June 2007 Archives

If you missed the incredible performance by osseus labyrint with Barron Storey during Barron's Black Iraq exhibit at Anno Domini in July 2005. you'll have to go down to LA to see their 10 year exhibition at Bert Green gallery which opens Thurs., July 12th from 6-9pm. There will also be 3 live Saturday performances on July 21, Aug. 4 and Aug. 18th with varying collaborators (including Barron on the Aug. 18th date, which is also the last day of the exhibit.)

from Bert Green gallery's website:

osseus labyrint is a laboratory of deliberate and random mutations, an ongoing series of experiments manifesting billions of years of evolutionary data, matter and energy.

Founded in 1989 by Hannah Sim and Mark Steger and known primarily as a performing entity, osseus labyrint is a collaborative forum which has generated creative work in multiple media including set/installation, film/video, graphics, text and internet content. Trace Evidence is the first gallery exhibition ever presented of osseus labyrint’s work and will highlight physical evidence from events staged around the globe.

Bert Green Fine Art
102 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-624-6212

M Dot Strange takes his mega-creative effort "We Are The Strange" deep within the wired for a Second Life premier this Friday, June 29 at 6pm SLT. Seating is limited (100 streams) at Ars Virtua so arrive early.

Read more about the event at Ars Virtua.

The Mumlers

Will came by today and we're excited to learn that they have been picked up by Galaxia Records! It'll be such a great fit, Galaxia is legendary for their music, artist covers (Barry McGee, Margaret Kilgallen, Thomas Campbell) and close family vibe. Will thinks the CD will drop in November, so we'll keep you posted.

The Mumlers will be performing again at AD's STREET MRKT First Friday September, but in the meantime, check them out this Friday, June 22nd at the Blank Club with the Settlers and special guests.

Fushigi Circus, is a 128 pg hardcover, clothbound collection of Mark Ryden's paintings. This Japanese language book features newer works, including Blood, Sweat, Tears, and The Creatrix, and a survey of 55 of Mark Ryden's most impressive works from past shows to the present. ($35.00)

A recent survey, commissioned by Arts Award in London, asked 6400 people to name their top 10 art heroes. The survey was then split into two categories, 18-25 and over 25. It's probably not much of a surprise that Walt Disney was ranked number 1 with the under 25 sect ...I wonder if they really meant "Walt Disney the person"? or "Walt Disney the corporation" that cranks out blockbuster cartoons. If you look at the under 25 list, they do seem heavily reliant on the mainstream media to get their cultural references, which is not a surprise, but it is interesting that street artist BANKSY made BOTH lists as an art hero.

Here's the breakdown:

David Choe's latest Thumbs Up! (Episode 11) was just released at VBS.TV. If you haven't been following it, Thumbs Up! is video journey of David Choe and Harry Kim hitchhiking across the U.S. (thus far). Rumor has it that the journey may take them abroad after they've run out of tracks in the states.

Episode 11 documents the journey from Little Rock to Memphis introducing us to a couple Arkansas troopers and a Palestinian cafe owner in Memphis. Oh, and just for the record, that cool little moniker on the train David points to is the work of BuZ Blurr. Some of you freight fans already know that, especially if your familiar with the work of documentary film maker Bill Daniel and his film, "Who is Bozo Texino?" that took us along on a great search for the truth behind the legend of the Bozo Texino moniker.

With summer upon us, it's tough to find the kind of movies we like, but there are a couple out right now that are amazing.

Brand Upon the Brain is a feature film by Canadian Guy Maddin. It's an eerie, suspenseful, for the most part silent film tale of a childhood lived on a lighthouse island turned orphanage. The main character, also named "Guy Maddin", has an overbearing crazy mother, a beautiful rebellious sister, and a work obsessed father. If you enjoy the likes of, say, surrealist films by Jean Cocteau, you'll appreciate the artistry and weirdness of this movie.

We also highly recommend the anime PAPRIKA. Therapists are able to treat people's reality dysfunctions by entering their dreams. The technology that enables them to do this is stolen, and all hell breaks loose. Keep in mind that this is definitely an anime for adults, it's rated R.

And finally, Day Watch is the follow up to the brilliant Night Watch (2004) both directed by Timur Bekmambetov. Set in present day Moscow, it's part two of the trilogy tale of the truce between good and evil and trying to keep the delicate balance from breaking down completely. And if you haven't seen Night Watch, they're pretty good at bringing you up to speed so you can enjoy Day Watch on it's own and know what's going on.

