Joe Coleman and the Shadow Self at ANDREW EDLIN GALLERY

James Kalm has been aware of the work of Joe Coleman since shortly after arriving in New York in the late 1970s. Garnering a considerable amount of attention for his “Geek” performances, Joe has been a fixture on the grungier end of the Downtown scene ever since. Indeed, Coleman seems to have broken every taboo, of New York high aesthetics, and functions like a barometer of all that is kitsch and vulgar in contemporary American culture. Perhaps because of or in spite of, this group of work is very significant in relation to today’s artistic conversation between the insiders (the discriminating fine art elites) and the outsiders (self-taught, visionary, deviants). This survey of paintings presents some of the most memorable and developed works of the last twenty-five years, and allows viewers to witness the arch of technical and narrative skills Coleman has achieved. The artist graciously allows your correspondent an interview in a freewheeling, and spontaneous conversation. This program was recorded December 19, and 21, 2019. A musical introduction is provided by the Meetels.