The Carnegie of KY (cam-phone pics)

I find, from time to time, it's good to appreciate work for what it is. Will it make the blog? Won't it? Is it good? Isn't it? Sometimes the subconscious decides to ridicule ...sometimes not. Processing another's raw emotions can be challenging in itself. So, when you know you'll be comparing it with others, to jot about, pressures easily find their way into the equation.

With that said though, it's still, and hopefully will remain, easy to enjoy simply good paintings. As the true art form itself is (well seems to be) becoming a dying breed, "good" paintings for me, are becoming that oftentimes, pleasant surprise or toy in the C.J.B. Pause. This is where Ki Jong Do enters the equation.

His paintings, that are currently on display on the second floor of The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center (http://www.thecarnegie.com/), strike me as simply, well done work. If you're looking for the latest and greatest in Haunted-House-Installations, you won't find them here. If you want to be perplexed on "how" someone did something, again, not here. But if you want to see an artist who is working through his daily routines, and covering canvases with that ooey gooey stuff we call paint, this may be your place. And Ki Jong Do may be your man.

What I see in his work is an artist being an artist. He enjoys his craft, so he's investing time into it. None of the canvases in this show are "perfect," ...per se. But if you dare to look closely, and not quickly judge what you're presented with, it's not hard to see and appreciate the artist's efforts. Within the space, Ki Jong Do gives viewers his slightly skewed perspectives on everyday scenes. When figures are involved, they're in isolation. When trees are involved they're without leaves. What exactly this all means is for, you, the viewer to decide. And for the most part, the artist gives you plenty of room (within the work) to think about it.

So when you have a chance, visit The Carnegie at 1028 Scott Boulevard, Covington, KY 41011 and do some creative thinking. They have a number of shows and rooms filled with work. And definitely worth a mention, is the first floor space including works from the Print Club of Northern Kentucky University. The work of this group, comprised of faculty, alumni and student printmakers will be open for free viewing (as will the rest of the gallery): Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm and Saturday, 12pm - 3pm.

Thanks again,

Jonathan