OC Art Blog

UCI 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibits

UC Irvine University Art Gallery / Room Gallery / Contemporary Art Center Present: UCI 2011 MFA Thesis Exhibits

www.ucimfa2011.com

www.ucigallery.com

www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121918611219603

MFA I: April 21st - May 7th. Opening reception April 21st 6-9
Maura Brewer
Sophie Lee
Amir Nikravan
C. Ree
Samira Yamin

MFA II: May 12th - May 28th. Opening reception May 12th 6-9
Josh Cho
Adrian de la Pena
Alexis Disselkoen
Noritaka Minami
Marcus Perez

The University Art Gallery/Room Gallery/Contemporary Art Center, 949-824-9854. studioart.arts.uci.edu/gallery

Saturday event May 14th, 12-5p

Google Map

 

You know what they say..."Copyright infringement is the sincerest form of flattery."

The Legal Side of Art Collaboration
Moderated by Dean Joseph S. Lewis II, Claire Trevor School of the Arts
And featuring panelists: Antoinette LaFarge-Professor of Digital Media, Kyhm Penfil-UCI Campus Counsel, Jonathan Pink- Bryan Cave LLP, and Tony Reese-UCI School of Law

Tuesday, May 10, 2011, 1:00-3:00pm
Colloquium Room Contemporary Arts Center
Claire Trevor School of the Arts, UC Irvine

A presentation for artists, lawyers, and arts professionals about how copyright law protects and impacts their work.

ADMISSION IS FREE-RSVP to abmuelle@uci.edu

Art in the Streets

Los Angeles, CA  Okay, so the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA is not technically in the Orange County, but everybody who's anybody was at this monster of an event! And you have to believe that OC Art Blog Followers were not going to miss out on this "members only" premiere. Art in The Streets is a huge milestone for street art as a whole, and for Los Angeles street art specifically. This event will go down in history. The first giant museum exhibit of street art from beginning to end. The exhibition covered the history of the art movement, from the giant graffiti lettering on trains with Cornbread, and leading as far down the road as Zephyr surfboards and skateboard art, and even to Barry McGee, Shepard Fairey and the infamous Banksy. 

The show has been surrounded by controversial issues that I will not go into detail about at this particular point in time, but its safe to say this exhibit leaves the viewer asking all kinds of questions. The curatorial decisions were interesting and make me wonder the specific motives for certain choices. The installations were over the top, eye-catching, fun-house-like mazes and dioramas. The installations housed some animatronic sculptures which lacked any unique inventiveness as robotic creations, they simply did as they were expected to do - spray paint on a wall. But the dollhouse-like set up for the majority of the exhibit was powerful and definitely helped lead the crowds through one particular route. 

The artists represented in this exhibit were mainly heavy-hitting graffiti artists alongside some typographic vandals, cut-out artists, a couple stencilers, and very few wheat-pasters. The RVCA influence via Aaron Rose was so prominent that I felt it might have hindered the overall coverage of street art as a whole.  RVCA and Aaron Rose specifically are known for representing what they call the "Beautiful Losers" group (Aaron Rose made a documentary about such a group entitled Beautiful Losers). Almost all of the beautiful losers were exhibited in interesting, large installations, even with post-humus artist, Margaret Killgallen.

The bookstore/gift shop had a line that wrapped around the corner and every person walking out of there had stacks of books in hand, and as a museum-goer you did have to exit just next to  - and not "through the gift shop", which was a well thought out decision on Deitch's part. The project as a whole was a huge success, the thousands of people entering and paying $25 per head (if you were not a MOCA member) were eager to be a part of this historic event. As the director for MOCA, Jeffrey Deitch had a hard task on his hand... How do you take street art off the street and display it in a museum setting? AND on top of that... How do you incorporate all aspects and avenues of street art into one exhibit? Jeffrey Deitch was quoted in the Huffington Post saying, "If you harness your talent you can be in a museum some day, make a contribution and a living from it." With recent graffiti and vandalism spikes in the areas surrounding MOCA, Deitch also invites residents that receive these unsanctioned artworks on their private property to keep them safe, as the artist might be the next "Banksy". Deitch is known for promoting and representing street artists in his gallery setting, but his choices for artists for this particular exhibit are curious. Very few contemporary STREET ARTISTS in Los Angeles were represented, specifically our well known wheat-pasters, cut-outs, and sticker crews here in L.A. The exhibit focused mostly on the big earners in the street-art-gallery realm, not the street itself. The historical balance was present, which is very important to understanding the movement as a whole, but questions that are still plaguing my mind after seeing this exhibition include... Who says which street artist has "made it"? The main venue for this art is in the street... What makes a sell-out anyway?... Why are so few of the L.A. up-and-coming street artists represented as part of this exhibit?... Why did the installations have to be over the top, disneyland-esque maze-rides?

