If you live in the Grand Rapids area, you are aware of the importance of ArtPrize. For those who are not as familiar, ArtPrize is an international art competition that takes place in Grand Rapids for two to three weeks in the early fall. During this time, art, in all different forms, is displayed around the city for visitors to vote on. Whether you decide to vote or not, ArtPrize is an excellent way to view and appreciate art from all over the globe. As ArtPrize ended this past weekend, I have compiled a list of my top ten favorite entries.
1. "Imagine If" by Robin Protz
This piece, which was found in the Amway Hotel, is a depiction of winged horses all made using small silver squares hanging from string.
2. "Once Upon a Time" by Samuel Gomez
This is just one drawing out of three by Samuel Gomez. The three of them together raise questions about today's society and address the concerns Gomez has about the world.
3. "Public Debt to the Suffragette" by Mary Coss
"Public Debt to the Suffragette" is remarkable in that it served as a reminder of the struggle women have fought throughout history, as well as the struggle they still face in current times.
4. "Invasive Species" by Shiny Seed
"Invasive Species" was a life-size tree made of steel and wrapped aluminum. It's LED lights allow it to be interactive and visually pleasing to any who view it.
5. "VICTORY" by THE CHAIRMen
The soldiers in "Victory" stand 16-20 feet tall and are completely made out of chairs. These chairs, which are taken from all parts of the world, represent unity and the idea that everyone needs a helping hand.
6. "A Walk in the Woods" by Armin Mersmann
7. "Emoh" by Loren Naji
"Emoh", which is "home" spelled backwards, was created to represent the backwards way in which we view homelessness in society. This piece was especially incredible in that Naji vowed to live inside his art piece and donate $20,000 of the prize money to Michigan homeless charities if his entry were to win.
8. "Wounded Warrior" by Bigos
"Wounded Warrior" is a life-size wheelchair constructed entirely of plastic toy soldiers. This piece is notable, not only for the way it was created, but for the story it tells about the devastation soldiers can be faced with.
9. "Continental U.S." by Valerie Hollstein
"Continental U.S." is a glass collage that demonstrates the heritage of 48 states (Hawaii and Alaska not included). It is amazing enough that the collage was created using tiny shards of glass, but Hollstein also allowed her viewers to feel a sense of nostalgia as they gazed upon their home-states.
10. "Trout Bike" by Andrew Rockwood
Last, but certainly not least, is "Trout Bike". This fully functioning bicycle is attached to a giant brook trout, which is made from paper, old carboard, and scrap lawn chair pieces. When in motion, the fish tail moves back and forth, mimicking that of a swimming fish.
