Best of 2008 Photo Show: Harrison ST Cafe

Best of 2008 Photo Show

February 1st - March 1st
Harrison St Cafe
Richmond Va, 23220

(too be continued...)

Anderson Gallery: Embodying the Sacred in Yoruba Art

Anderson Gallery
907 1/2 West Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23284-2514

Winter 2009 Exhibition
January 16, 2009 - March, 2009

Embodying the Sacred in Yoruba Art: Featuring the Bernard and Patricia Wagner Collection

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Orilade'
The Head is a Crown
"In Yoruba culture, a person's head is celebrated as a seat of intelligence and the site of perception. Emphasis on the head in Yoruba art has both theological and political importance. The Yoruba word orflade' (the head is a crown) is a metaphor for this relationship. The head is, to an individual, what Olo'du'mare' (the supreme being) is to the cosmos-a crown and a source of power. "

If one looked at these beautifully beaded head dresses with out knowing their importance to the Yoruba culture they would still understand their magnitude by the sheer intricacy, and care taken in the bead work, these pieces are truly stunning.

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Egu'ngu'n Masquerade costume, 20th century
O'yo'/Ogbomoso Region, Nigeria
Cloth, metal, and wood
The Newark Museum
Purchase 1991 Sophronia Anderson Bequest Fund 91.35

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The Beaded Prayers Project



"The Beaded Prayers Project was launched in 1999 as a community-centered collaboration. Since then, over 5000 people--ages 6 to 90, from 35 countries--have participated by creating and contributing the beaded packets exhibited here. This is the project's final presentation, concluding a tour that has taken it to over 25 venues. "

When you walk in the back room at the Anderson Gallery the enormous size of the many blocks displaying each packet engulfs the viewer, but does not hold the viewer back from enjoying the packets close up.

Paul Shambroom: Artist Lecture

Paul Shambroom: Artist Lecture

VCU Student Commons

February 11, 2009
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

"Paul Shambroom is a photographer who explores American power and culture." as stated by www.paulshambroomart.com, in his lecture Shambroom gave examples of how his art represents this common theme of the modern day empire. As he confessed Shambroom is a very series oriented artist, creating many series about power some involving weapons both in used and retired. Shambroom expressed his initial work in the commercial industry sparked his interest in factories, and also office spaces. this interest developed into a very honed in desire to capture the image of power in different forms. the images I found most compelling were his images in the series titled; security and Meetings. These images seem realistic and really engage me as a viewer. Shambroom is a wonderfully charismatic speaker and It was truly a pleasure to listen to what he had to say, his experience and knowledge was both inspirational and truthful.

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First Friday 02.06.09

First Friday "Art Walk"

February 6th 2009
generally 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Richmond, Virginia


The First Friday experience is not entirely about seeing the art, it is also the experience of rubbing shoulders with other art enthusiasts. In a sense the over crowded galleries are very annoying and off putting to those who truly just want to see the artwork, but on the other hand isn't it a great feeling to know there are so many others who appreciate viewing art! Furthermore wouldn't it be so sad if you attended a first Friday event where the galleries were empty? With this idea I set out with friends to join the crowds.

The Galleries I visited were:
1708 gallery
ghostprint gallery
studio/ gallery 6
aba
quirk
corporate and museum frame
(there might be a few others I have forgotten to mention)

I was not too terribly intrigued by the galleries contents as a whole but I would say it was worth the trip, I found a few pieces to be very interesting.
They include:
Brian Hubble, Stand Down, Graphite on antique paper
Matt Terrell, Human Hibernation, Ballpoint pen on paper
Kevin Cyr, Camping Far Out in the Wilderness Forges a Revolutionary Heart, Oil on Panel
Shane McAdams, Pen Blow #5, Ballpoint pen and resin on panel
Hale Todds, various works, Collage/mixed media
Nichole Maury, An Array of Plausible Perspectives: # 16, screenprint, carbon transfer, graphite, collage
The list goes on but those are just a few that really cought my eye

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Studio/Gallery 6: Hale Todds, various works, Collage/mixed media
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1708Gallery Nichole Maury and Christopher Quirk

1708Gallery Nichole Maury, An Array of Plausible Perspectives: # 16, screenprint, carbon transfer, graphite, collage
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Crowds at the Quirk Gallery
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Spotlight Artist: Eolo Perfido

As I looked up ideas for a portrait project I stumbled upon Eolo Perfido, an artist I had bookmarked some time ago, rediscovering Perfido, I just had to start spotlighting artists, composed of artists that I stumble upon (or know) and have to share with everyone.

The images I find most interesting form Perfido’s collection on his website gallery are the first three images shown (arkhee_shout, propaganda_the_beast, and propaganda_mother), the use of surreal, slightly morbid and disturbing subject matter draws me as a viewer into the photograph investigating what props he chooses to use. The placement of all props is noticeably purposeful creating a wonderful composition, especially in propaganda_the_beast. I included two other images that exemplify his commercial work.

arkhee_shout

propaganda_the_beast

propaganda_mother

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portrait_3

metmo

http://www.eoloperfido.com/index.htm

Alix Pearlstein: Artist Lecture

Alix Pearlstein: Artist Lecture
January 28, 2009
VCU Commons Theater

Background Info on Alix Pearlstein:

Electronic Arts Intermix describing Pearlstein:

“Alix Pearlstein's performance-based videos function as abstract dramas, operating in a realm between the theatrical and the cinematic. With deadpan humor and a minimalist aesthetic, she employs stylized gestures, role-playing and pop cultural references to create narrative meaning, or uses actors to examine group dynamics and social constructs. Exploring performative strategies, these works, often set in an indeterminate void, condense psychological narrative to expose heightened realities.”

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Unfortunately I missed the introduction but that let me jump right into Pearlstein’s work.

The pieces that struck me the most are Distance (2006-2007), and Forsaken(2003).

Distance is a work filmed from opposite sides of the room; Pearlstein used a split screen approach to have her viewers watch the happenings in the large room from both camera angles. The use of large spaces and very minimal props creates a unique and interesting viewing experience. Because there are few objects to focus on in the empty room the cameras and the people recording become apart of the action, as well as what the main focus is, in the middle of the room. Pearlstein’s use of ambiguous sounds/noises and muffled dialog works well to emphasize the abstraction of the natural world, it also leads the viewer to focus on the actions the actors are taking instead of the dialog used. This was very apparent in Forsaken, the use of muffled dialog aided in the surreal aspect of the piece. Cinematically Forsaken was not as interesting as Distance. Distance being one of Pearlstein’s more resent works looks like it was created with the help of a bigger budget. Although Pearlstein sticks with a slightly jostled recording style in Forsaken with the use of cameras tripods on wheels she veered away from hand held recording.

Pearlstein’s works are often abstract representations of happenings and inspirations she takes from social and political occurrences. The abstract nature of the works leaves some viewers puzzled and not as appreciative as others.

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Image From: Distance

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Image From: Forsaken

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Image From: Gold Rush

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