"Speak to the Stones and Stars"

Ongoing through June 2, 2018 is Speak to the Stones and Stars a group show by two international artists. The content of the show are photographs- sublimation on aluminum and stainless steel sculptures. Linda Connor's 30 years taking pictures of various countries culminates with her series presented at the Haines gallery. Earth quake vaults, long exposure celestial pictures of the stars and sculptures of figures from Pompei are some of her subject matter. Zhan Wang's sculpture of rocks which are symbolic in the ancient literati scriptures studied by monks in China speaks to the ancient symbolism of rock as it relates to the postmodern society of China's people who move from the rural country to work in the city just to find that life is not as it seems. Perhaps living in the rural country is not so bad where people can contemplate life and study rocks? The remarkable artwork  by Zhan is meticulously rendered to a even handed high gloss polish on all his sculptures which take on complex forms. His process is complex and patented by the artist. His rock sculptures are a series numbered in numeric order and his work places him a postmodern artist as he intersects ancient philosophy with contemporary social trends in China.

Zhan Wang's front view of his rock sculpture

Zhan Wang's largest piece in the gallery back view. 8'x4"

Zhan's signature series number and edition count.

A smaller piece 3'x2'.

David Hammons - Dimensions of Black

David Hammon's cantankerous spirit has been stirring up the international art community with his artwork for some time now.  Last fall I saw one of his assemblage's in person at the Dimensions of Black show at the Manneti Shrem Museum.  It was one of those moment when I stopped and did a triple take on the piece. I spent 10 minutes to look at - Champ, 1989 and it got to the point when the sercurity guard stopped to watched me as I carried on looking at the Rubber inner tube and boxing gloves with tape. The piece is part of the collection at The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Upon arriving at the piece. I stepped back and with in ten seconds I knew it was David Hammon's work,but I had to step in to read the didactic for clarification. Now if we put this history in boxing context; hence the title of the piece and glove it would place it around the time Mike Tyson fought Frank Bruno- 02/1989. Rubber inner tube maybe viewed as resilience.
My first observation was a figure being represented possibly. Yet the effect of the inner tube seems to be hanging on the wall like a coat on a coat hanger. However given David Hammon's political and social activism in his artwork then we shall conclude this is part of his message here with the Champ.

The Champ, Assemblage.

The Champ side view

Wayne Thiebaud at the Manetti Shrem Musuem, U.C. Davis, California.

Closing this weekend on May 13, 2018 at the Manetti Shrem Museum - is the early significant works of Wayne Thiebaud. His work is significant because despite the Pop-Art trend dominating  during the 1960's with Andy Warhol's use of screen printing for the soup cans and Roy Litchenstein's comic book quality paintings is when Wayne Thiebaud's paintings were given a test drive to be exhibited at the 1962  Armory Show at the Allen Stone Gallery, New York City. His 1962 show catapulted him to be an overnight success. 

The artwork presented below are the paintings from the Wayne Thiebaud exhibit at the Manetti Shrem. The expressive layering of oil paint that drive the paintings expressive quality is also colored carefully with color variations that create luster and and quality of illumination which define forms of his subjects. 

The painting below is using only essential details of light and shadows to express space and content. The semi intense blue cast shadow of the fish pushes form along with the brush strokes of the paint as it overlaps together carefully together. The cast shadow fades out to the tail at the end. Thiebaud's classical art training is evident here and how he couples flat geometric spaces with subtle color creates interesting composition of color and space which is largely indicative with majority of his still life's and landscapes. However in Thiebaud's exhibit at the Shrem you will see mostly figures and still life paintings. 

Special Note: These paintings dated in the 1960's are technical considered modern era in art history. Contemporary artwork is considered 1980-present. Since the artist is presently making paintings I put him my blog. 

Half Salmon, 1961, Oil on Canvas

Candy Counter, Era 1960's, Oil on Canvas

Pies, 1961, Oil on Canvas

Bakery Counter, 1962, Oil on Canvas

Installation detail view of painting with scale reference.

