Everything is compared to anything else. Tenuous connections are the mark of genius. How can so-and-so relate to such-and-such? A semi-plausible relationship is lauded. The combination of disparate factors in this way is interesting for only so long; I’d much rather see an acknowledgment that this is not reality (and focus on the nature of one concept, than one and another), but I do not control what others make, so this is often what I see. AJ Fosik is not so different in this aspect than many artists who rely so heavily on juxtaposition. Except he makes wooden sculptures of FUCKING MYSTICAL BEARS IN FLUORESCENT COLORS. Fangs, limbs, weapons, colors recalling those of figures from Hindu, Native American, Chinese, psychedelic, cartoon, and 80s differentiae, Fosik approaches these as elements of his goal instead of comparisons for their own sake (his goal remains elusive to me – some allusions to the “American identity,” and some words that don’t really mean much on their own). If not for the imagery and sheer volume of Fosik’s work, I doubt I would have any interest, but there’s something about a big wooden bear beheading another with a hammer that I can’t hate. Between this and his production levels, and technical crafting abilities, I admire and am inspired by Fosik without any strong feelings about the concepts behind his creations. Also, he knits sweaters of beer label designs.
The Third Way Out, 2009. Wood, paint, nails. From AJ Fosik's Flickr stream.
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