Just some food for thought, I suppose. All in all, it is truly a show you cannot miss if you are in Southern California. Art in The Streets is up until August 8, 2011. Don't miss it. and please, share with us what you think.

 

-Evan A. Senn, contributing writer for OC Art Blog. Founder of R.A.R.W., www.rarwart.com

*photos courtesy of S.A. Hawkins (www.sahawkins.com)

Katy Betz MFA Exhibition: Creating Space for Imagination...

Katy Betz is back again to take you to a place where your mind can run loose and play! Last time we spoke with Katy, she shared with us her creative process and why it is important for her to create space for imagination (Click here to read our interview with her). She shared with me her upcoming MFA show awhile back and I'm excited to share with you that it is finally here-- this Saturday! With her credo as the title of this exhibition, Katy takes her paintings on an investigation into the "epicenter of our being" and the "well spring of life" -- our heart. Here's my chat with Katy where she shares with us how she is feeling at the moment and her "epic playlist":

 

Jennifer: It's Katy Betz in the house! Thanks Katy for coming to chat with us. What are some thoughts dancing in your head as your MFA show is approaching rapidly in a week?

Katy: Hey! Thank you, great to talk with you. I love that you use the word “dancing” because my thoughts find themselves doing the excited jig, the passionate flamenco, and on good days, the graceful waltz. I love all the work I’ve done for this show and can’t wait to celebrate!

 

Jennifer: What was the process in preparing for this show? It is a mystery to some of us. What were some challenges and blessings you came across?

Katy: When I entered the Grad Program at CSUF three years ago, I didn’t set out with any final exhibition in mind, rather it was a process of discovering myself and what I wanted to say and do with my work. I did the work, and my art evolved with me. I wrote and illustrated two children’s books, taught classes, illustrated my summer travels, did freelance jobs and showed in galleries. About a year ago, an idea came to me through several sources: books, podcasts, conversations, relationships, and personal reflection.

I noticed a theme running through all these sources, and it was based on the heart (as convergence of the mind, body, soul and spirit). I decided to take the idea and run with it in the direction of an epic fairytale, creating Guardians of the Heart, a conceptual fantasy series about spiritual transformation and spiritual warfare, expressed through oil paintings. I spent several months sketching, researching symbols, and designing characters, environments, and painting. Some challenges were moving forward with the idea and not doubting. I literally let the story unfold painting by painting, not knowing where it was going really. I just knew I was working with a concept and a set of fantasy characters. Some blessings were my friends who cheered me on, and my Dad who made all my wood panels.

 

Jennifer: In a recent interview, you mentioned about an "epic playlist" that kept you inspired and resilient throughout this journey. Can you share with us some of the songs on your playlist? 

Katy: I love adventure music, instrumental film scores that evoke strong emotion and bring an immediate picture to your mind. Some of my favorites are soundtracks of Coraline, Lord of the Rings, Pride & Prejudice, Elizabeth the Golden Age, Chocolat, August Rush, Gladiator, Pan’s Labyrinth, Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean, Braveheart, Passion of the Christ, & Finding Neverland to name a few. I will buy music to match the project I’m working on. For example, I purchased a bunch of scary music by Nox Arcana to set the mood for working on the book I recently illustrated, Lost Ones: Ghosts of Paris. For this series, I felt the project was best paired with the fantasy/action/adventure genre. If I had to pick my top songs, they would be Alice’s Theme from Alice in Wonderland, Lord of the Rings, the Two Towers: Forth Eorlingas/Isengard Unleashed, and Passion of the Christ: Resurrection. Epic!

