Carpe Weekend: Thou art ... confused

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Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans”

Updated: February 27, 2012 8:07AM

I’ve come to the conclusion that art is a lot like the 2010 movie “Inception” — either you get it or you don’t.

For instance, one person may look at a work such as Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans” and see a commentary on the unoriginality of mass production and commercialism.

Another person may just see 32 cans drawn neatly in rows and get hungry for a few crackers.

Art, in all its forms, is a subjective thing.

I’ve always enjoyed artwork on a purely base level. That is, I see a beautifully painted landscape or portrait and I say something like, “Well, that looks really nice; doesn’t it?”

I’m the guy craving a package of Saltines after viewing Warhol’s soup cans.

Others are much more connected to whatever deeper meaning the artist was trying to convey.

These kinds of people apparently can see the symbolism in every brushstroke or variant of color.

I’m a bit envious because I just don’t see that stuff. I’d like to, but perhaps for me, looking at artwork will always be like watching “Inception” — highly entertaining but maddeningly confusing.

Photography at GSU

The Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University presents its “Ways of Making: Photography” exhibit featuring the work of artists Myra Greene and Cecil McDonald Jr. until Feb. 3 at the school, off University Parkway east of Governors Highway, University Park.

The art show is the second in a series of exhibitions highlighting the practices taught in GSU’s art program and is made possible in part by a grant from the GSU Intellectual Life Committee.

The Visual Arts Gallery is open 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, and by appointment.

Information: govst.edu/gallery, (708) 534-4021.

Sahagun exhibit at MVCC

Moraine Valley Community College hosts an exhibit titled “Urban Realism” by Chicago Heights artist Luis Sahagun until Feb. 9 in the Fine & Performing Arts Center atrium, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

“Urban Realism” is a collection of assemblages composed of burned cardboard, screen prints, spray paint, photographic image transfers, paint and found objects.

Through his artwork, Sahagun said he delivers stories by marrying academia and street art in an attempt to attract younger generations that may be drawn in by the popularity of street art, but who have yet to understand the entirety of art.

“My artwork takes a critical view of social, political and cultural issues,” Sahagun said.

The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays as well as during most performances in the Fine & Performing Arts Center.

Information: Jennifer Kiekeben, (708) 608-4231, or morainevalley.edu/fpac.