ARTSPAN - STEVEN WOLF

CULT - HERON

01.24.15

(with assistance from RWM)



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ArtSpan at SOMArts Gallery: Selections 2015.

Artists: Amy Ahlstrom, David Avery, Yu Jean Choi, Joshua Coffy, Sasha Colin, Phillip Hua, Howie Katz, Natalia Lakes, Paul Madonna, Erika Meriaux, Bradley Platz, Romy Randev, Eric Rewitzer, Jenny Robinson, Christopher Schramm.

Comment by AB: This is one of the best things ArtSpan's ever done-- a juried exhibition designed to showcase a select group of talented SF Open Studios artists. But wait; there's more. Unlike your typical ArtSpan exhibit where the works tend to be numerous and small, this one's done on a grand gallery scale, with each artist being given ample wallspace to demonstrate the scope of their abilities. Check it out.

Review by RWM: Impressive array of works that demand space. Nice to see all the art collected together. Great presentation of some of The City's accomplished artists, some hopefully to be seen here again.

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Steven Wolf Fine Arts: Zak Smith and William T. Vollmann - It's My Job to Be a Girl.

Comment by AB: The art in this show may not be pretty, but it's pretty damn good. In the front gallery, author William T. Vollmann debuts his work in a gallery setting, showing disconcerting portrait paintings of prostitutes in rows of three extending up one gallery wall. Around the rest of the gallery are stark yet sensitive portrait photographs of prostitutes alternating with self-portraits of the artist dressed as a woman-- Dolores, he calls her.

In the rear gallery, Zak Smith's intricate sex-laced works on paper verge on visual overload, but the kind of overload you can bask rather than drown in. Here, too much is never enough. You just keep wanting more and Smith obliges by delivering it. Some compositions read like comics while others play like film. Choose your reality and dive deep to its depths. Every last bit of both shows is definitely worth seeing.

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Cult Exhibitions: Prince Rama (Taraka and Nimai Larson) - How to Live Forever; One-year Anniversary Celebration.

Review by RWM: Cool Glam Rock, is it? Great silver mylar installation on the wall like you might never have seen before. Fascinating anniversary with music, videos and ambiance. Big crowd for a small space with large art.

Comment by AB: The gallery's SRO one-year anniversary celebration includes gourmet cakes decorated with exhibition highlights from their inaugural year, along with a bevy of plaudits and testimonials. The art by Prince Rama (sisters Taraka and Nimai Larson from Brooklyn) is practically lost in the crush, but does feature a black-light Kardashian and twisty disco video.

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Heron Arts: A Rose Has Teeth in the Mouth of the Beast - Daniel Chen and Vicci Jang.

Review by RWM: Fascinating show from Daniel Chen and Vicci Jang. Encounters with talking head sculptures by Vicci Jang that defy expectations. Strange and unusual sculptural portraits of beings in motion, expression, and who seek an audience.

Nice to join the crowd in the inviting paintings of Daniel Chen. You almost get the feeling of being beckoned onto the canvas. There have been movies with such possibilities and narratives. Fun chance to blend in with the art and the crowd. Great color schemes and interesting folks who have assembled for nightlife or maybe the neon.

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