 

Jennifer: Alright, here comes the bomb. Why should we come to your art exhibit this Saturday night?

Katy: Haha! Glad you asked! How about because it’s an opportunity to partake in several adventure stories that will surprise, challenge, and exalt your sense of wonder!!! Plus, there will be free munchies and I would personally love to meet everyone. So please stop by, snack on some food, and check out my crazy art!

 

Thanks Katy! I am ready for an adventure. See you all this Saturday. -- Jennifer

---

Name of Show: Creating Space for Imagination...
 

Dates and Times: Opening reception is Saturday, April 16th, 6pm to 9pm.
Gallery Hours for the week of April 18-21st are 10am to 3pm.
 

Venue Name and Address: 
California Sate University, Fullerton
Visual Arts Center
West Gallery
800 N State College Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92831

For more info: katybetz@me.com or visit www.katybetz.com 

Ticket Price: Free and Open to the Public. Parking is free on Opening Night.

Description:
A Master of Fine Arts exhibition by artist Katy Betz. Take a visual journey through several epic fairy tales that will surprise, challenge, and exalt your sense of wonder. Over 30 original oil paintings on display, including the debut series "Guardians of the Heart" - a conceptual fantasy narrative about spiritual transformation and warfare. Betz's vision is likely to awaken the eyes of your heart to sublime possibilities! 

OCArtblog speaks to Incubus frontman and artist Brandon Boyd

 Brandon Boyd at the Hurley )( Space gallery, Costa Mesa (photo credits to Derek Bahn @ Hurley) 

As promised, Brandon Boyd was kind enough to give the OC Art Blog the low-down on some of his artistic influences and the scoop on the artwork up at the )( Space gallery.  You can still check out the massive mural and pick-up some earth friendly swag until May 13th. 

OC: Most people know you as a musician and perhaps even 'surfer', so how long have you been a visual artist?

BB: I've been drawing for as long I can remember. My Mom still has weird little drawings I did for her when I was a babe. Dragons, gnomes, castles, trees and stuff.

 

 

 

OC: Who are your influences, who's work inspires you, and what kind of artwork are you most visually intrigued by?

BB:  My most conscious influences include many of the artists from the 1960's and  70's. Most notably Stanley Mouse  and Rick Griffin . They're highly graphic and illustrative styles were very influential to me as a teenager. Over the past ten years and I have been continually enthralled by Aubrey Beardsley and some of his turn of the century contemporaries.

 

 

 

 

 

English artist and writer Aubrey Beardsley 

 

OC: In the artwork that is up at the Hurely )( Space gallery, made in collaboration with the HOPE charity, I noticed that there are two works with text that say "We are an island."  Can you speak to this idea?                                             

BB: Sure! I believe it was R. Buckminster Fuller  who coined the phrase, or the original permutation thereof. I have enjoyed many of his ideas, theories an musings over the years. "There is no "away" to throw things on Spaceship Earth..." he famously said. His works as well as many other invaluable intellects have over the years helped me come to an understanding of our vast interconnectedness on Earth and in the Universe. There really is no true separation in life, only the illusion thereof. Earth, being one small piece in that web is the only habitable place we as humans know of as yet and I believe that the more we view this unique little blip on the radar as an island in a seemingly infinite sea, the more we might value and respect it. If we truly assimilated this kind of understanding, it would be impossible for us, on ethical and moral levels, to knowingly poison and pillage our natural resources. It would be sort of like watching the most beautiful woman in the world look at herself in the mirror and say, "What a beautiful face! Gosh, I'm lucky." then punch herself in the nose real hard. Which is essentially what we are doing.

 

OC: Is there an intentional reference to the religious narrative of Jonah & the Whale in this new body of work? (something a number of gallery goers were discussing at the opening)

BB: Referencing, yes. Religious narrative, no. This story is older than the Judeo-Christian version. But feel free to view it however you please.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon Boyd drawing on paper

 

 

 

OC: How do you define art?

