Tonight was the annual Southern Exposure Auction. This year, I volunteered by building a temporary wall. There was some nice artworks by Andy Vogt and Sarah Smith and I especially loved this piece by Michelle Mansour.
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A few weeks ago, I met an artist Mark Garrett who mainly works with collages. Tonight I attended his much-attended art opening. The works are beautifully executed and beg the questions, "Where is the artist from?" Does he feel a sense of displacement in the world? Why the maps?
UNTETHERED: DRAWING WITH SCISSORS March 21- April 19, 2014 Opening: 6-8PM DogPatch Gallery, 2295 Third St SF,CA 94107 This liminal body of work evolved before I was fully aware of its origins. My practice of folding and cutting maps with scissors and applying the deconstructed fragments to paper with paint became my technical mantra for almost 3 years. Their sinewy, emotionally linear, and ruptured appearance are visually reminiscent of Rorschach inkblots. There is often some evident duality, or mirroring effect at play here. Though it was never in the forefront of my mind, I believe these maps fueled a better understanding of my/our subconscious minds and how a series of life altering events contributed to this visual expression. MMG • http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Bay-Area-arts-news-Feb-13-5229027.php • http://www.potreroview.net/news11162.html • https://www.facebook.com/events/547827205325276/ • http://www.sfgate.com/news/slideshow/The-039-Untethered-039-opening-82544/photo-6065654.php Tonight I visited my favorite art gallery Creativity Explored. A Curious Menagerie is a group exhibition of artworks depicting various members of the animal kingdom, factual as well as fanciful, as viewed through the eyes of more than two dozen Creativity Explored artists. Encompassing everything from the domesticated to the wild and exotic, plus a few imaginary creatures, this show also comprises a range of media: watercolor, pastel, acrylic, pen and ink, wire, wood, paper, clay, fabric, and cardboard. Artist Zachary Adams shows his love for “man’s best friend” in a winsome artwork of his own pet, entitledMy Pretty Pepper Girl Dog, in oil pastel and ink text on paper. Christina Marie Fong contributes Bobcat Rabbit, a fanged, savage-looking bunny covered in ornate Indonesian-inspired patterns of gold and silver, using watercolor and metallic felt pen. Gerald Wiggins brings an anthropomorphic element into his Lizard Man and Jake, both glazed ceramic sculptures of half-man, half-animal creatures, dressed like urban hipsters complete with stitched jeans, modern caps and goatees. Curated by Suda Changkasiri & Glenn Peckman. Opening Reception March 6, 2014 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Featuring a 20-minute performance by Chorissima, the concert, recording, and touring ensemble of the San Francisco Girls Chorus. Here are some of my favorite highlights of the show along with a few other pieces that I discovered in the back gallery. As you can see, I am a huge fan of Pancho Cruz. The art exhibition will take place Friday, January 24, 2014, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 25, 2014, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Additional viewing hours: Tuesday, January 28, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
This show features artwork made by Yulia Pinkusevich; Stephanie Syjuco and Brittany Watkins during their residencies at Recology. ------- Not surprisingly, Stephanie's work was funny, thoughtful, and clearly executed. She is definitely an inspiration. This museum is really something special. The collection is well rounded and the huge new building is amazing. Here are some highlights. Andrew Newell Wyeth American, 1917–2009 Winter 1946 1946 Tempera on board Although beloved as the illustrator of such children's classics as "Treasure Island" and "Robin Hood", N.C. Wyeth sought greater respect as a fine artist. Unfortunately, many critics dismissed his paintings of rural life as sentimental and old fashioned. Increasingly frustrated, N.C. transferred to his son Andrew the burden of his hopes. The weight of that burden is apparent is "Winter 1946", which Andrew Wyeth painted in the aftermath of his father's tragic death in an accident at a railroad crossing–a crossing that lies on the other side of the hill. According to the artist, the hill became a symbolic portrait of his domineering father, and figure of the boy running aimlessly "was me, at a loss–that hand drifting in the air was my free soul, groping." The brittle clarity of "Winter 1946" results from Wyeth's use of the egg tempera medium: ground earth and mineral colors mixed with yolk and thinned with water. The artist once said that he liked tempera for its "feeling of dry lostness." Thomas Moran "Fiercely the red sun descending / Burned his way along the heavens" 1875–1876 Oil canvas This is some of the best brushwork...I adore this painting (also see detail below). Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem "The Song of Hiawatha" tells the story of a Ojibwa chief and his valiant struggle against evil. First published in 1855, "Hiawatha" inspired many artists, most notably Thomas Moran, The title of this painting sets the scene for Hiawatha's struggle against the magician who murdered his grandfather. Nokomis, the hero's grandmother, directs his journey across the black water to the West, where "fiercely the red sun descending/ Burned his way along the heavens." Just as the poet sought to create an indigenous American mythology, the painter imagines a mythic landscape, more emotional than real. Bernardo Strozzi; Italian, 1581/1582–1644; Portrait of a Gentleman, circa 1625–1632, Oil on canvas Cosmetic Tube and Applicator
Egyptian, Medieval 8th century Blown glass Using a cosmetic palette and small stone, Egyptians ground minerals to a fine powder and mixed them with oils or fats to create cosmetics for both men and women. Kohl–eye makeup that often contained galena (a lead ore)–was used to paint the rims of the eyes (like eyeliner) as well as the lashes (like mascara). Not only was kohl a popular beauty product; it was also a remedy for inflamed eyes. Such eye makeup could be stored in a long, thin tube that held an applicator. I was more inspired in the Historical section than the Art Gallery. I was especially excited to come across a gorgeous hair memento mori.
I attended my friend Ilana Crispi's art opening tonight. This is one of the best artworks I've seen in awhile. The concept is extremely strong as well as the craftsmanship and aesthetics. I sat on her beautifully designed bench, which was cold, minimal, and made from dirt of The Tenderloin. While sitting and reading her artist statement, I enjoyed a couple of Hot Toddies in the gorgeous handcrafted teacups that contrasted matte-white, smooth porcelain with glistening rough dirt. The drinks were made from honey and tea harvested from the rooftops of Glide Church also located in The Tenderloin. Amazing!
Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 12noon – 4:00 pm; First Thursday, November 7, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Private viewings are welcome. Email us for an appointment. At Ramon’s Tailor Ilana Crispi invites you to experience the Tenderloin by sitting on it, drinking from it and eating out of it. Crispi has harvested dirt from a neighborhood park to make furniture and ceramic vessels for her installation Tenderloin Dirt Harvest: Please be seated on the ground. With permission of the City, Crispi harvested dirt from Boeddeker Park, a one-acre city-owned park in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district that is undergoing a major renovation. Crispi spent months testing the quality of the dirt and creating hundreds of test pieces, discovering that at just the right temperature the Tenderloin dirt melts and becomes a self glazing clay. Some of her pieces layer porcelain with the dirt, creating a stark contrast between the valuable — porcelain was once as valuable as gold — with the grotesque and soiled. My friend Eric and I visited The Exploratorium today for free day. On of my favorite things was a video piece by Sam Taylor-Wood entitled "Still Life" 2001. The time-lapse growing of a mushroom culture serious made my skin crawl. This month's show honored Day of the Dead and it was really outstanding...of course, I might be slightly biased because of all the skeleton figures. My absolute favorites were the skulls by Ricardo Estella...amazing! These following artworks were on display in the back working area. The pottery on the bottom is completely incredible and I really would love to purchase it.
My friend Nikki and I went to the art opening at Wendi Norris for two featured artists. One was my friend Laurel Roth and the other a Japanese artist, Tomoko Konoike. Both artists have impeccable fabrication skills and strong concepts throughout. I attended my friend's evening of interaction art. I stayed for a long time and was extremely lucky to get to experience the fire tornado. Check out the video: This was an incredible show with many great pieces. There were some amazing drawings by Charles "Pancho" Cruz in the back of the space.
Attended free day today and visited some of my favorite pieces in the museum. I also saw some new pieces I really love. I especially enjoyed this piece, however I wish that the top half was printed in darker ink like the bottom. This bottom piece has highly inspired me and may result in a future painting I want to complete. I'm extremely fond of paintings by George Wesley Bellows. This one is particularly fantastic with its juicy brushstrokes. My favorite part of the museum is the African art section. Stopped with Nikki to finally see the architecture of the Frank Lloyd Wright Marin County Civic Center.