Bikini, 1964, Oil On Canvas

Pence Gallery- Bay Area Clay: A Legacy of Social Consciousness

Artists Talk April 28th, 2018.

Photo Credit- Moises Castillo

The Pence Gallery backyard patio hosted a panel of internationally recognized artists who participated in the group show- A Legacy of Social Consciousness. Artists Arthur Gonzalez, Marc Lancet, Lisa Reinerstein, Monica Van den Dool, and Ehren Tool talked about their experience with art and how their work reflected social consciousness. First and foremost they consider themselves a second generations of artist who attribute their influences from Robert Arneson, Viola Frey, and Stephen De Staebler who are credited as pioneers of the Bay Area Funk movement during the 1960's. The artist panel is seen below.

Left to Right- Natalie Nelson (Pence Director), Lisa Reinerstein, Monica Van den Dool, Arthur Gonzalez, Marc Lancet, Ehren Tool.

Ehren Tool's cup arrangement in the Pence Gallery.

Ehren Tool's Ceramic Cups detail.

Ehren Tool Ceramic Cups- Note Humpty Dumpty- a fairy tale that is believed to based on a war machine.

 

Arthur Gonzalez's ceramic piece is one pictured below- Acid Rain is a social piece of how in secondary school there was no art classes, but a lot of science. At the time during science class there was discussion about acid rain which was not a common topic at the time in the mid-1980's when this piece was created in 1986.

Acid Rain by Arthur Gonzalez

Lisa Reinerstein work below is known for her life like figures and animals. She studied under Robert Arneson and Manual Neri Here is a piece called Disposition. Lisa Reinerstein's family worked with political and social activist associated with Dr. Martin Luther King and Cesar Chavez.

Disposition, 2013

Pieta, 2012

Monica Van den Dool's says this artwork is "series deals broadly with humanist condition about the past, present, and future of the human condition"

Monica Van den Dool- Chunk, 2010

Marc Lancet's figurative sculptures are figurative and during his lecture he mentioned how he likes to experiment as to take an opposite turn when in the studio. Marc Lancet expressed his Jewish heritage. His pieces are wood-fired. Furthermore he is a proponent of art programs in school and is deeply committed to the idea that art matter, to health of the human spirit and to humanity's future. I deeply agree.

Marc Lancet's piece. 

B. Sakata Garo: Jack Ogden Exhibit

Jack Ogden C.S.U.S professor emeritus recent show at B. Sakata Garo  (gallery). Located at 923 20th street Sacramento, California is simply brilliant. And when asked about Ogden's work Tom Montieth current painting professor at C.S.U.S who studied under Jack Ogden stated, "He is the real deal". And indeed he is.  As I described to Professor Montieth. Ogden's paintings are "all even-handed". Brush marks are controlled and strategically planned to suit the mood of the painting. This is the sum total of masterfully painting layers of paint to complete the painting so it may gel as one. However, only the human eye can see this and can not be seen in photos. The painting in the picture below is title Axon. My first impression of the painting is composed of a single brush. The brush painting a line in atmospheric space that is giving the impression of it resting on a horizon line plane acting as a surface. The artist leaves some of the raw material open on the edges of the painting and the frame is a wood trim  also has paint marks. The wonderful blue drips on the bottom of the canvas offer spacial variation as if to compose a 4th wall to invade the space of the viewer and gel with the audience. The brush being the embodiment of the artist and the drips speaking in a neo-expressionists manner; thus, the title Axon.

Axon- photo credit | Moises Castillo

Partial installation view|  Photo Credit | Moises Castillo

The solo show is highligjted with a family portrait of the Kennedy family- Once Upon a Time. The neo-expressionistic style is also a interesting composition reministint of a Diego Velasquez composition. The solo show also exhibited elaborate figure sculptures and wonderful fluid paintings that will stand the test of time as a painter who is the "real deal".

Photo Courtesy | B Sakata Garo

Art Commuion.

April 7, 2018.

