OC Art Blog

If you heart lowbrow art: Suggestivism now up @ Grand Central Art Center

Santa Ana-Recently, I attended the much-anticipated opening of Suggestivism at the Grand Central Art Center in downtown Santa Ana. Beautiful ladies in hooded onesies (I did not know they existed either) paraded around the galleries serving chocolates and energy drinks throughout the night.  Many of the artists attended and Academy award-nominated actress Amy Adams also made an appearance.  Grand Central always knows how to throw a party!

            Curated by artist Nathan Spoor, the exhibition features over 50 prominent low-brow artists like Todd Schorr and Robert Williams.  The show also includes many new faces of this popular art movement like Bob Dob, Alex Gross, and many more. Located in both galleries, the walls are packed with aesthetically appealing gems of bright, illustrative artworks.

     Nathan Spoor, who also conveniently curated his own work into the exhibition (a questionable move often debated in art museum circles,) describes Suggestivism  as work which ‘gives the viewer ample opportunity to interpret meaning into their art.’ I would agree since much of the work, though creatively rendered, lacks personal narrative or content.  Still, the work does have an immediate fatal attraction. Stylistically, many of the paintings have an interesting street smart, pop-surrealism quality. One stand-out is Heidi Taillefer’s Pelican and the Vampire, a modern, darker re-interpretation of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.  Some of the few sculptural pieces such as Elizabeth McGrath’s The White Deer,  and Kris Kuksi’s Napoleonic Exile, made of plastic toyparts in a neo-classical steampunk style, transcended the lack of content in some of the paintings and are phenomenal, dimensional works of art. 

    With so much astounding work to absorb, viewers could easily spend hours in just one corner of the gallery and not have time to explore the rest. Best of all, the galleries are free to visit! Suggestivism will surely leave every reader of Juxtapoz Magazine and lowbrow art fan salivating.

 

 

(Right) Actress Amy Adams attends Suggestivism opening. February 5, 2011.  Photo courtesy GCAC and Eric Stoner.

 

Heidi Taillefer, Pelican and the Vampire, 2010  oil on canvas

Elizabeth McGrath The White Deer 2005  Mixed Media

Kris Kuksi  Napoleonic Exile 2010 Mixed Media

Grand Central Art Center Main and Project Galleries

Suggestivism 

 Curated by Nathan Spoor

 February 5-April 17, 2011

2^nd Reception Saturday, March 5, 7-10 pm

Closing Reception April 2, 7-10pm

 

Gallery Hours:

Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday 11-4pm, Friday & Saturday 11-7pm.

125 N Broadway Santa Ana, CA 92701

714.567.7233

www.grandcentralartcenter.com

 

 

-Alyssa Cordova, contributing writer

photos by Alyssa Cordova

CSULB presents: GOLDMINE

GOLDMINE
Contemporary Works from the Collection of 
Sirje and Michael Gold
February 5 - April 10, 2011

Opening reception Feb 5, 6-8 PM
UAM@noon Feb 15, 12:15-1 PM, Gallery talk with Gold's
Cal State Long Beach 

Address: UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM
College of the Arts 
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840-0004

 

Sirje and Michael Gold have been collecting contemporary art for more than twenty-five years. UAM Director Christopher Scoates is curating an exciting new exhibition focused around these two prominent and innovative Los Angeles collectors. Unlike many other LA collections, the Gold’s collection is a remarkable cross section of established, emerging, mid-career and undiscovered artists who have been working in the region. Their thoughtful selection of paintings, works on paper, photographs and sculpture represent an unprecedented look at the diversity of aesthetic threads and array of issues that characterize work being made in and around Los Angeles today.