Sam_detail

We went to Carlos' exhibit of screenprints on plexiglass last night at his home turned "Arthaus Gallery." Of course our favorite images were the ones of Sam Rodriguez and Matt Rodriguez (Sam photographed on one of their custom made low rider bikes from the Lowrider Arcade exhibit at AD.) It was just for a night, but there's a couple of photos here.

SWOON after the "Splasher" hits it. (photo via Streetsy)

Sam Anderson has a super length feature in NY Magazine on the "Splasher." The jerk that's been vandalizing some prized street art (yes, it's a vandal vandalizing vandals...that's what makes for the controversy.) All I can say is, I feel sorry for the guy when he gets caught.

Michael Muller, Alive with Anticipation, 2005
From the Poem: Zombie Stroll

M+B gallery in Los Angeles is currently showing Another Night Upon Us, a photographic exhibition featuring the works of Michael Muller. The exhibit is a collaboration between actor Joaquin Phoenix, writer Marcos Johnson from San Jose (2006 Trinity Sessions at Anno Domini), and photographer Michael Muller. Another Night Upon Us is a photographic interpretation of Johnson's evocative poems as envisioned by Phoenix and carried out by Muller.

Another Night Upon Us, is a work-in-progress glimpse of their collaboration to date. It runs through June 23 — an exhibition consisting of Muller's large-scale photographs interspersed with Johnson's poetry, scrawled in chalk directly onto the gallery's walls.

E Pluribus Venom - New Works by Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey is gearing up for a dual location exhibit at Jonathan Levine gallery in NYC and in DUMBO opening on Saturday, June 23rd. The new works are entitled "E Pluribus Venom" which means "From Many, Poison." The Levine gallery reception is from 5-9pm, and Dumbo is from 7-11pm, RSVP only. Judging from the "free cash while supplies last" and the DJ lineup, which includes Shepard, I'd say the DUMBO reception might be the one to check out. More info here.

Banksy in the Guardian.co.uk

Banksy just installed a porta-potty stonehedge entitled "The Art of Worship" at the site of the Glastonbury festival which takes place on the summer solstice, June 21st (which is fitting with the Stonehenge mysteries.) He's been known to put up signs around museums that say "Mind the crap.", which seems to be his message here in terms of his own art. One interesting note, it was mentioned in the Guardian article that they have an exclusive photo of the artist himself installing the work. Is he ready to be known? One of my favorite "Bansy-isms" is Nobody ever listened to me until they didn't know who I was. Hope that doesn't change.

This will teach you to check our updates more often... Just got word that Barron Storey will be live on Vancouver's CiTR radio from 2-3 p.m. today. He's being interviewed on a program called Inkstuds hosted by Robin McConnell. You can catch the stream from your desktop.

If you don't already have a copy of Barron's latest book "After Black" we highly recommend it as an addition to your collection.

ThisIsLondon.co.uk has an article today on the National Gallery of London taking their art out onto the streets in an effort to remind the passersby what the NG has to offer. There's 44 full scale reproductions, they'll stay up for 12 weeks, and even has a call in tour recording.

The most interesting part of this is story is the reference to Banksy. In the title of the article: "Now that's street art, Banksy", and an art critic's quip ""Anything Banksy can do, the National Gallery can do better." The Banksy reference is interesting in that it seems to indicate that it's a competitive response to his hanging his work in several museums (not to mention the tons of press he received as a result).. Banksy's museum pranks seem to be causing some serious conversations behind closed doors...is street art really becoming a competitor in providing people's art and culture needs to the point that it is hurting attendance, charitable contributions and relevance?

UPDATE: Took some photos at the show last night here.

It's without a doubt that Adrian Lee is a talented guy, whether it's painting, tatts, or guerilla graffiti warfare, he excels at it all. Now, just to prove it, he's turned his attention to music. He and Michael Rowan (Insolence) will be performing as "Audio-Fallout" a sonic assault on the Blank Club, Tuesday, June 12th at 9pm with a showing of his Rezistr posters.

Dave Correia x Lucien Shapiro

UPDATE: Poor Al just posted the NYC COLLABRO artworks available for sale here. Lots of great work still available....kind of like a 2 fer 1 deal with all the great talent!

Poor Al is at it again with a NYC version of COLLABRO, co - curated with Triston Eaton. The Anno Domini version was quite amazing, but they've added even more to the mix in this version (for example: Ron English x Daniel Johnston!), there's way too many brilliant artists to list, so check the lineup here.

