Hospitality As A Timely Art Style
Some artists are intent on representing or reflecting upon the actuality of everyday lives. Other artists are inspired by the need to create experiences that are missing from their lives. Their route to fulfillment tends to take the form of idealistic fantasies. Richard Jochum is a wishful artist. But instead of fantasizing or idealizing, he actualizes his desires. I was privileged to be present at such an event last Friday at the Emily Harvey Gallery in NYC. Cynicism and bitterness were purged from his regret that conviviality and graciousness are lacking in hurried lives driven by competition and materiality. By merging the roles of host and guest, he meticulously designed a dinner that fostered these missing ingredients. It was less an ‘art party’ than a ‘party as art’. Hospitality was the theme and process.