The exhibition will showcase over 100 works from their collection including those by artists Amy Adler, Kevin Appel, John Baldessari, Tanya Batura, Kim Dingle, Jim Drain, Sean Duffy, Brad Eberhard, Bart Exposito, Iva Gueorguieva, Salomon Huerta, Kurt Kauper, Martin Kersels, Charles Long, Anna Mendieta, Joel Morrison, Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, Bruce Nauman, Monique Prieto, Tony de los Reyes, Miguel Angel Rios, Ross Rudel, Ursula Von Rydingsvard, Linda Stark, Don Suggs, and others.

 

Adventures in Irvine

 

Last night Jennifer Cheng and I visited four of UCI's numerous galleries.  It was opening night for CULT OF THE RUIN: STRATEGIES OF ACCUMULATION  in the University Art Gallery (UAG) & Room Gallery in the art department.  

 

 

 

This group show presented works from emerging artists working largely in the conceptual realm hinged on art critic Craig Owen's ideas of transience and fragmentation via allegorical referents utilized in contemporary art practices.  You can read more about art history professor and critic Craig Owen's theories in the essays published in the early 1980s entitled "The Allegorical Impulse: Toward a Theory of Postmodernism"  (two parts).

 

 

 

The show itself had quite a nice turn out and was heavy on the digital media side.  Fancy food was prepared by a team of hipsters with very cool hair.  Salmon (consume seen here on the right) was the theme, although I have to admit I was not as brave as my companions and passed on the consume in exchange for long look at the heart-y Pulse Show by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. 

 

 

 

If you hurry, you can still catch this amazing exhibition in the adjacent Beall Center for Art & Technology gallery. (seen above)

 

After a short interlude, we went back into the UAG for a closer look at the show. Melting ice, old school tape recorders, and racy videos really activated the space. Jennifer and I found ourselves discussing the draw of new media in contemporary art practices today, and wondered if there are many of you out there that are mystified by their often obtuse nature.  

Do you get it?

We would love to hear from you, so drop us a line.

 

In addition to artists Miles Ake, Katie Ammons, Ping-Hsiang Chen, Giulio Frigo, Tatiana Istomina, Brennan Gerard & Ryan Kelly, Leigh Ledare, Marilyn Lowey, Ash Eliza Smith, Nico Vascellari, Jesse Wine. . .  there it was, the now infamous David Wojnarowicz film from 1987 titled A Fire in My Belly.  This is the film that was banned from the National Portrait Gallery's very recent, in fact on going, "Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture" exhibition.  It's hard to believe that in 2011 we are still discussing censorship issues of this nature.  In silent protest, UCI and many other institutions, galleries and organizations are showing Wojnarowicz's film. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go see it, you will be shocked at how un-shocking it all is. IN PARTICULAR being exhibited right next to the provocative and almost pornographic family video portraits of Leigh Ledare (seen here just below) in the UAG. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our guide and personal GPS artist Dorothy Phan, also one of the organizers of the Catalyst Gallery, got us over to the Room Gallery where the installations of Nico Vascellari (video) and Tatiana Istomina (portraits) almost over-powered Giulio Frigo's cross section of ribbons dividing up the space and placing the viewer in the middle akwardville. . . whether conscious of it or not.  

 

 

Go see the shows, they are worth the trip up to UCI.  There will be a performance by Brennan Gerard and Ryan Kelly on February 5th, 5-8pm, last night of the show so get it in your calendars.

Don't forget your GPS and refreshments, after all it is Irvine.

 

Here is the low-down:

 

CULT OF THE RUIN: STRATEGIES OF ACCUMULATION
Opening Reception Thursday, January 6, 6-9 pm | UAG & ROOM
January 6 - February 5, 2011

Cult of the Ruin: Strategies of Accumulation features 12 emerging artists from the U.S. and Europe working in video, performance, sculpture, installation, watercolor and food. What binds these disparate projects is the persistence of appropriation, re-enactment, material accretion – as strategies – to address the perceived gap between records of the past and our present experiences.  Over 20 years have passed since critic Craig Owens posited this gap as a site for allegory.  In doing so, Owens defined a branch of postmodern art practice by the artist’s allegorical “impulse” to return to outmoded forms and systems – or ruins – to reinvigorate their contemporary value.  Taken together, the works in this exhibition evince contemporary deviations from his original theory.  And yet, their re-making of Owens’ allegorical impulse keeps the original theory alive.

