Arlington Arts Field Guide: It's the Simple Things in ... Art?

There's something exceptionally appealing about a nearly anonymous piece of wall art on a city side street: Art that is not bright or reflective, that is not 3-D, nor outfitted with any moving parts, art that is but a simple amalgamation of color, form and texture.

It's simple art -- not plain or boring necessarily, but uncomplicated, unfussy, satisfied in its own simple skin. It is art you can find in some corners of Arlington. And in some cases (like this one), it's a humble series of abstract frescoes, adorning the side of an average Arlington apartment building at 1800 N. Oak St.

The artists are Tom Ashcraft and Y. David Chung. The title is "Continuum and Reposto." And the art is simple, elegant and captivating.

I'm not much for cliches and overused mantras, so I won't say that "the simpler things in life" are better. Nor will I say that simpler art is better art. Simple art isn't always good art, even. But simply put, there is something to be said for simple art. Hopefully this article can qualify as that something.

In my last two columns I've argued that big and bright can be an enjoyable approach within the realm of public art (and wardrobe choices), and that in some cases, "public art" strays too close to real estate (at a certain point ceasing to be art at all, much less public art).

And now, I'm typing away in praise of a series of small murals that employ a less than audacious color palette and are affixed to actual cold, hard, concrete real estate. Hypocrite.

Such is the wondrous nature of art. Always examinable through a variety of lenses and perspectives, always leading to new and evolving conclusions.

To sum-up, or to paraphrase, or to simplify: Art doesn't need to be a florescent mirroring of Marilyn Monroe images to be worthy of praise. It doesn't need to have layers upon layers of symbolism.

The intent of "Continuum and Reposto" is not to astonish or to call out for attention. It is not intended to increase the property value of The Gallery at Rosslyn. No one is going to sign an apartment lease because a series of simple murals are scattered along the back side of the building.

Some pedestrians may walk right by, unaware that they've passed anything other than another wall of cement. But others might be intrigued by the faintly-familiar amassing of simple colors and shapes. Is it an orchid? Is it a blade of grass and a drop of dew?

The intentions of the artists and their art should be admired, aiming not to overwhelm, but to subtly enrich the surrounding environment. Art that, while mounted upon private property, is public in the truest sense.

It goes to show that small things can make a difference, that simple art can be captivating, and that art that doesn't always draw the most attention does, upon closer examination, greatly improve the urban environment we all share.

So remember, sometimes a simple smile (not a wow!) is all art is asking for. And that's a good thing.

Until next time, happy public art hunting.