Local Artist and Curator Preps For Art Show Debut Local Artist and Curator Preps For Art Show Debut

Artist Hopes To Draw In Over 10-Thousand Attendees With First Art Show

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — At a time when most people were spending their off time getting into the Halloween spirit, local artist and curator Peter Svoboda has been busy putting together his own horror story.

“I was looking for something that was extremely engaging,” Peter said. “And I had been studying what happened in World War II for 20 or 30 years with a particular interest in why a populous that was a decent group of people followed this madman.”

In addition to his research on World War II, Peter decided to go to Germany, where he ultimately found the true source of inspiration behind the art show he’s curating. During his trip to Germany, he was able to take photos of six pieces included in the German Art Show, a show originated by the infamous Adolf Hitler who wanted to highlight the best displays of art across the world there. However, Hitler only wanted to highlight the best displays of art from Germany and would delegate any and all forms of art that did not meet his criteria to a separate art show right across the street from the German Art Show known as the Degenerate Art Show.

Because of that condition, the work of particular artists–such as Pablo Picasso–was viewed as inadequate through the eyes of the German population amidst the late 1930s and early 1940s. These were the works of art that Peter wanted to include in his own iteration of the Degenerate Art Show.

“I want to pay homage to the artists,” Peter said. “Many of the artists…their art was confiscated. Most of their art was destroyed. Sometimes all of their art was destroyed. They were imprisoned. Many of them were killed.”

 

 

A local artist has taken on the challenge of curating his first art show here in Syracuse. Artist and curator Peter Svoboda is not only hosting the Degenerate Art Show to highlight the many pieces in his gallery, but to also shed some light on an incredibly dark time. NCC News’ Miles Walker has the story.

While art today is seen as a way for people to express themselves without the fear of facing criticism or ridicule, it took years to reach this point. Now, places like the station—a block away from I-690—can act as a space for any and all forms of art.

Lisa Price: “And what I found was that Syracuse was the city of hidden gems. You’d be outside and like no one would be there, and then you’d walk into a space and you’re like, ‘Oh wow, what’s happening here?’ You know, and you can’t really tell that from the outside looking in. You just kind of need to know where to look. So, we just need more opportunity to show more people what we have.”

While dancers and other entertainers perform on the first floor for the Thinning Of The Veil, the art show will take place on the third floor, where Peter hopes those in attendance can appreciate the works of artists who weren’t praise during their respective times in history.

Peter Svoboda: “I want to pay homage to the artists. Many of the artists…their art was confiscated. Most of their art was destroyed. Sometimes all of their art was destroyed. They were imprisoned. Many of them were killed.”

Peter thinks that there are still many parallels in today’s world to how the world looked through these artists’ eyes, which is why he hopes more people—including S-U students—utilize the station.

Peter: “There’s definitely a significant body of talent here. But here’s the thing: where do they go? If you have an idea, where do you go? You can come here.”

Although things are in their early stages here, you can go to 400 Burnet Avenue to see the Thinning Of The Veil along with the Degenerate Art Show. Reporting from Syracuse, I’m Miles Walker. NCC News.

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