MARX & ZAVATTERO - ELI RIDGWAY - 941 GEARY

04.21.12



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Marx & Zavattero: Libby Black - Nothing Lasts Forever.

Comment by AB: Libby Black paints rather than sculpts for this one, although sculptures are strategically placed around the gallery for those who come expecting to see more of the same (we never want to alienate the fan base). However, the gist of this endeavor is more personal, autobiographical and in a larger sense, social and political... plus some traditionally appealing floral still lifes. Something for everyone. Good show; check it out.

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Eli Ridgway Gallery: Cassandra C. Jones - Photos Taken #drawings

Comment by AB: I don't claim to be a David Hockney expert, but I think he used his own pictures in his photo montage/collages. Cassandra C. Jones evolves the idiom by taking various other people's pictures and unifying them into complete compositions with her unique brand of repetitive virtuosity. The fundamental elements here? Lightning bolts and hot air balloons elegantly digitally combined and conjoined into complex meditative wholes-- appealing from close in as well as at a distance. You who doubt the validity and significance of digital arts might take a moment to reflect on that perspective here.

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941 Geary Gallery: Loving the Exiled - Herakut.

Comment by AB: I ask to photograph Herakut (German male/female dyad Hera and Akut) as is my typical inclination at openings. I'm not sure which is which but the male component of the duo is the one I'm speaking with. He tells me they'll be with me soon. Excellent. Fifteen minutes of waiting later I manage to get his attention again; he acknowledges. Ten minutes later, I'm still standing there as he transits the crowd and schmoozes away. Enough is enough; time to go. All he has to do is tell me he doesn't want to be photographed. Not a problem... in fact, less work for me. So do I feel like writing about their art after this bona fide shine-on? Not really. It all looks the same anyway.

For all you artists out there who have gallery openings, do your absolute best to respond to everyone's requests, no matter what they look like, who you think they are, what your instantaneous or intuitive take on them may be, or whether or not you think they can positively impact your career or your financial bottom line. You just never know what the outcome of an interaction (or lack of one) might be. Don't worry-- if you get yourself into a sticky situation, rest assured that the gallery owner will rescue you.

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