“BLOW UP II: Inflatable Contemporary Art” at The Appleton

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

One of the things I love about The Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, FL is the eclectic nature of its exhibitions. While not an exceptionally large art institution, the curators make the most out of every space, offering a variety of artworks to view and discuss across a wide range of topics and mediums.

For example, on my most recent visit to The Appleton I was able to view the black-and-white photography of Steven Benson, a collection of Pop Art pieces that included works by Roy Lichtenstein, James Rosenquist, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol, a small gallery of work from the permanent collection of Argentinian, Cuban and Mexican artists and a traveling exhibition of enormous colorful inflatables that would put the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to shame, or at least bring it into the 21st century.

BLOW UP II: Inflatable Contemporary Art was the primary reason for my visit and I am so glad I made the trek to see it. Art theory makes up a large part of my approach to art history and while I could take the time to wax philosophically about the profound social statements being made by the artists or the fascinating revelations these artists had about the art-making process while working in this unusual medium (some for the first time), I am not going to do any of that. Instead, I am going to say this…

Go see this exhibition because it is FUN!

Allow yourself to laugh and gasp and smile and be surprised. The inflatables are quite large and frequently tower over you, so let that give you permission to be a kid again. Revel in the bold colors, the pleasing shapes and the humor inherent in the work. But remember… do not touch the artwork! Yes, you will be possessed with an overwhelming desire to touch, but as usual, that is frowned upon in a museum setting. Of course, I wouldn’t blame you if, after visiting this exhibition, you decided to rent an inflatable bouncy castle for yourself… I mean… for your kids.

Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone… if you invite me over.

BLOW UP II: Inflatable Contemporary Art is on view at The Appleton through December 11, 2022.

For more in this exhibition, please visit…

BLOW UP II

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I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.