Bob Chase

I started this account as a blend between my personal pursuit of art and my gallery’s endeavors in the same arena. Many told me I couldn’t do that; it doesn’t work for the algorithm and it confuses people. But hold on, when was an algorithm ever good for art??!

With that said, I want to share something that happened four years apart but taken together illustrates how an artist can impact meaning based upon where, how, and when their work is delivered. It also speaks to how audiences consume art, can make it their own, and inspire an artist in the process.

In this case I am speaking of Nick Carpenter (aka Medium Build), a musician who delivers explosive performances whether alone with a guitar or backed by his band. I first saw Nick four years ago at a small backyard gathering in East LA. He appeared to be burning in his own skin, alone with his guitar and filled with a raw, emotional tension the likes of which I had rarely seen. It sent chills down my spine, and the experience never left me.

Recently, I saw Nick again at New York’s Webster Hall. He is newly sober, and the tension so bottled up all those years ago was unleashed. Nick delivered a raucous, inspired, and infectious performance. His energy and optimism lifted everyone in the room, and in turn, I believe we lifted him. The performance affected me equally, albeit in a different way. It will stay with me just as the other did - same words, different context. It may not impact the algorithm, but perhaps it will you. Check out the performances side by side (and the final clip is a little insight into his vulnerability, I guess we all care what people think, at least a little). Good job art. And great job Nick, thank you!