CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM - ROOM FOR PAINTING ROOM FOR PAPER
YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS - VISUAL AID - SUB-MISSION
04.22-23.09
(with assistance from Laura Chenault and RWM)

Contemporary Jewish Museum: Chagall and the Artists of the Jewish Russian Theater, 1919-1949.

Artists: Marc Chagall, Natan Altman, Robert Falk, Ignaty Nivinsky, Isaac Rabinovich, and Aleksandr Tyshler, more.

Comment by AB: An exceptional survey of the Russian Jewish theater which flourished during the second quarter of the 20th century is billed as a Chagall event, but I suppose that's mainly to get people through the door. Yes, they have Chagall's on display, including a stunning full size painted set dating from circa 1922, but the exhibition is really an intense in-depth look at Jewish theater in Russia just after the fall of the Tsars, and extending through the horrific reign of Stalin. The art includes set designs, posters, costume designs, several costumes, photographs, soundtracks, and rare footage of actual performances. This one's an absolute must-see for afficionados of art, history, theater, the evolution of entertainment, survival against all odds, and more. Sorry-- no pics. First they said it was OK and then they changed their minds.

***

Room for Painting Room for Paper: Nan Grand-Jean - Recent Paintings; Susan Felter - Clowns & Divas, Photographs, 1981- 1985.

Comment by AB: Nan Grand-Jean's vibrant expressive energized abstracts exhilarate the Room for Painting, while Susan Felter's vintage photographs of circus performers coalesce into a contemplative essay on the idiom.

***

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts: Through Future Eyes - The Endurance of Humanity.

Artists: Eric Araujo, Claudia Bernardi, Caleb Duarte, Jennifer Campbell, Chukes, Melissa Day, Shepard Fairey, Juan R. Fuentes, Michael Namkung, Katherine Sherwood. Curated by Scarlett Giesbrecht, Rosa Gomez, Marisol Gonzalez, Monica Guerra, Alexa Gutierrez, Khristine Manalang.

Comment by AB: The exhibit is all about endurance-- a universal constant that affects all people everywhere, regardless of circumstances. We all want to endure, and perhaps if we work together, we will. The show is curated by six high school women from YBCA's Young Artists at Work (YAAW) program.

***

Visual Aid: Small Treasures - Visual Aid's Spring Art Auction.

Artists: Christo, Shepard Fairey, Ross Bleckner, Jock Sturges, Gary Brewer, Martine Jardel, Robin Denevan, Tim Yankosky, Jose Arenas, Mimi Plumb, Leslie Lusardi, Richard and Judith Lang, Mark Stock, Daniel Dallabrida, Sandra Kelch, Jessica Dunne, Rex Ray, David Maisel, Jeff Nord, Ross Bleckner, Matt Gonzalez, Shepard Fairey, more.

Comment by AB: Visual Aid, now in its 20th year, is a non-profit organization that supports and encourages artists with life-threatening illnesses to continue their creative work. This auction is all about that (plus champagne, gourmet chocolates, fine wines, hors d'oeuvres, and wonderful company). And judging from the roster of artists who've donated, Visual Aid's got some exceptionally dedicated support. The good news? Bargains were had. Helpful art collecting tip #4503b, Section 2, Clause 3: Don't miss those fundraiser art auctions 'cuz you never know what treasures lurk.

***

SUB-Mission: Cruxifictions, Resurections & Bunnies.

Artists: Alicia Debrincat, Missy Feigum, Josh Zubkoff, Stephanie McGuire, S.N. Jacobson.

Review by RWM: The Dominant Christian Myth becomes personal here with images of crucifixions, speaking to our shared pain and sad experiences. The outspoken here express their acceptance of our shared but sometimes undeserved blame. The art displayed is slightly humorous and speaks to a shared calamity. It is also as pleasant at times as Coitus Interruptus which is also on display, demonstrating the alienation that remains prevalent. Introspective bunnies, ugly faces, obesity, and soiled easter offerings, abound.  Meanwhile, many of us are still denied the fulfillment of a wholesome marriage.

Review and images by Laura Chenault: Just in time for Easter, this group show features art in a wide variety of mediums. Small, cute, colorful paintings of mutant animals are gathered on a bright orange wall amping up the already vibrant colors. A naked woman with imp-ish wings crucified and wearing the crown of forms is one of a group of dark photographs. A full size crucifix invites the viewer to climb up and assume the position. A "thorny" crown and bloody palms made from pipe cleaners and felt offer a complete ensemble for this artistic photo op. Beautiful prints in black evoke traditional Day of the Dead imagery. Even the snack table is full of ironic religious snacks.

***