Visited the Contemporary Jewish Art Museum for the Beyond Belief show. There were quite a few pieces that I enjoyed and several I have seen before, but were great to revisit. Larry Thomas, Soul Trap, 1982 drawing | pastel, charcoal, and raw pigment on paper Ross Bleckner, Knights not Nights, 1987 oil, beeswax, pigment, and damar crystals on canvas, 108 in. x 72 in Mona Hatoum, Pin Rug, 1998-1999 stainless steel pins, canvas, and glue, 1 3/4 in. x 47 7/8 in. x 73 5/8 in. Helène Aylon, Bulging Spread, Central Break, 1979
Linseed oil on paper adhered to Plexiglas This piece by Aylon was my favorite. Here is the didactic: Aylon was raised in an Orthodox Jewish family whose life was structured by religious ceremony; as a result, an emphasis on ritualistic action informs her artistic practice. Part of a larger series, Bulging Spread, Central Break is the result of a performance open to chance: Aylon poured linseed oil onto a large flat panel, and months later broke the sac formed by the oil, allowing it to gush and drizzle down the support. Describing this process, Aylon explained that she would "stand by holding the pan to catch the gushing oils like a midwife, as the participants lifted the the panel off the floor onto a wall." I scurried out to see the latest opening at Creativity Explored. Four young artists from Creativity Explored step into the spotlight.
Creativity Explored presents recent work by four young studio artists who represent a range of artistic styles, perspectives and subject matter in its new summer exhibition, Introductions. The four featured artists include Kate Thompson, Marcus McClure, Steven Liu, and Keenan Dietiker. Here are some of my favorite moments: Spent the day at the SFMOMA with my friend Stella and also rand into another friend Tessa. The line for Marclay's "Clock" was really long, so instead we drank Blue Bottle coffee at the cafe and meandered the other exhibitions. It was great to revisit a few of my favorites: Jenny Saville Hem, 1999 oil on canvas 120 in. x 84 in. Fred Tomaselli Field Guides, 2003 photocollage, gouache, acrylic, and resin on wood 60 in. x 84 in. Mark Rothko
No. 14, 1960, 1960 oil on canvas 114 1/2 x 105 5/8 in. Once again, I find myself perusing MFA art. Tonight it is for SFAI and there were some things I really liked. Overall, I found it stronger than the CCA MFA show. One of my favorites was beautiful collages/paintings by Dianna Lindquist. Also intriguing was art by Allie Blanchard. It felt like a pagan Xmas fairytale injected with black humor. Great stuff. Mie Hørlyck Mogensen, Device for Listening Mie Hørlyck Mogensen Device for Listening, leather & ceramic Mie Hørlyck Mogensen Bag to Yawn Into, leather & ceramic I was really glad to see work by Hanna Kunysz. I look forward to seeing more of her sculptures in the future. Future Mountain on Wheels, 2013, Found Materials on Wheels, 4' x 2.5' x 2' San Francisco, Site 30-G, 2045, 2013, Found Materials, 4' x 10" x 10"
Tonight I visit the CCA main campus to see the MFA art show with my artist friend Nikki. There were a few nice moments. One of my favorites was a series of rooms with painted walls–very simple concept, but powerful. This was the first room: The second room: The third room was a calm taupe room with a gold door. Lovely. I also enjoyed a series of delicate bruise drawings and a large one complete with flowers and sections of a body by Amber Fawn. These dog collars were beautiful and whimsical. Funny thing is I would actually wear these myself! The pinnacle of the evening was seeing my artist friend's work Kate Nichols. It is fascinating, impeccably completed, and I would love to have one of her art pieces. This oil painting was breathtaking. The final piece that I was impressed by was a pedestal with a person inside the entire night. It played with objectification and couldn't help myself to gently caress her foot. At the end of the evening, Nikki and I rolled up her pant legs As a final note, Nikki and I counted the number of handlebar moustaches and the final count was 9!! Can you say hipster-ville?