Featured artists: Miles Ake, Katie Ammons, Ping-Hsiang Chen, Giulio Frigo, Tatiana Istomina, Brennan Gerard and Ryan Kelly, Leigh Ledare, Marilyn Lowey, Ash Eliza Smith, Nico Vascellari, Jesse Wine and David Wojnarowicz 

Curated by: Sarah Beadle, Meredith Goldsmith, Flora Kao, Scott Klinger, Lauren Merage and Aaron Valenzuela

Closing night performance by Brennan Gerard and Ryan Kelly 

 

The University Art Gallery | 712 Arts Plaza | Irvine, CA 92697-2775 | tel. 949 824 9854 | fax. 949 824 5297 | [email protected]
Room Gallery | University of California, Irvine | ACT rm. 1200 | Irvine, CA 92697-2775
Hours | Tuesday-Saturday | 12-6pm

 

Thanks UCI we love you!!

 

Joanna Grasso, Contributing Writer & Official Trouble Maker

 

 

 

Downtown Anaheim Art District

Opening Reception this week & - Art Crawl Experience (ACE) FEB 12, 5-11pm & there is still time to get involved!!

Check out the hoping downtown Anaheim's art district. This weekend Rothick Art Haus will be presenting a new show "Subtle Nudges" on Saturday night. In February Christina Sanchez's Le Modern Trinket will be participating in the Art Crawl Experience (ACE)  Indie Arts and Crafts Fair on Feb 12th, 5-11pm with live music, food, and of course ART!  If you would like to participate in the indie arts and crafts fair there is still time.  See below for contact info.

Here is all the info to get you there:

 

 Rothick art haus presents “Subtle Nudges”
“Subtle Nudges” debuts artwork by Joshua Lawyer in the main gallery and also introducing artwork by guest artist Prince James Alexander Parise
Opening: January 8th 7pm-11pm
Runs: January 8 - January 31, 2010

Here is what Christina is looking for in participants!!!

Stationary, clothing and accessories, plush toys, couture for our four legged friends, housewares, jewelry, artwork, ceramics, photography and gourmet edibles. If you are a handmade vendor and or artist and interested in being part of A.C.E please contact:

[email protected] 

Deadline is 01.15.2011 booth rental is ONLY $20. No joke I am not yanking your chain!

If you are interested don't wait.

See you there!

peace, Joanna

Opportunity to Submit Artwork to Huntington Beach Art Center

Interested to have your artwork included in the Huntington Beach Art Center (HBAC)? 

HBAC is looking for artwork submission (max. 2), and original art created no longer than two years ago, to be included in their non-juried exhibition: Centered on the Center.

Delivery of work: Jan 7th- Jan 8th, 2011
Exhibition date: Jan 21st - Feb 19th, 2011

Centered on the Center, non-juried exhibition
Huntington Beach Art Center
538 Main St,
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Click here to download a detailed brochure and guideline for the submission.

I hope to see your work there! ;) 

-Jennifer Cheng, Contributing Writer

Opening Reception at All Media 2010 and Bill Jaros Exhibition

I arrived at the opening reception just in time to hear the last part of the award ceremony presented by Karen Moss, the Deputy Director of Exhibition and Programs in Orange County Museum of Art. There were a lot of people with their family and friends, taking pictures and meeting artists to get more insight into their artwork. I’ve never been to Irvine Fine Arts Center before, but I surprised myself because this gallery was voted as the Best Art Gallery in Orange County by OC Weekly.

Artist Beatta Bosworth, with her artwork titled, Dance Dance Dance.

