QUEENS NAILS - MERCHANTS OF REALITY

POPULAR WORKSHOP - LIVE WORMS - GALLERY 28

07.01.11

(with assistance from Anneliese Vobis, Marian Ferrara and RWM)



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Queens Nails Projects: Facundo Argañaraz - Good Taste; André Eamiello - Fantasy Camp.

Comment by AB: Closing reception for a month-long residency of both artists at the gallery. André Eamiello's incongruous multimedia Fantasy Camp transforms the front gallery into the oddest outdoor experience you'll ever have either indoors or out. In the back gallery, Facundo Argañaraz utilizes print, collage, graphic and reproductive techniques, and an admirably astute design sense, to create what he essentially describes as paintings-- except that no paints or brushes are involved (paintless paintings, I guess you might call 'em).

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Merchants of Reality: Grand Opening.

Artists: Larissa Grant, Joshua King, Chris Love, Mike Torchia, Emelia Loomis, Ilana Ziff, ©bem.

Review by Anneliese Vobis: Today is the opening of this new art venue. Strong young art voices open their doors to the critical art world. Viewers will see a wide range of art including photorealistic, surrealistic paintings, expressive drawings, collage paintings, prints, sculptures and much more. A really cool place to check out.

Review by RWM: Chaotic show. Chaotic art. Chaotic people. Generous and unusual experience.

Comment by AB: The former Anon Salon and Climate Theater space has reincarnated as a combination artists' studio and exhibition space. Tonight's anarchic escapade signifies their inaugural foray.

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The Popular Workshop: Forgotten & Undisturbed - Bob Chisholm.

Review by RWM: Some wonderful photographs of nature and the great outdoors such as one where a lone hero confronts the sea. The internal and sociological are also on display, as well as the stuff of dreams. Some wonderful shots of nature. Great pictures of the outdoors included. Not necessarily odd, but an atypical perspective.

Review by Anneliese Vobis: Bob Chisholm presents a wide range of topics. From political and theatrical imagery to romantic landscape settings, his work is really thought-provoking. Everybody is in one or another way touched.

Comment by AB: Bob Chisholm's color photographs range from romantic and humorous to expansive and documentary. They date from the 1960s and 70s, recalling gentler, less complicated times. BTW, the large majority of "fine art" photographers were shooting in black & white at the time, which makes the images here all the more engaging. Many look like they could have been taken yesterday. Stop on by.

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Live Worms Gallery: Marlon Schaeffer.

Review by Anneliese Vobis: Marlon Schaeffer's representational photography confronts us with Nature's breathtaking beauty. The intriguing small picture sizes captivate the the viewer and invite a very close inspection.

Comment by AB: Part of First Fridays art walk in North Beach.

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Gallery 28: Winners of the Second Annual Competition.

Artists: Senea Barnes, Monty Dobik, Anne Herbst, Leslie Morgan, Judy On, Janet Pak, Ann Simms, Mel Solomon, Karl F. Stewart, Vera Tchikovani.

Review by RWM: Artists were asked to focus on remembering-- memories that elicit strong emotions-- and to depict them in two-dimensional form. The resulting images range from the very personal to the abstract. There are ten winners this year.

Review and images by Anneliese Vobis: Striking print imagery-- romantic still-lifes, vibrant scenery and more. This exhibition provides very diverse views and insights. A prolific dialogue between the space and the art results in a pleasing atmosphere.

Comment by AB: Part of First Fridays art walk in North Beach.

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