnson Gallery, Francisco Moreno at Erin Cluley and Kirk Hayes at Conduit Gallery. I want to start early because later in the evening I have plans to see a theater production. It is a toss-up between Picasso at the Lapin Agile and the play titled Red.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile is playing at the Resolute Theatre Project at 7:30 PM. The play was written by Steve Martin with a nod to the absurdist theater. A theoretical meeting of Picasso, Einstein, and a cast of fictional characters plus one time traveler. This will be a light-hearted encounter with celebrities who play with the idea of time from many different angles. I haven’t had the chance to see it live, but the play has been on my list for years. The price is right at 16 dollars. The show runs through April 15th. Visit resolutetheatreproject.com for more information.

The other play is at the Theatre Arlington. They are presenting Red, directed by Adam Adolfo at 8:00 PM. This is the story of Mark Rothko played by Matt Holmes and a studio assistant played by Robert Klecklow. It is set during Rothko’s time when he was working on the mural commision at the Four Seasons restaurant. I know the story, but to see it dramatized does have a certain appeal. Rothko was a serious artist with a big ego, so I think there will be great moments of intensity and serious intellectual conversation. The studio assistant will be much younger and act as someone challenging Rothko’s ideas of aesthetics. Rothko will likely act as an educator to the young assistant, exposing him to art, philosophy, and psychology through their interactions. Admission is 23 dollars. The show also runs through the 15th. Visit theatrearlington.org for more information.

I know I normally write about the visual art scene, but when two plays are featuring historic art giants; I think it is worth mentioning. Maybe someone will write a play about Robert Sagerman. His paintings are spiritual and meditative like Rothko’s work. Or how about a play with Stephen Hawking and Kirk Hayes chatting at a conference. You never know what the next century artists will make and write about. I don’t think it is any coincidence that April has become Art Month for Dallas and two plays with visual artists are being performed. It seems everyone is getting into the spirit of this new visual art moment for Dallas. Let’s hope it lasts and grows.

TODD CAMPLIN WEEKLY: TOSS UP BETWEEN PICASSO OR RED!