HOSFELT - MISSION 17 - GIANT ROBOT
FECAL FACE DOT - CELLSPACE
07.18.09

Hosfelt Gallery: Liliana Porter - Matinee/Matiné; The Coldest Winter I Ever Spent Was a Summer in San Francisco - Group show.

Artists: Chris Ballantyne, Jim Campbell, Julie Chang, Russell Crotty, Reed Danziger, Marietta Hoferer, Timothy Horn, Christian Houge, Michael Light, Crystal Liu, Liliana Porter, Lordy Rodriguez, Arngunnur Yr, others.

Comment by AB: Vintage curios, figurines and bric-a-brac are the stars of Liliana Porter's new video Matinee/Matiné. In order to intensify the action (as if it's not already nail-biting enough) the objects are occasionally manipulated by a hand which intermittently enters and exits the scene. The saga is accompanied by an original soundtrack written and performed by Sylvia Porter. According to the intinerary, the group show in the main gallery consists of "cool" art, thereby making it a play on the title, "The Coldest Winter I Ever Spent Was a Summer in San Francisco."

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Mission 17 Gallery: The Man Behind the Curtain.

Artists: Seth Lower, Société Réaliste, Goldin + Senneby, Kate Cooper, K.D. (fictional author), Johan Hjerpe, Richard John Jones. Curated by Laura Mott

Comment by AB: Closing reception for this investigative essay on pretense, deceit and subterfuge features an international cast of artists.

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Giant Robot Gallery: Theo Ellsworth - Imaginary Friends.

Comment by AB: Portland Oregon artist Theo Ellsworth manifests a range of talents including those of fine artist, writer, comic artist and illustrator. He's self-taught (impressive, considering the quality, deliberateness and intricate detail of his work), and from the looks of things, he's considerably influenced by Maurice Sendak. His new book, "Capacity," is also available at the gallery. Nicely done all the way around. Most art priced under $300, and a healthy selection well under $300. Good value. Go see.

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Fecal Face Dot Gallery: Dennis McNett.

Comment by AB: Artist and designer Dennis McNett's rap sheet includes decks for Anti-Hero skateboards and shoes for Vans, participation in the Deitch Artparade, collaborations with Cannonball Press, and artwork appearances in the likes of The New York Times, Juxtapoz, Thrasher and Complex Magazine. Major works include cut carved polychromed wood and wood/collage wall pieces. Plus he's a killer woodblock artist. Prints are generally more subtle and subdued than one-of-a-kind originals like paintings and watercolors, for example, but McNett dispells every last iota of ennui with unbridled precision imagery that's nothing short of electric. Plus there's the size factor with his larger compositions tipping the scales at 4 by 8 feet. Yo-- that's a lotta cuttin'! Plus he's giving away signed prints at the show, and you know how I love generous artists (far too few of whom you'll encounter in artland).

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CELLspace Gallery: Sherry Wong - Play All; Group Show.

Group show artists: Joe Joe Martin, Beth Waldman, Barnaby Conrad, Gary Janis, Alissa Anderson, Pilar Woodman, Peter Hudson, Live Evil, Double Dutch, John John Dehan, DJ Ding Dong, DJ JoeJoe, DJ Ernie Trevino, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, others.

Comment by AB: Artist Sherry Wong headlines CELLspace's first Resident Artist Exhibition, presenting a series of group-portrait works on paper featuring members of San Francisco's creative communities. The subjects of her portraits are in attendance here tonight, and throughout the evening are showcasing not only their art, but also their talents as performers, DJs, musicians, and more.

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