My friend Nikki and I attended my artist friend's art opening tonight. I've known Andy Vogt for many years now and his work is always nicely controlled and executed meticulously. Andy Vogt | Submerged on the Surface May 11 - June 29, 2013 Opening Reception Saturday, May 11, 4-7pm Eli Ridgway Gallery is pleased to present the gallery’s first solo exhibition by Andy Vogt, Submerged on the Surface. Based on the sculptural potential of lumberyard detritus and repurposed rough-cut Douglas Fir lath, Vogt's works take on the materials in both graphic and architectural terms as well as the gray area between. His vision of well-worn, structural demise finds a language in the crisp edges and broken off-cuts of discarded plywood and lath and their shadows. Visible Spectrum, 2013 salvaged wood 52 x 29 (diameter) inches Shadeshape 3, 2012
salvaged wood 67 x 34 inches I visited open studios for Jim Stewart's Zymoglyphic Museum in San Mateo. I especially loved his "lint ball creatures" and the melted lead piece. I also visited his wife's Judith Hoffman studio that featured homemade pinhole cameras.
I attended this recommended art show with my artist friends Scott Tsuchitani, Liz Hickok, and Ilana Crispi. The pieces were motion activated and were programmed with intricate "mating dances". The pieces were great, but one of them seemed to be nonoperative. Once again, this reminded me that I never want my artwork to rely on technology. Hosfelt Gallery 260 Utah Street San Francisco, CA 94103 t 415-495-5454 f 415-800-7206 http://hosfeltgallery.com/ 30 March - 18 May 2013 Reception: Saturday 30 March, 4 - 6pm ALAN RATH Irrational Exuberance SPACE is an immersive gallery experience consisting of sculpture-based work made from repurposed materials, paired with sound, video, and light components. More than a dozen Creativity Explored artists worked collaboratively to create a space of their own, working alongside the exhibition’s curators to create an “out-of-the frame,” conceptual environment. My favorite piece in the show was this multi-media piece that reminded me of a cadaver emblazoned in brilliant lights. Hanh Chau Untitled, 2013 wire, synthetic fiber, steel wire, and wool Kaocrew "Yah" Kakabutra Untitled, 2013 paper, air-dry clay, fiber, and glue I also fell in love with these "heads". They slightly reminded me of one of my art pieces. Kaocrew "Yah" Kakabutra Untitled, 2013 plaster, yarn, gesso, and wire I've always loved this artist's work and would love to own one. Marilyn Wong Untitled, 2013 mixed media on paper These pieces were not part of the curated show, but rather were displayed in the back area where the artists create their work. I was obsessed with this hanging piece. It was made from tightly-wrapped pantyhose and I must have stared at it forever. Unknown artist
I was really delighted to discover these drawings in a bin. I cannot wait to see future work by this talented artist. The Pieta drawing (the third one) is quite possibly the best version of this iconic scene I have ever seen. Next time I have a drawing session, I will remember this incredible linework! Visited SFMOMA today with my friend Douglas P. There were a few highlights today, which was unexpected. I don't usually have high expectations when visiting the museum, but today was the exception. I was completely riveted with Christian Marclay's Clock piece and enjoyed it from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. It really blew me away and hope to visit it again, hopefully sometime around midnight.
My second favorite thing was the exhibit featuring the visionary architect Lebbeus Woods.
Finally, I loved seeing the painting Hem (1999) by Jenny Saville. She is one of my favorite painters with her thick impasto brushwork and morbid view of the body.
ere to edit. I visited the art opening for Xara Thustra's solo show at the Luggage Store Gallery. I saw many familiar faces and briefly chatted with Xara. I've seen his performance art work which is completely amazing, but wasn't as impressed with his 2D works.
The luggage store gallery is proud to present POP-UP SHOW: NEW EXPERIMENTAL WORKS by XARA THUSTRA. The opening celebration will take place on Friday, April 12 from 7-9pm with food and entertainment. The exhibition runs through April 27th, 2013. This will be a two-week exhibition. During the second week of the show, everything in the POP-UP SHOW is free. The installation consists of both older and new works. The artist’s intention is to leave “empty handed.” Xara says this show is about “celebrating selfless acts.” |
AUTHORTerrance Graven is a San Francisco artist whose installations incorporate sculptural elements, performance art, costumes, sound pieces, and theatrical lighting. CATEGORIES
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March 2024
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