Kyle Jackson's current installation features his documentation of "the creative growth adorning the structures of urban centers," particularly New York and Chicago, by photographing graffiti and other markings on walls and public spaces. The images - archival-quality, unnumbered digital photographic prints in simple wooden frames - are typically either extremely rich in detail or, more rarely, minimalist.As separate images, the works recall Modernist mark making, his camera bracketing instances of hurried spray paint or the chaos of deteriorating poster ads. Here is a lover of Basquiat and Banksy. His eye offers an aestheticization of the opposite of Cincinnati's ArtWorks mural program.
I struggled with the frames; Kyle explained to me that he typically uses recovered wood, perhaps more appropriate given his subject matter. But they are not an obstacle (and are removable) to the enjoyment of his work. Some imagery naturally stands out more than others, but the real strength of his exhibition is the experience of it as an installation. The stacking of the works against the wall is done haphazardly, some pieces visibly leaning for support upon others. They emulate their subject matter.
Also featured were a few sculptures of his work from last year, rendered invisible by the frenzy around them.
-A.C. Frabetti
Kyle Jackson, 'Propagated Spaces' at the Creative Gallery, 1319 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH, open second sundays on Main from noon -5pm, tel 513.373.6702 for an appointment. Visit his site at www.easael.com. Through Aug. 17.
In photos: exhibition detail of 'Propagated Spaces.' Second image is untitled.
