IT'S NOT A CONSPIRACY
I take issue with the supposed surprise noted by Seth Kubersky at “the confounding choice most people made to stay away” from downtown Orlando’s most recent Third Thursday Visual Art Walk `Live Active Cultures, March 27`. True, it was poorly attended, but who could wonder? Over the last year we’ve read little more than snide negativity from our resident arts and culture voice, Mr. Kubersky, regarding Third Thursday happenings. It’s hard to forget the remarks he’s made about our galleries, our events and our patrons. The current show `which I hung and promoted` at CityArts Factory `Paper, Paper, Paper: Back to Basics` is the best I’ve seen since `my boyfriend` Chuck Dinkins took over, and hardly anyone will see it. But I saw you there, Seth. You looked impressed. It’s time to drop the pretentious prejudice, which seems to flow so freely from someone who’s primarily (until now) been an advocate of performance art. Just admit there’s inspiring visual art happening all around us in the City Beautiful. We’re not New York or Seattle yet, but we’ll have a hard time reaching those lofty standards without people like you lifting us. We know you like us, so stop tying our pigtails to the backs of our chairs.
Amanda Vickers, Orlando
Seth Kubersky responds: I’m flattered to think that I can drive people away from an event with the power of my pen. But since the only mention I’ve ever made of Third Thursday was positive (“Cheers to the arts underground,” Dec. 27, 2007), I can’t claim responsibility for the disappointing attendance at what was one of my favorite art shows this year. We agree that there is good visual art in Orlando, and I’ll do my best to keep telling people when I see it. The snide pretension is just an added bonus.
FERGUSON KILLED IT
I just wanted to commend Jason Ferguson on his “The killing joke” article `March 27`. Not only was he right on when he mentioned our debt to Testament, but he’s also one of a handful of reviewers that have been able to jump the “Are they a joke?” hurdle using only logic and common sense!
For some reason our collective recorded histories have put us in a suspicious position. In a way it reminds me of the ’80s metal/hardcore crossover days that bred such great music from both camps. Fortunately for us, there are people like Jason who can cut through the hoopla and judge the music for what it is (or isn’t). Kind regards,
David Pajo, Dead Child
CORRECTION 1
We extend our sincere apologies for the incorrect photo attribution in the March 27 Live Active Cultures column. The mistake was not the responsibility of writer Seth Kubersky, but a mix-up by an editor who attached Erick D. Marquez’s name to Mark Biddle’s work.
Pictured above is “Ancient Wisdom” by Marquez from his Divine Intervention exhibit on display through April 4 at CityArts Factory. See more of his work at erocknyc.com.
Also, a closing reception for Art Outside the Box: The Art of Mark Biddle is planned for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Office Gallery & Art Studios. See details on Biddle’s website, www.artblister.com.
CORRECTION 2
In last week’s Florida Film Festival coverage (“What to see?,” March 27), the review of In Search of a Midnight Kiss was mistakenly attributed. Frequent contributor John Thomason is the rightful author.