I started to search for artists in the crowd, and a family with two children walked by me so I decided to follow them. I arrived at an installation of photographs with music coming from the stereo. The artist was Beatta Bosworth, who was the third place winner at the All Media 2010. I talked with the artist and she told me she likes to dance. She was captivated by one of her friend’s dance movement, so she wanted to create an artwork that forms motion. Beatta took a series of photographs of her friend and hung them from the ceiling at the exhibition. The installation made me felt like her photographs were still dancing to the rhythm of the music. Her two children happily danced in front of the artwork, bringing the movement of the artwork to live.

I continued to search for artists’ badge on everyone’s shirt. As I waited in a distance for my turn to introduce myself, I started getting noticed when they realized their shirts were being searched. But that was the perfect time to make eye contact with a smile and to jump in with a “I’m-not-weird” speech.

Artist David French, with his artwork titled, I Believe.

David French was the first place winner at the All Media 2010. He created his sculpture using styrofoam, fiberglass paint, and car paint. These were an unusual mix of mediums; for me, it was hard to guess at first, because the outlook and texture of the sculpture totally eluded my preconceived thought and shape of styrofoam. David talked about his interest in the Baroque sculptures, and recalled the themes about God, freewill, nature, or evolution. Then he asked, “Is it possible to believe in God and evolution?” He was intrigued by both beliefs, and therefore, wanted to combine manmade with organic objects into his sculpture.

Artist John Stewart, a second place winner with artwork titled, Ravaged

Artist Ian Daelucian with his artwork. He is a UCI student majoring in drama and philosophy and likes photography. He used one light to capture the image and played with light and shadow.

Artist Mark Feldman with his artwork. With an interest in science and origami, he combined them by creating a new genus, Charticicada.

Artist Bill Jaros, with his artwork titled, Gafsa.

Bill Jaros Exhibition was full of found objects sculptures. There were wood sculptures in the center gallery, and cardboard sculptures displayed on the wall. He told me he lived in North Africa and all his sculptures were inspired and named after the places in Tunisia, on the edge of Sahara Desert, where he lived and traveled. He said his sculptures were created from inexpensive found objects, plastic gesso and oil paint. I asked if I can take a picture of him in front of his favorite artwork, and he chose the artwork, titled Gafsa. He said this artwork has the strongest color, shape and texture. He wanted the viewer to experience the sculptures and find them as windows to another spiritual world. He felt like sometimes the technique is not as important as the idea and message that brings out the artwork.

Artist Bill Jaros

As I continued to browse through the exhibition to examine each artwork, I met Bill’s friend, Jim Goodman. He was a very interesting guy. He studied psychological cycles of human and investor behavior, but also with a strong interest in art, whether he admits it or not. We walked through the exhibition and he offered me his critique on the artwork. I am an art student, and in art history classes, we were often taught to appreciate and interpret the good in every type of art, because who are we to think we know better than the artist. But it was refreshing to hear Jim, who was not an artist, but can appreciate and critique art, analyzing artwork through his eyes. I think art is for everyone to interpret and each one of us has the power to interpret it beyond the artist’s intent. Not so often we wanted to offer challenging opinions or questions, but I think it is important to develop some critique skills and still try to look for the good in everything.

It was a fun and insightful night! Don't worry, you still have a chance to browse through these artwork. Here are the details of the two exhibitions.

All Media 2010
Exhibition opens: Nov 19th- Jan 22nd, 2011
The Irvine Fine Arts Center
14321 Yale Avenue, Irvine, CA 92604 

Bill Jaros Exhibition
Exhibition opens: Nov 19th- Jan 22nd, 2011
The Irvine Fine Arts Center
14321 Yale Avenue, Irvine, CA 92604

 

-Jennifer Cheng, Contributing Writer

Interview with OC artist Katy Betz

Creating Space for Imagination - Artist Katy Betz

by Jennifer Cheng

Katy Betz is a gallery artist, illustrator, children's book writer, and muralist, with an artistic statement, "I am an artist devoted to creating space for imagination." Recently featured in 944 Magazine, in the Orange County October 2010 - The Art Issue, Katy was selected as one of six rising artistic stars in Orange County. Katy is currently finishing her MFA at California State University, Fullerton, and teaches part time as a college professor. She uses her brush to create whimsical, nature-inspired characters and scenery. I participated in one of Katy’s oil painting classes; her passion for art was manifest in her curriculum. She taught me to explore and learn from a variety of artists.

