OC Art Blog

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)

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

BRANDON BOYD Opening at the Hurley )( Space Gallery

Don't miss a chance to meet artist, musician, surfer and activist BRANDON BOYD. (yes, that is the very same Boyd from rock band INCUBUS)

Brandon Boyd working on drawing selected for H.O.P.E. & Hurley collaboration (image provided by Hurley)

Another Collaboration for HURLEY - This time they are working with Brandon Boyd and H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) to raise funds and bring awareness to conserving our oceans. If you haven't taken a walk on the beach in the early morning lately you should.  While being surrounded by one of the most beautiful places in the world you would also see how immediate the problem is of non-biodegradable plastics washing up on OC's shores, just to bring it home for you, not to mention the global clean water issues that are at hand.

I'm told that attendees of the opening reception will get first crack at perusing Boyd's wall murals encompassing the main gallery and purchasing the t-shirts & water bottles with selected artworks, proceeds going towards H.O.P.E.'s programming, and otherwise available after April 25th at Buckle Store, on line, or at selected retailers.

As always, there will be an array of food and libations.  

The OC Art Blog has also been offered a chance to interview artist/musician/surfer/activist Boyd so stay tuned for article.

Hurley )( Space Gallery this Saturday night in Costa Mesa, 6-9pm at the Hurley compound on Placentia. Bring your wallets, appetites and your fashionable selves . . .See you there! 

-Joanna

Here's the Info:

 

HURLEY ANNOUNCES

FASHION AND ART COLLABORATION

WITH INCUBUS FRONT-MAN BRANDON BOYD

TO BENEFIT 

H.O.P.E.

(Helping Other People Everywhere) 

 

Iconic surf brand Hurley announces a collaboration with musician, artist and activist Brandon Boyd, lyricist and lead singer of the band Incubus, on an exclusive art-inspired fashion collection benefiting H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere).Brandon Boyd’s life is characterized by self-expression -- a fusion of art, music, writing, activism and surfing. His love of the ocean is often the catalyst in his efforts as an activist, and this collaboration was no exception.

A multi-talented visual artist who works in a variety of mediums, Boyd took to his sketchbook for this project. His watercolor and ink drawings result in imagery that is both beautiful and subtly stirring. These designs are featured on the Hurley collaboration shirts.

 "My relationship with Hurley began over a decade ago and was born of a mutual appreciation for surfing, music, art and like minds. We have done projects together in the past but it seemed like it was time we truly put our collective heads together to make a real dent in a situation that affects us all, most importantly the swiftly growing problems in our oceans. We start herein as surfers and musicians, and are moving forward as stewards of our Island," says Boyd about his longstanding relationship with Hurley and his mission behind the creative collaboration.

A portion of the sales from the limited edition collection, available at Buckle nationwide, specialty retailers and online at Hurley.com beginning April 1, 2011, will benefit HOPE, a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on involving artists and their contributions in campaigns, programs and events to support existing social projects that promote education and peace around the world.

Hurley will celebrate the launch of the Brandon Boyd collection with an art show featuring the original works the collection is based upon.  Boyd will paint a mural on a wall of the Hurley )( SPACE gallery for the show. The event, which is open to the public, will take place on Saturday, April 2nd from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Hurley )( SPACE Gallery (1945 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627).

About Hurley

Founded in 1999, Hurley is an authentic “Microphone for Youth” brand rooted in surf, skate, art, music and beach cultures. Driven by creativity and freedom of expression, Hurley develops world-class products for guys, girls and kids, including sportswear, footwear, eyewear, accessories, loungewear, swimwear and wetsuits. A wholly owned, independently run subsidiary of Nike, Inc., Hurley’s corporate headquarters are located in Costa Mesa, CA, with international offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Barcelona and Bali. www.hurley.com

 

About H.O.P.E.

H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) is a project of H.O.P.E. Events Inc. H.O.P.E. is an energy conscious 501(c) 3 non-profit focused on involving artists and their contributions in campaigns, programs and events to support existing social projects that promote education and peace around the world http://hopecampaign.org/

 

 

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

Dalek - Psych Optic Black Light Fuzz Part 2

PSYCHOPTICBLACKLIGHTFUZZ PART II @ Hurley's )(  Space Gallery, Costa Mesa

 

When I arrived at Hurley, it was dark and filled with people. I dragged my empty stomach and avoided walking straight into the catering refreshment on the left. I murmured to myself, "Don't stare at the food in the eye. Look away..." I saw many people stood in front of the Dreamachine, a metallic cylinder with laser cut designs placed on a turntable, with their eyes closed. My curiosity got the best of me, so I mimicked after them. Staring at the rotating light in high speed got my head really dizzy, so I closed my eyes and hoped for an alternative experience. With the light invading the darkness in a rhythm, I imagined myself flying in the galaxy, witnessing a group of shooting stars chased away before my eyes.

Next to the Dreamachine was a wall full of neon ropes that looked like it was placed in random directions. I took time to understand the aesthetic of the artwork, with the attitude of “The more you see, the more you find.” And it was true. Stepping close to the artwork made me understand the production and design of the artwork. Dry wall screws and neon colored ropes, zigzagged up and across more dry screws that created a unison pattern.