It happens Saturday, June 9th from 7-11pm
at the Showroom NYC, 117 Second Ave., 2nd Floor, New York City.
And for those of you that missed it here at AD, or NYC, don't fret, there will be a final LA showing TBA!

DIGDUG is a monthly listening party and record swap at AD hosted by Nate "Ennui" LeBlanc.

Each installment features a plethora of talent behind the decks who have been encouraged to play what they want, utilizing those forgotten corners of the collection that don't fit at clubs, bars, or parties. We've also invited some of the deepest collectors in the area to bring a few crates of gems to sell or swap.

Admission: Free and open to the public

The annual "walk through concert" series that takes place in an Oakland mauseleum happens this year on Thursday, June 21st, from 5-9pm (solstace). It's a pinnacle sound art fest presented by New Music Bay Area. As you make your way through the gothic "labyrinthine Julia Morgan-designed columbarium and mausoleum" you'll discover sound performances and installations that, despite the markers of the deceased, feels appropriate amidst the fountains, sculptures and beautiful natural lighting. We always look forward to it every year encourage you to make the trek.

A great band, Corpus Callossum (winners of a recording contract through last year's impressive "Bleeding Edge Festival"), will be performing at a great coffee house, Barefoot Coffee Roasters, this Sunday, June 10th at 8pm. Also perforning will be the Peculair Pretzelman.
Location: 2357 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara

Thumbs Up! from Jimmy the barista

I got a little extra love from one of my favorite baristas today in the form of a funny little doodle giving me the thumbs up on my coffee lid. It's one of those lame little things that makes me smile throughout the day. It really makes you think that it doesn't take much to connect with people that you encounter whether for the first time or on a regular basis. Just be real.

Thanks Jimmy!

Hydration cafe
310 South 3rd Street
San Jose, CA 95112

"Torchrock" duo Kate and Erik are about to hit the Pacific Northwest with their hypno-twisted style of folk with six appearances in six days in four cities (Seattle, Portland, Bellingham & Olympia) beginning on June 10th. If this is one of your residing cities, or it's close enough to bike it, visit their site for tour locations and times. If the latter doesn't apply, visit their site anyway and buy their album, or at least the single "Ghost." (I put it on loop in the gallery and just let it play for an hour.)

ICA staffer Justin Marsh at the ICA re-opening.

update We went down to the ICA last night....two of my favorite pieces were by Jim Campbell and Cassandra C. Jones (images here.) definitely worth a look!

San Jose's Institute of Contemporary Art gallery reopens after a renovation period with "Home Sweet Home" (looking forward to the Jim Campbell and Hung Liu pieces) and the annual "Monotype Marathon" exhibit. The member's only party is today, June 8th, between 5:30-7pm, with a public reception from 7-9pm. It also has an open house tomorrow, Saturday, June 9th from noon - 5pm. See you there!

Jason Arnold and Tim Leirman will have a duo exhibit at Black & Brown on Saturday June 23rd, from 8-11pm. Jason and Tim have been long time Phantom Galleries artists and regulars at our annual Fresh Produce exhibits. Jason also did a stage mural for us when we first moved into our downtown space. Both have new works that promises to be a great exhibit.

Black & Brown
1225 W. San Carlos, San Jose

Bob at Circle A by Joe Claus.

Joe Claus is a SJSU photography student that just completed a compelling project of small business owners' portraits. (I'm in there but that's not why I like it.) I like this series because some of our most favorite people are in there....those men and women that against the mainstream, and their better judgment, are the proprietors of our favorite shops and hang outs that we frequent so we can feel connected.

Joe's "tribute to the smaller side of American business" will be one of the featured exhibits at KALEID on August 3rd along with paintings by Mary Medrano.

This is a great podcast from M Dot Strange following some of the feedback he received at Sundance earlier this year. If you listen closely you may catch the voice of David Choe behind the camera urging people to express what they really thought about M Dot's film as they emerged from the theater. It's great stuff! ...reminiscent of a meeting we sat through earlier this week where people pontificated about "Good Art" and "Bad Art" in the public realm. Where's M Dot when you need him?!

You can watch M Dot Strange being interviewed at Anno Domini during his "We Are The Strange" exhibit of sets and stills this month via KQED's SPARK program . Visit their website for schedules and the stream.