Georgia Aquarium. Photo by Richard Fleming.

Walking to Guantanamo, in its incarnations as a book as well as the current photography show at Whitespace Gallery, has received glowing press. Although I’ve yet to toss in my own “two cents” on the exhibition (and I will), I can at least direct you to drama critic Curt Holman’s full-page feature in Creative Loafing and, of course, Jerry Cullum’s insightful analysis of the cultural/interpretive issues at stake in Fleming’s work.

But this weekend I also happened to discover Fleming’s blog, A Brooklynite on Ice. Fleming is of course a writer in his own right, and despite past adventures in Cuba, Antarctica, and touring his book around the country, he’s still busy at work—the man must never sleep.

Here’s an excerpt from Fleming’s impressions of the Georgia Aquarium during his short stay in Atlanta:

The new Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta is billed as the world’s largest. It is spectacular, a place you absolutely must visit if you pass through. The tanks are so massive that one seems to be walking through a tunnel burrowed through distant oceans. It is also a Godawful, horrid representation of everything wrong with our consumerist, market-driven culture, an opportunity to stand in a long line like mutton at the abattoir, waiting to spend $27 to be assaulted by the sights and sounds of the food court at your local mall.

Wow. Fleming’s critique is harsh, but given with enough personality and panache that it’s hard not to take his opinion seriously. Long ago I dreamed of giving the aquarium a proper bashing, but it seemed impossible to do so without seeming like a prude or, for that matter, a rabid Leftist ideologue. Sometimes it just takes an “out of towner” to do the job right.

Other goodies on Fleming’s blog:

Lovely pictures of “semiotic malfunction” in New Orleans…

And a few exhibition snapshots of what’s still hanging at Whitespace now.

Walking to Guantanamo, photographs of Cuba today, continues all month through Feb. 28. Gallery hours are Wed–Sat. 11-5PM.

From the book: Walking to Guantanamo opens at Whitespace

Art lovers tend to be idealists, and next week promises enough patriotic inspiration to send our “bleeding hearts” right into cardiac arrest.

CATCHING UP

Kathy Yancey at Swan Coach

Kathy Yancey:
My Work Always Looks Like Me
In her myriad depictions of memories and fantasies, Kathy Yancey collapses autobiographical moments into colorful investigations of innocence and becoming an adult in modern America. On view Jan. 15 – Feb. 28 with an artist talk Sat. Feb. 7 at 11AM at the Swan Coach House.

FRIDAY

Richard Fleming:
Walking to Guantanamo
Fleming came to a horrible realization one day that “his life [was] spiraling into ‘nightmarish mediocrity.’” The outcome of his dilemma? He decided to walk the entire length of the island of Cuba. “Walking to Guantanamo,” a traveling exhibition with a book by the same title, becomes the footprint of one man’s existential crisis. Opens Fri. Jan. 16 from 7-10PM, followed by an after party at Pura Vida at 10PM featuring Latin tunes by DJ Sergio (and Fleming). Artist talk and book signing Sun. Jan. 18 at 4PM. Show continues through Feb. 18 at Whitespace.

SATURDAY

Blast-Off Burlesque:
Mysterious Mysteries of the Unknown
If you missed Alcove’s “Hank of Oz” show (review here), here’s your chance to couple the experience with live performances by Blast-Off Burlesque, among others, and the debut of a short film. “Mysterious Mysteries” launches Blast-Off’s cult horror/vaudeville series, “SciFi-A-GoGo.” Event begins Sat. Jan. 17 from 10PM-Midnight (complimentary drinks with $10 door cover) at Alcove Gallery.

Joeff Davis at Composition Gallery

Inauguration Party:
Composition Gallery 3rd Anniversary
Snacks and drinks, jewelry and artwork by Sabra Gallery, music by Trey Wright, and a silent auction featuring Creative Loafing photographer Joeff Davis’ images of our beautiful new President. Composition has also billed the show as a “rent party” to help raise support for Candler Park’s only dedicated photography gallery. Event begins Sat. Jan. 17 from 7-11PM at Composition Gallery.

SUNDAY

Ivy Hall

Beyond Black and White:
Kara Walker’s Dirty South
This lecture by Elizabeth Rowan of SCAD-Atlanta promises to examine Walker’s technique, her role as a narrator, and her appropriation of 19th century culture. A discussion titled “Beyond Black and White” is of course timely, but it may be worth a visit just to check out the architecture at Ivy Hall. Lecture begins Sun. Jan. 18 at 3PM at Ivy Hall, 179 Ponce de Leon Ave.

ONGOING

Carte Blanche at WM Turner

WM Turner:
Carte Blanche & Beaux Arts
The subjects of Bernard Matussière’s photography run the gamut, from “artful” nudes to gritty snapshots of industrial alienation. His “Carte Blanche” show runs alongside Turner’s exhibition of contemporary French paintings titled “Beaux Arts.” Opened just last year, WM Turner Gallery (112 Krog Street) is located a mere two blocks from the graffiti tunnel which sparked so much recent debate. Gallery hours are Tue–Fri. 12-6PM and Sat. 12-5PM. Both shows continue through Jan. 30.

Except where noted, all events on our To Do Lists are free and open to the public. Check out our other January list for more ongoing shows!