"Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form: Meditations on the Heart Sutra" by William Ishmael

  March 24th, 2018 I visited Tom Collom gallery at 915 20th Street, Sacramento CA. This is where I visited the work of William Ishmael- "Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form: Meditations on the Heart Sutra" This artist statement explains that these pieces are a reflection of the Buddhist philosophy and meditative practices. The first piece that caught my eye was "Emptiness is Form (Plexiglas) II" Plexiglass suspended with filament, 18"x18" panels. The didactic read." Of all the artwork here, these suspended plexiglass panels most clearly depict the concept of Form is Emptiness. When viewed straight on there is a distinct abstract form; when viewed from the side there is emptiness."My initial pass at this was the ability to see the non-object space as a form of the plexiglass. I believe the non-object space is a form of spatial depth and does imply form. A type of form that is a result of meditative practice is plausable. The act of being mindful in the moment fully immersed with you all your senses, yet hollow like a vessel with the ever-changing flow of reality comes and goes freely.  This form could be described further as the form of emptiness that which is superimposed over layers or fields of content relative to the viewer's experiences. However the artist is clear that this is a relative to the Meditations of the Heart Sutra, so likely a reflection of his practice. This is a mutual feeling I have experienced with meditation. It is truly life-changing experience.

 

"Emptiness is Form (Plexiglas) II" Plexiglass suspended with filament, 18"x18" panels | Photo Credit William Ishmael

The Fine Art of Protest

 

 On March 12, 2018, Mr. Juanishi Orosco visited our Advanced printmaking class to share R.C.A.F serigraphs,  art process and their involvement to promote Latino heritage through art happenings, theatre, and music. The R.C.A.F serigraphs presented in class covered topics; such as, as social activism, social services, and theatre promotion. This blog is dedicated to the fine art of protest and use of art to exhibit social change outside rather than inside on gallery walls.
Royal Chicano Air Force was founded in 1969 at Sacramento State University Kadema Hall, room 104.  R.C.A.F. started by doing various forms of art to assist with the civil rights movement associated with migrate farm workers led by César Chávez. R.C.A.F is a collective of artists, people, and activists and their artwork were not intended to be exhibited in galleries or museums the Artist says-"This was a consequence of the work", Juanishi Orosco.Their serigraphs have traveled to many exhibits including Paris and are in a permanent collection in universities and museums; such as Yale, Harvard, and  Smithsonian.
The team of artists would work around the clock making posters during strikes. Their motif is heavily influenced by Pre-Columbian art and use of vivid colors together with a dynamic design is what stands out about their work in terms of aesthetics. The R.C.A.F mastery of silkscreen is a from continuous practice and consulting with other master printmakers at conventions from throughout the world. Mr. Orosco mentioned when they learned the technique of photo emulsion is what helped to achieve their, "popsicle"aesthetic.
When in production the print teams would be three to a station. One to insert the poster paper material on the matrix, one to squeegee the ink on the poster, and one to remove the piece from the matrix. At times the R.C.A.F would travel with their flatbed pick up truck to locations and print from the bed of the truck to distribute to the protesters on location. Other times they support El Teatro Campesino and have theater performances on the back of the flatbed pick-up to promote social awareness and entertainment for the field workers.
The photo below is an example of their work. Spring Mercado is a colorful serigraph advertising a social event where people are invited for food and music.
Disclaimer all photos of art are for educational purposes and permission has been given by Juanishi Orosco. Photo Credit Moises Castillo.

 

 

Spring Mercado

Next Mr. Orosco holds up Recuerdos Del Palomar announcement.  Multiple stencils used in this piece. This was an emotional piece for him. Likely a reflection of the Zoot Suite prejudice that resulted in Riots.

Recuerdo Del Palomar

Announcement for Jornada De Las Americas- Workers of the Americas.

Equal Rights Protest Poster