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MERIDIAN - MIRUS

SPOKE ART - ALTER SPACE

09.07.13 Part III

Thinking about "borrowing" or copying another artist's work? Read this first.

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Meridian Gallery: American Beauty, The Opulent Pre-Depression Architecture of Detroit - Philip Jarmain.

Comment by AB: A number of photographers document the sorrowful decline of Detroit's heyday grandeur in photography and video. Philip Jarmain differentiates his work by photographing remains of great landmark architecture and pairing them with local, regional and architectural history, not only of the buildings during their lifetimes, but also since their demise. Painfully magnificent to behold. So much of America has gone the same way; Detroit's just the most stupendous, dramatic and easiest to access of the long list of casualties. Have we reached our low point and turned the corner? I'd like to think so, but outside of isolated pockets of success, I can only shake my head.

Philip Jarmain artist art

Belle Isle aquarium - photograph by Philip Jarmain, opened 1904, closed 2005.

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Early Albert Kahn assembly line building, circa 1908 - photo by Philip Jarmain.

Abandoned Detroit synagogue - photograph by Philip Jarmain at Meridian Gallery.

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Philip Jarmain demise of Detroit photography.

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Extinct Detroit landmark photography by Philip Jarmain.

Not the best shot of Michigan Central Station - photograph by Philip Jarmain.

Defunct Detroit hotel boiler room - photography by Philip Jarmain.

Turnout - Philip Jarmain photography show at Meridian Gallery.

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Mirus Gallery: Lines of Vision Re-Drawn - Steve Budington.

Comment by AB: Surrealism at the precipice with anatomical overtones by Steve Budington.

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Art by Steve Budington at Mirus Gallery.

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Strange brain art by Steve Budington closer.

Steve Budington and his art at Mirus Gallery.

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Wall of smalls by Steve Budington.

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Microphone medley in above image closer.

Art by Steve Budington.

Steve Budington art.

Mirus Gallery first floor lobby - Steve Budington art show.

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Spoke Art Gallery: Meow Brow - Casey Weldon; Lil Bub Art Show.

Comment by AB: In the 808 Sutter space, Casey Weldon's weird-eyed muted-palette cats set the stage for this momentous occasion-- a personal appearance by famed Internet kitty, Lil Bub. In the 816 Sutter space, an additional 50 or so artists homage the online feline superstar, while in the back room, the celebrated tabby and owner hold court. One more notch in my celebrity art belt.

The guest of honor - Lil Bub & owner Mike Bridavsky at Spoke Art Gallery.

Casey Weldon artist art

Kitty cat art by Casey Weldon at Spoke Art Gallery.

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Casey Weldon art closer.

Art by Casey Weldon.

Casey Weldon art

Outside looking in - Casey Weldon art show at Spoke Art Gallery.

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Triangular art by Johanna O'Donnell (right) at Lil Bub group show.

Super cat art by Joemur (left).

Art by Ransom & Mitchell closer.

Pinkie cam detail of kitten ring jewelry by Rebecca Rose.

Limited edition prints by Noelle McClanahan (left), Oliver Barrett (center).

Fan base - Lil Bub group show at Spoke Art Gallery.

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Alter Space: Melissa Dickenson - Parameters.

Comment by AB: Here's the surprise of the night. Melissa Dickenson neatly stretches variously painted sheets of translucent polyethylene film (plastic drop cloths) over stretcher bars to create depthy dimensional effects. I like this. Check it out.

Melissa Dickenson artist art