As I was visiting City College of San Francisco for documentation and research of the Diego Rivera Mural The Marriage of the Artistic Expression of the North and of the South on this Continent is when I passed a sculpture by contemporary Artist Aristides Demetrios. Mr. Aristides Demetrios is a Harvard graduate and served 3 years in the Navy as an officer. His work is reduced down to geometric shapes and resemble figures. His father George Demetrios was a student of Antoine Bourdelle who studied under Auguste Rodin. Aristides Demetrios has works all over the world. Including public artwork in Roseville, California and Sacramento, California.

The sculpture titled Sentinel was done in 1973 for the Arts Commission in San Francisco and is on permanent loan to City College of San Francisco. The work is of hollow bronze and appears to have a spray paint patina. While I was taking pictures of the sculpture. A facility service man yelled at me in a semi-serious tone- Hey why are taking pictures of that thing!? I said for my blog as an educational project... He continued- but why? How is that Art? We exchanged our passionate point of views. After 20 minutes of conversation, he invited me over to hug the sculpture. He said- we need to feel it to get an idea of what is going on. At that time the man who stood about 6 feet 2 inches and weighed about 280 pounds placed his large hands on and reached into the sculpture. The dull thud from the hollow bronze echoed inside. I placed my hands on top of the piece as well, as if it was some holy communion between to strangers engaged in a piece of Art.We stood there like this for about 2 minutes talking about the piece.

After. We laughed, talked politics, family dynamics and Art.

Aristides Demetrios sculpture- Sentinal served a specific purpose at that point. As to unite two individuals together and talk about Art. As if we are the watchmen of the campus grounds exchanging thoughts and feelings of life and Art. It was the artist work and that of a worker at the school who provoked meaningful conversation, and he probably did not know this at the time. Truly an experience that I will never forget. And is something I am usually accustomed to by now from visiting San Francisco many times. People have opinions. We share them and is usually because I am around Art or culture when I visit that city.

Photos by Moises Castillo.

Sentinel- Side View.

Sentinel Side view.

Sentinel front view.

Artist's signature.

"Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form: Meditations on the Heart Sutra" by William Ishmael

  March 24th, 2018 I visited Tom Collom gallery at 915 20th Street, Sacramento CA. This is where I visited the work of William Ishmael- "Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form: Meditations on the Heart Sutra" This artist statement explains that these pieces are a reflection of the Buddhist philosophy and meditative practices. The first piece that caught my eye was "Emptiness is Form (Plexiglas) II" Plexiglass suspended with filament, 18"x18" panels. The didactic read." Of all the artwork here, these suspended plexiglass panels most clearly depict the concept of Form is Emptiness. When viewed straight on there is a distinct abstract form; when viewed from the side there is emptiness."My initial pass at this was the ability to see the non-object space as a form of the plexiglass. I believe the non-object space is a form of spatial depth and does imply form. A type of form that is a result of meditative practice is plausable. The act of being mindful in the moment fully immersed with you all your senses, yet hollow like a vessel with the ever-changing flow of reality comes and goes freely.  This form could be described further as the form of emptiness that which is superimposed over layers or fields of content relative to the viewer's experiences. However the artist is clear that this is a relative to the Meditations of the Heart Sutra, so likely a reflection of his practice. This is a mutual feeling I have experienced with meditation. It is truly life-changing experience.

 

"Emptiness is Form (Plexiglas) II" Plexiglass suspended with filament, 18"x18" panels | Photo Credit William Ishmael

The Fine Art of Protest

 