Think about the last time you wondered off into your imagination, where in split seconds you went to a place you did not recall. At that mysterious place came characters and stories that took part in an exciting adventure. If that memory is vaguely familiar, don't worry; Katy's paintings will take you to a place where you can let your mind run loose and play.

1. How did you grow an interest for art making?

Hmm, when I was a little child I used my imagination, but not until junior year of high school did I start painting surrealistic art. I did a master copy of a piece by Jim Warren called Mother Nature, and I was hooked on that kind of fantastic painting ever since. But, before that I copied "normal" paintings and did my own paintings from life. 

 

2. What is your creative process in paintings?

My creative process seems to vary, and it depends on if it's a commission or personal piece. When I'm commissioned to do an illustration, I start by sketching small thumbnails purely from imagination to get an idea of composition. Then I'll sketch out the main elements to see what I come up with (like characters or places, etc). Then, I'll go get reference to help me assemble the color scheme, details, anatomy, etc.

When I create my own personal art, it's usually inspired by something I've read or heard or seen. I make a mind map to generate as many ideas as I can based on the theme that has inspired me, then do thumbnails. My work lately has involved a lot of research into symbolism before even starting on the visuals. 

 

3. Why is it important for you to create space for imagination?

My mantra takes on two forms: It represents the literal space I go to create - which is my studio - a space for creating imagination. But primarily, this phrase is important to me because imagination is an incredibly powerful resource that we have as humans. It sets us apart from the animal kingdom - no other creature dreams up things the way we do. I love to imagine, and I want my artwork to encourage others to do the same, adults and children alike. I believe that imagining something (whether it be a feeling, environment, character, event, etc) enriches our lives, makes us empathetic, reconnects us to the spiritual and mysterious aspects of life. Life is wild, no matter how much we like to think we're in control, not everything can be understood rationally. Imagination encourages faith, inspires, gives hope, and can create a paradigm shift that offers a larger perspective. All these things are why I need to be creative, and why it is important for me to share my imaginations with others. I would not be fulfilled as an artist if I only created for myself - I am interested in connecting with people and showing them wonderful, sublime, fantastical stuff! 

 

4. Who are some uprising artists on your list?

Uprising artists on my list...meaning who I think is up and coming in the art world? I immediately look to my peers in the grad department at csuf. Kim Dwinell has a graphic novel being reviewed by Scholastic right now, Pat Cantor just got her first 2 big picture book gigs. From my alma mater, LCAD, I would say fine artist Carolin Peters, Julio and Candice Reyes (husband and wife dream team - super talented). I admire these people because they are relentless in the pursuit of their dreams, they live and breathe art, are kind, humble people (no big egos, thank goodness!) and are making a way. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current & Upcoming shows:        Put these dates on your calendar!

 

1.Happy Hour - group show

 Opening Night: Nov 6^th Sat @7-10PM

Memphis Cafe, Santa Ana

 

Memphis Santaora in Artists Village

201 North Broadway,

Santa Ana, CA 92701

 

Curated by Sixpack Projects, Jennifer Frias

All artwork are created on bar napkin either 4x4 or 6x6

There will be many other artists featured from Cal State Fullerton

 

2. Sarah Bain Holiday Show

An Annual Holiday Group Show

During the month of December, 2010

 

Sarah Bain Gallery

184 Center Street Promenade
Anaheim, CA 92805

 

 

3. Viva La Art!

ART, DRINKS & MUSIC - WINTER 2010
An Art Auction in Los Angeles

Saturday, November 20th @ 8:30PM-12:30AM
Bidding ends 11pm

First and Hope Supper Club
701 West First St, Los Angeles CA

 

 

4. Grad Show

April 15th, 2011

CalState University Fullerton - Visual Arts Dept.

