HOSFELT - ADOBE BOOKS
CANESSA - COLLECTIVELY GRASP - GALLERY 560
03.28.09
(with Assistance from R.W. Miller)

Hosfelt Gallery: Stefan Kürten - Once In A Lifetime; Baseera Khan - InSearches, Hindu Kush.

Comment by AB: Stefan Kürten translates photographs of ordinary everyday subject matters into shimmering reveries where past, present and future conjunct, and recollection, whether faithful or faint, dictates the day. In the side gallery, landscape, animal and people abstractions in paint and video by Baseera Khan reference, among other things, her multicultural upbringing, stereotypic thinking, and the inevitable blurring of boundaries.

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Adobe Books and Backroom Gallery at Southern Exposure: 20th Anniversary Auction.

Artists: Airyka Rockefeller, Ajit Chauhan, Alena Rudolph, Alicia McCarthy, Alissa Anderson, Amy Jo Diaz, Andrew Schoultz, Barry McGee, Brion Nuda Rosch, Bryson Gill, Chris Baird, Chris Corales, Chris Duncan, Christine Shields, Clare Rojas, Colter Jacobsen, Dave King, Dave Schubert, Devendra Banhart, Emily Prince, Future Farmers: Amy Franceschini & Michael Swaine, Jay Nelson, Jeff Canham, Jennie Smith, Joe Byrnes, Johanna St Clair, John Dwyer, Joshua Churchill, Jovi Schnell, Kal Spelletich, Kathryn Spence, Klea McKenna, Kyle Field, Kyle Knobel, Kyle Ranson, Leslie Shows, Liz Walsh, Matt Furie, Matt Gonzalez, Misa Inaoka, Naoki Onodera, Nathan Stapley, Orion Shepherd, Rachel Corry, Rachel Kaye, Ryan Coffey, Ryder Cooley, Sahar Khoury, Scott Williams, Shaun O'Dell, Sonya Derman, Tara Foley, Will Yackulic, Yukako Ezoe Onodera, more.

Comment by AB: Bountiful bevies of talented Bay Area artists donate art in support of iconic Mission District bastion of creative energy and expression, Adobe Books and Backroom Gallery, now celebrating it's 20th anniversary. As one might expect, tonight's event is exceptionally well attended, a fine time is had by all, and most importantly, funds are raised to assure this venerable institution's continued survival in an ever-gentrifying neighborhood.

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Collectively Grasp: Maria Bonn - Perpetual Possibilities.

Comment by AB: Maria Bonn takes the byproducts of her art-making-- scraps, failed attempts, waste, and other leftovers, and makes 'em into art. The ultimate in recycling with 100% effeciency. But it still kinda looks like what it is-- discards.

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Canessa Gallery: Tobie Lurie - Synesthesia; Dale Moyer - Life Drawings with Attitude.

Review by R.W. Miller: An interesting combination of the paintings derived from the depths of the mind.  Toby Lurie pulls together the influence of poetry, music, and painting. His works are joyous and fun to behold. One may wonder what music he is listening to, but the musical notes are in the paintings, as well as collage, and contrasting and bright colors. Dale Moyer's nudes are also startling, making statements. There is attitude and personality on display, not just skin and flesh. His naked models also make artistic statements. The show closes on March 29.

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Gallery 560: Shifting Paradigms.

Artists: Laila Carlsen, Kelley Defayette, Jeff Neugebauer, more.

Review by R.W. Miller: A fascinating assemblage of art which challenges viewers to think about change, and about how art is sold. The paintings assembled make you wonder what's afoot. There are artistic examinations of our relationships with creatures from the natural world, the four elements, and celebrities. The artworks require us to confront our opinions of reality and relationships.

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