Is this “Power to the People” or “Troll’s Stroll” or “Call the Dentist!”?
No, the woman standing in front of the colorful abstract multimedia piece for 10 minutes decided it is “Melt Down.”
The visitors to “You Name It” at the Topanga Canyon Gallery are taking their time in coming up with titles for the untitled pieces 20 artists have selected to exhibit this month. The show continues until June 3, when a judge will select the names for the pieces from suggestions submitted by gallery visitors.
Some visitors have created titles for many pieces, while others have made a connection with a few. Almost every visitor has become engaged in the process of deciding what title represents what this image or sculpture says to them.
“It really makes you look at the art differently,:” says Kirsty Iredale, who was at the gallery reception for the show. “You have to really look. It’s a different experience.”
On Sunday, June 30, the gallery welcomes the judge, American author, journalist, and critic Allen Salkin, who is the co-author of The Method to the Madness, Donald Trump’s Ascent as Told by Those Who Were Hired, Fired, Inspired – and Inaugurated (St. Martin’s Press 2019).
Salkin will be selecting the best three titles and awarding the winners with a signed limited edition print by artists Caroline PM Jones, Lois York, and Patrick Ramsey. The three prints are on display at the gallery. The winners, who must be present, will get first choice of the awards. Come join in the fun, be inspired by the art around you, and try your hand at naming the art.
Jurying will begin at 2 p.m., with awards commencing between 3 and 3:30 p.m. Come early and write down the names you thought of after your first visit to this show, or just come and read all the creative titles the work has inspired.
All art is for sale, so, if you’ve pondered the name and come back to see it again, this is your opportunity to take it home.
Topanga Canyon gallery is located at 120 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga.