PAULE ANGLIM - THOREAU CENTER - NOMA - SFMOMA

W HOTEL - CALIFORNIA MODERN - MEDICINE AGENCY

06.17.10

(with assistance from Anneliese Vobis and RWM)

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Gallery Paule Anglim: Ala Ebtekar - re-emergence; Keith Hale - New Drawings.

Comment by RWM: Seems like a portrayal here of Iranian feminism. Impressive and formidable. A new crusade.

Comment by AB: In the main gallery, Ala Ebtekar blends and references aspects of traditional and contemporary Persion art and culture in photography, sculpture, fashion, calligraphy and painting, and then proceeds to embellish and present the aggregate in distinctly American ways. In the vestibule, Keith Hale's scrupulously detailed drawings are take-offs on the symbols and images of US paper currency. Big and small at the same time, you can appreciate 'em either at a distance or pinkie cam close. Both good shows; go see.

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Thoreau Center for Sustainability: Memory Traces - Olaitan Callender-Scott.

Review and images by Anneliese Vobis: Mixed media sculptures investigate different views of memory. Materials like felt, plants and rust are excellent tools to highlight underlying stories of the work. Some pieces should not only be seen, but also touched. The projects presented express so much about feelings with their organic biomorphic forms.

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NOMA Gallery: U n r a v e li n g_____ Tape.

Artists: Bonnie Banks, Aaron Finnis, Jacqueline Gordon.

Review by Anneliese Vobis: After climbing several flights of stairs to the NOMA space your expectations about a new form of show can get real. The artists exploit the qualities of cassette recording tape material through video projection, pictures made of tape and tape installations. Every situation illuminates a different use of tape. The artistic compositions incite a dialogue to inform about the hidden phenomenology of the chosen medium.

Comment by AB: Art about magnetic recording tape-- cassette tape in particular. Highlights include guitar solos and classic tracks of 80s headbanger rock bands memorialized as clean minimalist works on paper, and exceptionally delicate wall and floor sculptures. Jacqueline Gordon's portrait bust crocheted out of four cassette tapes is also a winner. Worth a look.

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McKinley Art Solutions at W Hotel: Tilting Babylon - Lynn Rubenzer.

Review by RWM: Somber yet gorgeous city painted over the hills. Not the shining city of now, but more about home and the good days, like before the Internet and streetlights. The images meld to tell larger stories with birds, moons and fantasy. It's a very mellow day in Babylon by the Bay.

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California Modern Gallery: The Green Show.

Artists: Shannon Amidon, Linda Colnett, Leanne Deming, Gillian Ellenby, Clint Imboden, Grant Johnson, Elise Mahan,Terence Stephens, Lawrence Riley, Megan Seiter, Maureen Shields, Laura Varich, Lisa Vuskovic, Ryan Zweng.

Review by RWM: It is sometimes difficult to enjoy "Green art," especially for those who have already seen landscapes, pop art, and all manner of other pieces about pollution, but the art assembled here makes a fascinating presentation and heartfelt impression. Especially impressive are the painted shoes about our human footprint. There is also a photographic presentation centerpiecing an odd zoo exhibit taking place at a mall. Upside down trees are memorably disturbing and disconcerting, as is an effigy of a recycled man. You will also notice the globes encircled in saw blades-- an abstract representation of concern. Rather than be viewed as a downer, the exhibition impresses with its energy and intention to motivate.

Review by Anneliese Vobis: The work consists of repurposed photography, drawings, paintings and sculptural installations. The artists explore the various connections of natural objects and the environment. From giant plastic sculpture to sensible wax paintings and endless exciting installations, the show has some real treasures to offer. The live Music by Jeff Desira and Jordan Carp accentuates the thought-provoking scenery.

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