While our recent downpours and economic downturn might rain literally and figuratively on our parades, they haven’t cast a shadow on our local art scene as yet, as evident by the healthy turnout for last month’s 40th St.Oakland Artquest. It’s time for the Oakland Art Murmur again, and looking at the quality of the shows out there, it might be worth your while to step out Friday evening. As evangelical gestures go, the Art Murmur is a true and honest one, one well worth supporting as it strengthens our ties to the community through art and helps our local artists get by in these tough times. Here are my picks for the Month Ahead in Oakland Art.
Eliza Fernand @Fort Gallery
480 23rd St.
http://fortgallery.com/home.html
Reception: Friday, March 6. 6p.m. to 9 p.m.
Last October, Fort Gallery opened on 23rd Street, in the location where the Esteban Sabar Gallery once stood. In the last few months, the space has really come into its own with increasingly stronger shows featuring exciting local talents like Billy Sprague and many others. Fort Gallery’s consistency bodes well for future shows like this month’s solo, displaying a large scale gallery-spanning installation from one time Lobot Gallery resident artist Eliza Fernand. The gallery’s director Vanessa Maida recently gave me a preview of how the show would look through a digital mock–up. The artist uses clothing, bedding and linens to create “ephemeral and mystical formations that occur in the natural world.”
It should be a compelling show. The opening will also feature live music from Beatbeat Whisper, The Blank Tapes, Paleo, and Moot.
'Apple & Orange Eating Contest @The Compound Gallery'
6604 San Pablo Avenue
http://thecompoundgallery.com/
Reception: Friday, March 6. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Art Murmur should sometimes be about having fun, so as to better reach out to the people that perhaps do not normally venture into the gallery world. This event sounds like it fits the bill for fun-art: The “Apple and Orange Eating Contest.” The contest compliments the show at the consistently well-curated Compound Studios and Gallery, which features interpretations of these fruits by Audrey Roy and Matt Reynoso. Get there by 8:30 p.m. if you desire to participate or just watch. There will be prizes and according to the gallery, “The winner will be brought to the hospital if necessary.”
‘Formations @Blankspace’
6608 San Pablo Avenue
http://www.blankspacegallery.com/gallery/formations/index.html
Reception: Friday, March 6. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The subject of order-and-chaos is one that is often analyzed to great effect in our culture. (Think of the film oeuvre of director Werner Herzog, for example.) In “Formations,” artists Erik Parra and Victoria Wagner tackle this theme through sculpture, paintings, drawings and mixed media work. Wagner’s work recalls the spiritual geometry of Casey Jex Smith, while Parra’s use of color reminds me a bit of the work of local painter Paul Wackers. Two-person shows tend to be best when the work is complimentary and suggests new ways of seeing the other artist. You can experience that this first Friday at Blankspace.
LA Paint – Closing and Museum Highlight Tour
The Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak Street@ 10th Street.
http://www.museumca.org/cal-public/index.cgi
Docent Tour: Sunday, March 8. 1 p.m.
Ever since the star curator of the internationally touring group show “Beautiful Losers,” René de Guzman, joined the staff of the Oakland Museum, he’s been stirring up quite a buzz in our local art community. This last Saturday, he gave a talk with fellow artist/curator Derek Weisberg on the subject of community -- when it comes to artists -- at a salon in Piedmont at organizer and local journalist Todd Kerr’s home. Guzman, who is now the museum’s senior curator, spoke at length-- and eloquently-- of his plans to integrate the many sections of the museum so that its art, history and science areas overlap and intersect, enhancing the museum-goers' experience, and in effect, creating a “museum of the future.” He told the gathered crowd of artists and community members, “We are trying to reinvent the museum for the 21st century. Some museums are retrenching into old ideas and we are trying to remake what a museum can be. So decidedly, we are making a commitment to our community and our rich history. “There will be more on the museum’s future plans regarding its permanent art gallery, which is undergoing an extensive remodeling, and its upcoming shows in a future article for The Oakbook. Until then, I couldn’t think of a better introduction to this cultural gem than a free one. Sunday, March 8th, is the closing of its LA Paint show as well as a Museum Highlights Tour. I highly recommend checking this one out. |