BB: I try to not define art. I've decided to leave that to others. Though I've admired some recent observations. Tom Robbins said it well, "...art... The emancipating jounce of inspired uselessness."

That's it. And to that special OC Art Blog fan who asked about his favorite flavor of ice cream, we are working on that now so hang in there.

A little note from the gallery:

Boyd’s Hurley t-shirt and water bottle collection are now available at specialty retailers and Hurley.com. Starting on Monday, April 25^th the limited edition collection will be sold at Buckle retailers nationwide. The exhibit at )( Space Gallery is free and open to the public weekdays from 8:00am – 5:00pm ending Friday, May 13^th.

For more information please visit:

https://shop.hurley.com/department/brandon-boyd-10142.cfm

 

Hope you see you all there.

- Joanna Grasso, Contributing Trouble Maker

You Saw it Here First

Manuel Pardo could not make it to the opening of Stardust at the CSUF Begovich Gallery so he was beamed in to give a talk at the opening….really.  Like something out of a science fiction film the face and voice of New York-based artist Manuel Pardo greeted guests at the Saturday opening reception of his solo exhibition via Skype.  (Skype is a free way of video chatting over the internet.) Gallery director and technology junkie Mike McGee introduced Pardo to the audience that awaited his face and led the artist through a discussion about his muse (his own mother), leaving Cuba, and the introduction of gel pens to the former painter…and it was really special.  Hearing Pardo describe seeing his mother at the airport in New York is more impactful than rote facts about hometowns and subject matter.  After the group talk the digital face of Manuel Pardo was wheeled into a corner of the gallery where the artist happily spoke with guests one-on-one.  The idea was ingenious, the event was successful, and I expect to see more of this at future exhibits.

As for the show…

Photo Courtesy of M.O. Quinn.

Photo Courtesy of M.O. Quinn.

Photo Courtesy of M.O. Quinn.

Photo Courtesy of M.O. Quinn.

Stardust is the kind of work that makes you want to go home and draw.  The figures have all the linear and gestural charm of a seven-year-old portraiture artist, and the glitzy, seductive gel pens take me back to a doodle on a notebook in eleventh grade chemistry class.  These seemingly unsophisticated qualities are what make this series of women appealing to such a broad audience.  However, Pardo is not just some well-represented doodler; he is an artist inspired by material, not afraid of color, with a great confidence in his use of symbolism and pattern.

Curator Andrea Harris-McGee incorporated key elements of Pardo’s work into the exhibition saturating the gallery with the artist’s personality.  The walls are painted at least five different colors, at least three black pussycats are hidden throughout the space, and blow jobs are a reoccurring theme.

A key symbol entitled Trust which features a penis in a condom receiving a blow job appears on jewelry, drawings and in the middle of the gallery.  Trust is Pardo’s way of including women whom he feels were left out of safe sex against aids efforts.  Harris-McGee showed no restrain in including this potentially offensive image into the exhibit. 

Manuel Pardo: Stardust is the culmination of an uninhibited artist, an uninhibited curator, and about forty other contributors. From what I hear it has been a labor of love.

Manuel Pardo: Stardust
CSUF Begovich Gallery
April 9-May 12
http://www.fullerton.edu/arts/art/visual_events.html
http://www.manuelpardo.com/

P.S. If Manuel Pardo drew a portrait of me, I think she would look something like this girl in the middle.
-Krystal

David Jacobs' Solo Show

 

David Jacobs Solo Art Show
The ARTery Gallery @ The LAB, Costa Mesa

Opening Reception: Friday, April 8th, 7-11pm
Show runs 4/8 - 4/24

Curated by Phee Farnsworth

Please join us for David Jacob's first solo show, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and beats by Angel Esquivel & Aldo Mardueno.

 

Now, let's chat with David about his big day tomorrow.

Jennifer: Hey David, it's your first show tomorrow! What are some thoughts running through your head right now?

David: I suppose inevitably one wonders how the work will be recieved.  It easy for friends and family to say they like your work.  It's completely different when you place yourself into the public sphere.  Strangers can be brutally honest and deep down we're all a bit self-conscious.  Second thing going through my mind is whether the food will be good.

