Klein's 'Uber Waves' exhibit opened at Real Eyes Gallery March 7.
ADAMS, Mass. — Artist Henry Klein never considered the everyday material he used in one of his art pieces would be in such high demand almost immediately.
Or that the wall of swooping rolls of tissue in the front window of Real Eyes Gallery would make passers-by stop in their tracks.
"I had no idea," Klein said in an exhibition talk the gallery live-streamed earlier this month. "I thought I was just being cute putting toilet paper on the wall."
The piece in the Park Street gallery comprises an entire 24-roll pack of toilet paper strung out to create waves. It is part of Klein's "Uber Waves: Other Locations" exhibit that opened March 7.
Gallery owner Bill Riley said the piece was installed before COVID-19 really hit. He said the coronavirus pandemic has changed how everybody lives their lives with social isolation and new hardships.
That's inspired the artist and gallery owner to sell off the paper rolls to raise money for the Berkshire Food Project.
"When it came out people were hoarding things and there was a shortage," Riley said in an interview Thursday. "Henry saw an opportunity to turn something that appeared decadent into a positive."
Riley said the rapid changes have lead the gallery to do things it hadn't done before to reach people, such as live-streaming Klein talking about the his work.
"The coronavirus has changed our lives so now we are in a world where we are having to adapt and making this live video is something that we have never considered before," he said. "So it has pushed us at the same time so hopefully we can keep ourselves healthy and not be too heavily affected by the illness itself."
Klein said the piece really has a new meaning now that COVID-19 has effected so many lives.
"Now it speaks to preparedness," he said.
Riley agreed and said COVID-19 really changed the context of the piece.
"For Henry it was very profound. Part of the original statement was that toilet paper was taken for granted and that it really wasn’t an art material," he said. "Almost saying you can make art out anything and all of a sudden the context changes. It becomes something of vital importance and it is not taken for granted anymore.
"It kind of increased the energy around the piece."
Each roll costs $25 and they hope to be able to raise about $600 -- plus whatever else people are kind enough to kick in. Rolls can be ordered by contacting the gallery on Facebook or calling 1-917-440-2400.
Those who donate will receive a letter from the artist thanking them.
Klein has also asked that, if possible, the cardboard roll cores be returned to him so he can create another piece.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
ADAMS, Mass. — Graduates of Berkshire Arts & Technology Charter Public School (BArT) who have completed their first year of college are invited to apply for the Julia Bowen Bridge to College Scholarship.
The scholarship fund was established in 2017 to honor Julia Bowen, BArT's founding executive director. Through her service to the school, Bowen demonstrated her commitment to supporting all students' successful path to and through college. In this spirit, the scholarship was created by and is managed by the BArT Foundation to provide financial assistance to select BArT alumni through their college career.
A scholarship of up to $1,250 will be awarded to a BArT alumnus or alumna who has successfully completed year 1 of college. Assuming successful completion of the school year, the award will be continued through years 2, 3, and 4 and, if need be, 5. The award does NOT need to be used for tuition.
Applications may be accessed at https://bit.ly/Bowen2024. The application process includes a narrative about the applicant, how the successful applicant plans to use the Bowen Scholarship to increase the likelihood of college success, and how the applicant has or will support the BArT alumni network or college office.
That wasn't all, of course, as she was applauded for her 30 years overseeing the town's elections and vital records. There were plenty of hugs and some tears for a closing out of her long career.
click for more
Listening to Little list off all the specialized components he sells and installs, from public safety lighting to municipal warning lights and radio communication, his technical knowledge and experience shines through.
click for more
Selectmen Chair and 1Berkshire Director of Member Services and Christine Hoyt has been nominated for the April Community Hero of the Month. click for more
Specialty Minerals is expected to pay $299,000 for a discharge of calcium carbonate into the Hoosic River nearly three years ago in a consent decree with the Attorney General's Office. click for more
The Adams Beautification group, which has been quietly sprucing up the town since 2022, hopes to bring in more members of the community during a community cleanup day scheduled for Saturday, April 27. click for more
Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School history teacher Alla Chelukhova has been selected as the April Teacher of the Month. click for more