 

More details check her website: www.katybetz.com

Blog: http://katybetzstudio.blogspot.com/

Link to 944 Online Magazine

 

Thanks Katy! Be sure to check out her work next week at the Memphis Café in Santa Ana. I will be there so I hope to see you all!

-Jennifer Cheng, Contributing Writer

Savage Primitive, by Daniel Porras @ CalState Fullerton, Oct 9 5-8pm

 

Graduate Candidate artist Daniel Porras is exhibiting a large installation of whimsical paintings based on hybrid forms of human and animal decent for the Savage Primitive exhibition this Saturday night, October 9th in the CalState Fullerton West Gallery, reception is 5-8pm.  

 

Go check out Daniel's new paintings, they will draw you in to their own savage world.  The artist will be attending the reception so you can quiz him about the fantastical environments where his characters reside. And did I mention there will be free food too?!!

:0)

 

Congratulations on your show Daniel!!  See you all there.

-Joanna Grasso, Contributing Writer

 

 

 

 

Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) - California Biennial

 

Put this one in your calendars, you won't want to miss this huge survey of California's rock-star contemporary artists.  That's right, it's time for OCMA'S  California Biennial.  This year promises to be like none other.  Their savvy curator Sarah Bancroft has searched long and hard for California's finest. Here is some info on the show:

 

2010 CALIFORNIA BIENNIAL

 October 24, 2010-March 13, 2011  

 

The Orange County Museum of Art proudly announces the upcoming 2010 California Biennial. The Biennial exhibitions are a cornerstone of OCMA's program and highly anticipated by art enthusiasts and the art world alike. The Biennial exhibition continues OCMA's four-decade history of presenting new developments in contemporary art and identifying new talent on the verge of national and international recognition. 

 

2010 California Biennial Artists:

David Adey, Agitprop, Gil Blank, Nate Boyce, Luke Butler, Juan Capistran, Zoe Crosher, Brian Dick, Dru Donovan, Mari Eastman, Electronic Disturbance Theater/b.a.n.g. lab, Carlee Fernandez, Finishing School, Eve Fowler, Rebecca Goldfarb, Katy Grannan, Alexandra Grant, Sherin Guirguis, Drew Heitzler, Violet Hopkins, Alex Israel, Glenna Jennings, Barry MacGregor Johnston, Vishal Jugdeo, Stanya Kahn, Andy Kolar, Jennifer Locke, Los Angeles Urban Rangers, Tom Mueske, Tucker Nichols, Camilo Ontiveros, Nikki Pressley, Andy Ralph, Will Rogan, Paul Schiek, Taravat Talepasand, Wu Tsang, Zlatan Vukosavljevic, Nina Waisman, Flora Wiegmann, Allison Wiese, Lisa Williamson, David Wilson, Patrick Wilson, and John Zurier. 

Exhibition Information

The only exhibition of its kind in California, the California Biennial brings together a large cross-section of the State’s most innovative contemporary visual artists. The Biennial continues the Orange County Museum of Art’s four-decade long history of presenting new developments in California art. In 2008, the museum presented works by more than 50 artists and, for the first time, incorporated off-site projects with collaborating venues from Tijuana to Northern California. 

The 2010 California Biennial promises to be similarly full of artists, energy, accomplishments, and surprises. A fully-illustrated catalogue published by the Orange County Museum of Art will accompany this exhibition. 