 

In a separate room behind the black curtain was a dark room with Dalek’s geometric shape murals on the opposite walls. Two mirrors on the other two walls and a set of neon ropes sprung from a center point into the vast space in the ceiling. Live music performance by musical phenomenons King Buzzo, Duane Denison, Steve Turner and Haze XXL.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did I mention the food was incredible? Yes, I couldn’t resist it after all. The reception was continuously refilled with delicious appetizers and desserts, catered by Bodhi Tree. I was very impress with the refreshment; I shamelessly came back for seconds and thirds. Note the countless photographs of food. Is it so terrible to admit that sometimes openings are simply incomplete without delicious free food? I know you secretly nodded in agreement.

 

In my opinion, the hardest thing for any reporter in an opening reception is that it is very difficult to find the artist. It is hard enough that many Hurley employees were having a hard time describing Dalek for me, but another challenge was navigating through the crowd to find Dalek. May I suggest a goofy hat or a traffic controller vest for all artists in the openings? It will really make life easier for us. Huong, a Hurley employee, was very helpful in my quest for Dalek. Thanks Huong!

Dalek

Among the good looking crowd was a man with a mask, who called himself, Ghetto Vader. He said his mission was to storm into the space and steals the thunder away from the artist. Well, unfortunately, that mission was not accomplished successfully. The crowd continued to come in, and enjoyed the night away with music, art, and food. In my opinion, the event was a success. Thanks Dalek and Hurley for putting this together!

 

 

www.dalekart.com

www.hurley.com

Hurley’s )(SPACE Gallery

1945 Placentia Avenue

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

(949) 548-9375

 

All photo credit: Jennifer Cheng

 

-Jennifer Cheng, Contributing Writer

 

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

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

So-cal artist judges books by their cover

    

 

Mike Stilkey, Untitled Installation of 4,400 books and paint   (photos by Alyssa Cordova )

Artist Mike Stilkey, far right

So-cal artist judges books by their covers 

    Good news!  In case you missed Costa Mesa’s )( Space Gallery’s inaugural exhibition, Reminiscent: Mike Stilkey, it has been reinstalled in the Hurley creative retail space in Laguna Beach just in time for their one year anniversary.           

         Orange County active wear giant Hurley recently opened their new gallery in Costa Mesa, CA  to give art-thirsty Orange Countians refreshing monthly art shows curated by former Billy Shire Fine Arts director Annie Adjchavanich while giving Hurley’s own growing family of artists a place to display their artistic talents.  Alta Dena based artist Mike Stilkey, a self-taught painter, debuted his most recent work in the new space.  He paints on repurposed books, which included a monstrous book installation mural.  Stilkey is quick to point out that all the books used in his work are discarded books he rescues from public libraries.

    At the 255 Forest opening of Reminiscent: Mike Stilkey on July 1, during Laguna Beach’s arts walk, I had the chance to sit down with Sam Arthur, creative director of retail at Hurley.  He explained to me how the Hurley space, which opened July 2, 2009 differs from other retail spaces.  “There are three reasons,” Arthur tells me. “ One, this unique space has a special product mix from Nike 6.0, Hurley, and Converse with a particular connection to art.  Two, we emphasize community interaction as a part gallery, part retail, part art making space and partner with the local high schools and colleges, doing silk-screening, t-shirt design contests and photography exhibitions and supporting the local surf and skate kids.  Three, we have a workshop inside our space where anyone can create custom products with one of a kind graphics from artists such as Dalek, Robert Williams and many more.”

            I decided to check out the Hurley Workshop where the friendly Mike Cuneo was helping visitors design their own board shorts, tee shirts and Converse shoes.  Designs constantly rotate to keep ideas fresh and their customization includes either a sublimation process or high quality digital printing.

Mike Cuneo in "The Workshop" at 255 Forest   )(  

            Of all the work in Stilkey’s solo exhibition here, by far the most impressive piece is the twenty-foot high mural located in the middle of the space. The 4,400 book piece features the illustrative portrait of a man and woman in shades of black and white, reminiscent of German artist Egon Scheile’s svelte and languid figures.  Standing at the bottom and looking up to the dizzying top made me feel like Jack and the Beanstalk.  It’s part monument to art, part shrine to bibliophiles. Stilkey particularly enjoys painting the murals where he can stand and move around the paint on such a huge canvas, er book pile!  The smaller pieces, such as Old Man and the Sea he paints at home where he carefully selects specific book titles.

 The Old Man and the Sea

   

    Check out the show at 255 Forest Drive in Laguna Beach and if time, design your own surf gear before hitting the waves this summer. 

-Alyssa Cordova

Info on the artist  and Hurley:

HURLEY

Mike Stilkey

Jeff Gillette @ CoproGallery in Santa Monica

Longtime OC local Jeff Gillette's (aka Laurie Hassold's other half) show 'Dismayland' will be opening this Saturday at the CoproGallery in Santa Monica.  If you're in LA-LA land this weekend go check it out. Congrats Jeff!

 

-Joanna