Jennifer: What type of artwork did you include in this show? 

David:  The show is a culmination of a concept I have been working on for a couple of years now. My work deals with advertisement and propaganda. I specifically focus on how nostalgic and recognizable imagery formulate a thought process. I delve into how images signify  different ideas to different people based on their various cultures and backgrounds.  I included my newest work that I've been holed up with in my studio for the last few years.   I think of the work as  a response to the intrusiveness visual imagery can play in our lives.  However, unlike advertisement I am not pushing ideas.  I am vehemently against forcefully propagating agendas onto others.  Regardless, I do play off of peoples expectations to be told what to think.

Jennifer: I remember you said you admire artists David Salle, and John Baldessari. What do you like about them? How did they inspired your work?

David:  I feel their art is a great representation of the world we live in.  Art has always been more than picture making.  It is the longest dialogue mankind has ever had.  The conversation started long ago with early humans representing their world, culture and surroundings with cave paintings.  Since then every facet of mankind has contributed a bit by adding their own view on the world and their culture.  Major shifts in philosophy, technology, and common knowledge have always precipitated a change in the way art is made and practiced.  Salle and Baldessari represent the modern world very well.  They highlight how we think differently and how we are influenced differently than any other generation before us.  That makes them an extremely relevant and important footnote in the history of art. 

Jennifer: Thanks so much for chatting with us! Because you are so nice, I'm going to feel guilty for putting you on the spot, but -- Why should we come check out your art opening tomorrow night?

David:  Besides pointing out how awesome I am?   If you've never gone to a show or an opening its always a good experience to have for the first time.  Shows at a gallery are always more fun than the memories one has of childhood being dragged around a museum.  If you have gone to a show before then you know there will be free alcohol, enough said.

Thanks David! Now that you know David a little bit, guess you have to take this virtual friendship to the next level - meet in person! I will be there near the food section, so see you there?

--Jennifer

The show will be on display through April 24. Gallery hours are available atwww.twitter.com/ARTery_Gallery or by appointment to ARTery [at] thelab.com

 

The ARTery Gallery @ The LAB, Costa Mesa

2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Suspended in Space, and Speculative Materialism

This weekend is so eventful! Spend a day with art as you head over to Anaheim for Suspended in Space at 4pm, and Long Beach (D-Block Project) for Speculative Materialism at 7pm. Oh look, got your whole day planned out. You are very welcome.

-Jennifer

Opening Day for Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy

Opening Day for Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy Sunday, April 10, 2011 Museum hours: 11 am-5 pm Free admission   11 am-4 pm Visionaries Free 2nd Sundays  Art projects, exhibition tours, & special performances   1-1:30 pm Curator's Talk with Lynne Warren   1:30-3 pm Meet and greet with exhibiting artists   2-2:15 pm Artist talk with exhibiting artist Kristi Lippire   2:30-2:45 pm Artist talk with exhibiting artist Nathan Carter   MORE

Members' Opening Party Saturday, April 9, 2011 8-10 pm Exclusively for OCMA Members    OCMA members are invited to attend the opening party to preview  Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy. MORE   Not yet a member? Join today and receive an invitation to this event plus many more exciting benefits! MORE

Upcoming Events   Third Thursdays & Cinema Orange Screening of Calder's Circus  Thursday, April 21      Evening for Educators Thursday, April 28

Orange County Musem of Art

850 San Clemente Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Brandon Boyd and the spectacle

 
Brandon Boyd wrap-around wall mural at the )( Space gallery in Costa Mesa, on view now until April 15th, 2011  (photo by Joanna Grasso)

There I was, Friday morning, hitting the road. I was flying back to the OC just in time to catch the much anticipated Brandon Boyd exhibition at the Hurley )( Space gallery.  That's right, another collaboration between the local surf and clothing mega company and a high profile artist.  I say much anticipated, but that is because only after researching the artist I became familiar with his celebrity status, beginning by making some calls. I needed local 'peep' consensus on this guy's coolness levels.  Apparently, I'm too old or too far out of the music loop to have been giddy at the thought of meeting this cat on Saturday night.  But the mere mention of his name brought a twinkle to the eyes of my 20-something OC crew, which in all honesty piqued my interest.   