2010 California Biennial is organized by the Orange County Museum of Art and curated by Sarah Bancroft. The 2010 California Biennial is sponsored by Deutsche Bank. Major support for the California Biennial catalogue is provided by the Segerstrom Foundation. Additional exhibition support is provided by Barbara and Victor L. Klein, Toby Devan Lewis, and the Nimoy Foundation. Media support is provided by The Armory Show, KPCC FM 89.3, and OC Weekly.

 

Orange County Museum of Art
850 San Clemente Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Main Museum: (949) 759-1122
Email: [email protected]

 

 

Joanna Grasso, Contributing Writer

In Metadataphile, artists pirate and hijack technology for our own good

 

 

Even as I write this, I have six windows open on my laptop, my cell phone just inches away, and my earphones blasting music. Me? Addicted to technology? No way! At California State University Fullerton’s Begovich Art Gallery, curators Jennifer Frias and Lilia Lamas present a timely exhibition examining our social constructs created by new media and digital technology. Metadataphile: The Collapse of Visual Information suggests that over-communication through technology has lead to miscommunication.  Visually, the exhibition is a sensory experience of video, sculpture, paintings and installations, all with an affinity to new media and digital inspirations.  Many of the artists have used appropriation, pirating and manipulating imagery and reinterpreting data to get their point across. Amidst the misinformation technology often creates, we often fail to question the information being fed to us and desperately need thoughtful artworks like the ones found in Metadataphile to break the trance.  In our fast-paced technology driven society, rarely is there time to pause for reflection or analysis of all the information we take on daily.  Brooklyn artist Jason Varone’s piece Inclimate Weather  is part mural, part multi media video projection. Composed of a cartoon cloud painted directly on the wall, a video projection of reconfigured, live twitter feeds and news feeds fall vertically like rain from the painting.  Varone calls himself a landscape painter because he paints and creates topographically but he sees the new landscape as digital in our contemporary society.  Much of Varone’s work explores how we perceive social issues through various media outlets.

            As much as we distrust many people and ideologies in our society, too often we trust blindly in technology without realizing how easily our relationship to new media can be manipulated.  Artist Kim Rugg tediously deconstructs U.S. postage stamps by cutting them into little slices then reconstructing the pieces into comic book exclamations like WwOOSH! and  Splash!  across the length of the envelope.  Rugg then sent each envelope through the Los Angeles U.S. Postal Service .The machines register the stamp’s pigment rather than the image and shape and each envelope received a postmark.

            My favorite piece in the exhibition is Extruding Video Machine, Large Shape 1 by Los Angeles-based artist Peter Sarkisian.  A mesmerizing video of animated, colorful machine parts projects on a hanging sculpture, giving a three dimensional effect.  Looking at this piece evokes an interesting sensation of feeling in between real and imagined imagery.  Do not miss this show!  Metadataphile runs through September 30 at the Cal State Fullerton Begovich Gallery. A catolog of the exhibition will be published fall 2010. 

-Alyssa Cordova, contributing writer

Metadataphile:   The Collapse of Visual Information

Curated by Jennifer Frias and Lilia Lamas

 August 28- September 30, 2010

 Artists:

Cory Archangel and Frankie Martin, Josh Azzarella, Petronio Bendito, Matthew Bryant, Sky Burchard, Kathy Grayson, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Ken Rinaldo, Kim Rugg, Jason Salavon, Peter Sarkisian, John Sisley, Stephanie Syjuco, Michael Toillion, Jason Varone

 

California State University Fullerton

Begovich Gallery

800 N State College Blvd

Fullerton, CA 92834

657-278-7750

www.metadataphile.com

 

Gallery Hours:

Monday-Thursday noon-4pm

Saturday noon-2pm

Parking is free on Saturdays

Jason Varone Inclimate Weather  2010 video projection, acrylic paint

Kim Rugg  Skrakaakt Basssh, Splash!  2009  Reconfigured postage stamp and envelope

Peter Sarkisian Extruded Video Machine Large Shape One Version 4 2008 Vacuum formed thermal plastic and video projection