art

i bought a painting today.
about a month ago i noticed a flyer hanging outside the school library, and it pointed to a small area inside the building where students exhibit their work. these paintings struck me. i don't think i have the words to describe them at the moment that wouldn't seem reductive... but i could say the following: graffiti, oils that look like spray paint, tendrils, chaos.
the painting i bought is called "the trip," and features close-ups of two robot-like creatures with flailing arms, from one's mouth there's an electical cord spiralling, and behind the other one there's a proliferation of flowers, a couple with sad faces similar to the robot they're growing behind. it's painted on a canvas that has been layered with pages from a phone book, so that's the background. i have it up on my wall where the kandinsky was, and even though it's a drastic change from those peaceful, mellifluous circles, i think it's a good place for the painting.
the artist's name is gilbert martinez, and he's a high school senior. i tracked him down through a couple of my students and finally met him for the first time two days ago. he's kind of small and quiet with a very round, listening face and round eyes. olive complexion. he's planning to go to the art institute of chicago next year. he reminded me of, as silly as this sounds, a little picasso. when he handed me the painting today, he said it was his first masterpiece, and that he was having some trouble parting with it. that's when i told him that the painting would always be his; i was just keeping it for him.
in the meantime i'm thrilled to have it.
the play was strange tonight, but the kids seemed happy. so important to keep in mind what ET told me about letting it go, letting them do what they will. when it comes right down to it, the students' experiences are what really matter. tomorrow is closing night.