 

 

 

In a strange turn of events,  the OC Art Blog's new photographer had to cancel on the gig. . . so there we were, Jennifer as co-pilot, toughing it out with hundreds (YES I said hundreds) of Incubus fans to get a peak at the man himself. Mr. Brandon Boyd.  Oh yeah, and the artwork was there too.

 

As I rolled up to the gallery the tension was palpable.  Doormen finally broke the mood by allowing those lucky first que makers inside to get a look at the wall to wall mural and buy some H.O.P.E. booty.  Amist the bouncer/body guards the chatter was all about how Brandon did this, or how he feels that, or even what HE was try say with these new artworks. 

 

I was fascinated by how much of a personal connection these people felt to the artist.  While I was busy trying to figure out the island reference in the artwork I realized that I had never seen an art crowd this innamored with the artist.  That is when it hit me, celebrity.  Yeah I know, I was a little slow I'll admit (totally blaming the jet-lag) but it was intoxicating. 

Adoring fans outside )( Space gallery

 

It wasn't the line wrapping around the building of fashionable gallery goers yearning to see the artwork, or the cute bartenders smiling as if they really were there to serve me, or even the pleasure of watching Jennifer eat those little tatter tot thingy-s that brought a twinkle to my eyes . . . it was the spectacle that entertained me most.

 

As Boyd decended into the gallery, a hush fell, then the clammer of cameras and flashes.  A mob moved in around him as all eyes were fixed on the scene.  As the blob (Boyd + Mob) made its' way past the sales counter and through the entry miraculously squeezing into the main gallery I was left virtually alone in the entrance gallery area.  There I was, surrounded by t-shirts and works on paper.  That's when it hit me, it was all about his celebrity.  Brandon Boyd is famous.  His lyrics have been pumping into the ear buds of these people for over a decade and this, this was his following.  It is very noble that celebrities use their fame to shed light on national and global issues great and small, and even raise funds for otherwise forgotten causes. All wonderful and noteworthy. But does anyone else question the validity of public figures using their celebrity for product promotion even if the cause is noble?  Sometimes I see the most amazing artists during my travels, artists whose work will never get a fraction of the recognition or platform that celebrity artwork receives.  Okay, enough soap box. 

I (and most likely 99% of my fellow gallery goers) was so entranced that I almost forgot.  We are talking about art here. What about the artwork? Only one original drawing on the wall, the others looked like digital prints. The main gallery was covered with a wall-to-wall mural with text and imagery, which may or may not be a reference to the story of Jonah and the Whale of Christian, Islamic, and Judaic narratives.  Waiting to hear back from Mr. Boyd himself to comment on this one.  The works use heavy black graphic lines to delineate imagery that is largely decorative and flat blocks of color is used to ground some of the more fluid forms- reminds me of Japanese woodblock printing with a contemporary edge. 

 

Now back to the spectacle. . .Once the artist had signed his fair share of autographs, chatted with guests, and posed for the appropriate number of pics he made his way back up the stairs to the refuge above. The room felt as if it let off a sigh of relief and anxious joy.  Then the announcements came to CLEAR OUT from bouncers and the over-worked marketing staff .  .  .  the next batch of fans were waiting to get it.  We were spared, press does have a few perks.

Brandon Boyd greets his fans 

 

Later I was told that the artist made at least three more rounds of this to meet and greet all the fans, but one round was enough for Jennifer and I gave-up our prime real estate to adoring fans to view the spectacle themselves.

We have been generously granted an interview with Mr. Boyd.  

I'm interested in asking about some of his influences and I'm giving him the infamous loaded question of " how do you define art" just to shake things up a bit.   Have anything you are itching to know??

Send me the questions ASAP and I'll get them in the interview.

 See you all soon.

Enjoy the pics.

 

 

 
Brandon Boyd original artwork on T-shirts buying frenzy at )( Space in Costa Mesa, a portion of the proceeds go to H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere)  

Crowd image by Jennifer Cheng

 

All photo credits to Joanna Grasso and Jennifer Cheng

- Joanna Grasso, Contributing Writer and professional sweeper