There is an inherent shock value when viewing the work of Enzo Sarto. Executed in a clean and crisp manner, Sarto’s photographs highlight a deceptive innocence that demands attention. Although stating that his work “is about passions, prejudices, and fear,” a specific clarification, such as why a little girl wears a bandana around her face like a vandal and holds a gun as if she just committed murder, remains elusive. Politically and socially charged images infiltrate much of Sarto’s work, producing a dialogue that begs for an explanation. 

 

 

 

 

In early January, I settled down with Sarah Thornton’s new book 33 Artists in 3 Acts in which she poses what appears to be the simplest of questions: What is an artist? Within the first few pages, Thornton is already dismayed to have people reply: “An artist is someone who makes art.”   

I scoffed. My answer would be so much more profound, detailed and smart! Clearly, an artist is… blank. What is an artist? Over dinner, my husband, who is not involved in the art world, answered promptly: “Emily, it’s simple. An artist is a creator.” Really? This seemed too all-encompassing for my taste. One can create with no intent towards art. No, it wasn’t simple at all. 

The Street Museum of Art presents a unique and innovative approach to experiencing art by extending beyond the physicality of a museum or gallery. By combining the strategic curation and organization of a museum with the guerilla techniques of a street artist, SMoA is the first public art program of its kind.