A Question of Values

Black cotton embroidery thread on “Confederate Grey” 18-ct cotton aida cloth. 36 x 18”, 2019.

Was it Worth It?

Curated by Ivar Zeile

I was struck immediately and deeply by the four simple words Was it worth it? that Heather D Schulte embroidered onto “Confederate Grey” 18-ct Cotton Aida Cloth as one of her submissions for RedLine’s annual National Juried exhibition. Her decision to amplify the question through use of a stately, dimensional font was a choice designed to speak to all Americans, yet the combined words themselves beg not to be restricted by that context.

The work’s actual title is “A question of values,” though I chose to embrace the artist’s textile visualization as a headline for this exhibition, one composed of a great number of works by artis from Colorado and around the country, more than I had anticipated drawing into the show. I haven’t seen Schulte’s art in person, but what I’ve viewed online I really like, and this simple phrase she’s given us has stirred in my head the last few weeks as I’ve considered and reconsider what to assemble. They serve as a great summation of, well, life itself. How can they not get in your head? The list that fired up in my brain started with career choices and relationships, and other such elements with far reaching consequence, then easily dovetailed into simple decisions such as cats, how many? or which fucking road to take home during rush hour today?? They expanded into politics, naturally, and the those we all can’t help but carry with us regarding who we are, who we want to be, how and why we forge our paths, and where they lead. At each and every moment in time. Ugh. Life. Art. Wow!

Ultimately these words inspired me to refelect on the vast culture and history of making, showing, purchasing and collecting art; where art has been and where (god, or someone, help us!) the ecosystem of art is going. These words assisted in delineating a path for this show’s selections, as well as dismissing those that did not have the “fortune” of getting in. Was it worth it for the artists’ to take the time to enter? Was it worth it to create these works at all, the ultimate ego-trip, passionate pursuit in order to inspire humanity, or simply as a sviour of oneself? I’m certainly on the side of the artists and patrons, and want little to do with those who are not.

But this is really a question without need for an answer. It’s as simple as black and white, or glass half-full or empty. Do we really even have the capability to reflect meaningfully on our choices in today’s ever changing, super-sped-up world? Let’s sure hope so.

There’s much to be discovered and enjoy that’s on view in the exhibition, and so much more in the studios of all who submitted work, as well as those who did not. They are deserving of deeper attention, rather than a quick glance or aside. Maybe not just today, but perhaps again tomorrow or ten years from now. Whether these selections reflect on the state of contemporary art today is superfluous, they are selections made with intent and composed in a specific manner, which I’ve defined through particular “Zones” that were initiated by particular artworks submitted for the exhibition. The opportunity to work within RedLine’s vast chamber is a major challenge, one with tremendous appeal. Many have done it so much better. But that too is beside the point, because it is worth it and should always be.

Ivar Zeile
July 17, 2019