 On March 12, 2018, Mr. Juanishi Orosco visited our Advanced printmaking class to share R.C.A.F serigraphs,  art process and their involvement to promote Latino heritage through art happenings, theatre, and music. The R.C.A.F serigraphs presented in class covered topics; such as, as social activism, social services, and theatre promotion. This blog is dedicated to the fine art of protest and use of art to exhibit social change outside rather than inside on gallery walls.
Royal Chicano Air Force was founded in 1969 at Sacramento State University Kadema Hall, room 104.  R.C.A.F. started by doing various forms of art to assist with the civil rights movement associated with migrate farm workers led by César Chávez. R.C.A.F is a collective of artists, people, and activists and their artwork were not intended to be exhibited in galleries or museums the Artist says-"This was a consequence of the work", Juanishi Orosco.Their serigraphs have traveled to many exhibits including Paris and are in a permanent collection in universities and museums; such as Yale, Harvard, and  Smithsonian.
The team of artists would work around the clock making posters during strikes. Their motif is heavily influenced by Pre-Columbian art and use of vivid colors together with a dynamic design is what stands out about their work in terms of aesthetics. The R.C.A.F mastery of silkscreen is a from continuous practice and consulting with other master printmakers at conventions from throughout the world. Mr. Orosco mentioned when they learned the technique of photo emulsion is what helped to achieve their, "popsicle"aesthetic.
When in production the print teams would be three to a station. One to insert the poster paper material on the matrix, one to squeegee the ink on the poster, and one to remove the piece from the matrix. At times the R.C.A.F would travel with their flatbed pick up truck to locations and print from the bed of the truck to distribute to the protesters on location. Other times they support El Teatro Campesino and have theater performances on the back of the flatbed pick-up to promote social awareness and entertainment for the field workers.
The photo below is an example of their work. Spring Mercado is a colorful serigraph advertising a social event where people are invited for food and music.
Disclaimer all photos of art are for educational purposes and permission has been given by Juanishi Orosco. Photo Credit Moises Castillo.

 

 

Spring Mercado

Next Mr. Orosco holds up Recuerdos Del Palomar announcement.  Multiple stencils used in this piece. This was an emotional piece for him. Likely a reflection of the Zoot Suite prejudice that resulted in Riots.

Recuerdo Del Palomar

Announcement for Jornada De Las Americas- Workers of the Americas.

Equal Rights Protest Poster

Shay Church-Hands Across the Horse

Artist Shay Church from Kalamazoo Michigan brought together artists at Sacramento State University to hand sculpt an impressive 7 headed horse which is on display at the Sacramento State Library University patio this 2018, Spring semester. The 7 Headed horse is an appropriation of Uchchaihshravas. A Hindu mythological figure. Shay was procured by Sacramento State professor of sculpture Scott Parady to participate in Concurrent/Convention: A Spectrum of Contemporary Ceramics  exhibit  as a visiting artist where he invites students on campus to assist with sculpting the 7 Headed Horse as a way to give back to academia and teaching his methods of sculpting to students.

I entered the library patio just at the right time when the artist finished the temporary installation where I spoke with Shay about the project and took pictures of the crew. The 7 Headed Horse is formed with clay on a wooden frame anchored to a wooden platform. The clay horse will not be fired. In fact, it will be left as is to develop its own character as time deteriorates the clay mass. This can be viewed from an archeological point of view. Digging in the dirt and what is found?  And what has time along with the elements done to it? This is also a way for Shay to express this concept. 

7 Headed Horse | Photo credit Moises Castillo

The Artists and 7 Headed Horse | Photo Credit Moises Castillo

/'bäskij/

/'bäskij/ installation by Dan Cao and Dominque Garcia |Photo Credit Moises Castillo,2018

January 22nd-26th, 2018.

This installation piece tickled my fancy. All five senses captivated starting with my feet.
Upon arriving at the Witt gallery fellow artist Nathan Nguyen was the gallery attendant, as he requested that "I clean my shoes prior to entry", I then ask if I could take them off instead- per his suggestion- I took them off. A tarp approximately 15 feet by 8 feet covered the installation entryway. As I slipped past the tarp and into what felt like an abyss of warm glow and delicate lunar atmosphere.., it was then my feet touched a loose fluff of texture that covered the entire floor.  To me a delightful reminder of walking meditation merging together with the visual resemblance of a dark night on the beach staring into the vast nothing but your imagination.
After my first impression, my eyes adjusted to the dark environment and I noticed the glowing tent breathing with light. The light inside the tent offered a tranquil peace that everything was safe, and the simulated vertical tree trunks added the finishing touch to the collective world of being outdoors in my own lucid dream. I danced, meditated, and got comfy cozy. This for me was a refreshing moment that inspired for me merging Zen and beauty with warm and comfort of contemporary art.