Reflecting on an artful 2010

photo: 'Carolina Cup,' by Joel Parker.

I was asked to do a rather difficult thing: come up with what I thought were the best art shows of 2010. There were a lot of great shows, and art is such a different experience for everyone. What I may love, someone else may not, and vice versa.

I've tried to give some insight into why I chose each show. I'd love to hear what yours are. E-mail us your thoughts at charlestonscene@gmail.com.

So here are my faves, in no particular order:

The first that comes to mind is the Nick Cave and Phyllis Galembo exhibit that was at the Halsey Institute this past spring. Ever since it's been in the new home at St. Philip and Calhoun streets, the Halsey has really been rocking out some amazing stuff. The Cave exhibit of sculptural yet functional costumes was impressive to me because it covered many different art forms. Cave worked as a modern dancer with the Alvin Ailey dance company for many years, and his sculptural costumes can actually be worn. Even when they are not being worn, they evoke the sense of movement. Galembo's photographs were interesting in how they showed the ritualistic and ceremonial costumes of many different cultures that still exist today.

Another fave was Joel Parker's "Rite of Passage" show at SCOOP studios. I loved how Parker took typical, everyday scenes of college life and created something fresh and different. This talented and schooled artist used his realism painting skills to depict images of young adults at random parties (often the type of images you'd see on Facebook or the like), where they'd have normal conversations or drink beer out of red disposable cups, but they'd be presented as nudes. Still tickled over those.

Kendall Messick's "Impermanence" show at Rebekah Jacob also was impressive, but in a much more serious manner. After his house burned down, Messick chose to portray the beauty that is inherent in all things, even destruction. His photographs of his burned-down home and beloved and now charred objects represent what the title says: impermanence. Everything changes. Every single thing. Each moment. I love being reminded of this because it makes you appreciate each moment of your existence.

Another super-solid show was "Women Painting Women" at the Robert Lange Studios. Of course, the painting were great -- it was a juried show of works from women from all over the country and beyond. But for me, it wasn't so much the actual paintings that I appreciated the most. It was the back story of how all these women got together and made this happen. Many people still don't know that the show began with a simple blog about women painting women. More and more excitement grew around the topic, and a show followed. And with all the excitement around the show came the amazing camaraderie of all these talented women from all over the world flying to Charleston to paint together for a week.

So bring it on, 2011. I'm excited to see what you've got in store for us.