"Marci Washington: Forever I'll Be Here" at Rena Bransten

Now that I have graduated, I have the time to share all the art stuff I have been wanting to write about.  A little while ago my friends and I braved the crowds to see CCA alum, Marci Washington's, first solo show at Rena Bransten in downtown San Francisco.  I remember Marci's super dark, narrative gouache paintings from her Open Studios a few years ago, and it was great to see how the work has progressed to involve her trademark dramatic death scenes and gothic interiors but also very similar subject matter to yours truly.  It looks like Marci and I are both into pictures of dead models, but then again, who isn't?  Congrats to Marci Washington on a well-done show at a beautiful space!  Go check out her super flat and flawless technique before it ends in June if you can.

"Marci Washington:  Forever I'll Be Here"

Rena Bransten, 77 Geary, San Francisco, CA

Through June 4

Something about them really reminded me of Nagel from Duran Duran artwork.

Courtney checking out the dead guy.

A little art deco

A surprising looser washy one.

That's Marci in the white shirt way back there.

(Apologies about the glare in the photos- it was difficult to photograph them in frames).

San Francisco Openings

My friends and I decided to take the short trek over to the Geary Street galleries in San Francisco from school the other evening to do what the other locals do- fight the crowds of First Thursday.  As the monthly openings hurrah takes place every first Thursday, it brings droves of art lovers, both the casual, after-work crowd, and the art school variety to 49 and 77 Geary.  I've noticed the actual collectors don't come on this night, where you have to walk up flights of stairs to avoid the elevator rush, and navigate the hordes of free wine swillers.  

We came to see the opening at Rena Bransten that my friend, Aimee Reed curated called "Pure Paper" (through March 12), but it was quite crowded so we ended up also checking out other shows in the complex which were set to close soon.  (The show looked good though, and I plan to come back later).  

I am a big fan of Katy Grannan's photographs, which grace the pages of fashion magazines like AnOther, as well as notable art galleries, and was excited to see her show at Fraenkel (through February 19).  These photos are taken on the street of people she sees and spontaneously captures in beautiful, natural California light.  They seem to glow, looking like watercolor versions of reality.

We also popped in to Gregory Lind, where these detailed paintings of book covers of Richard Baker, (through February 26), were kinda interesting, but I thought they were a little gimicky.  All the books seemed like cool, well-read treasures, as if he were calling attention to his library more than his art.

We also stopped by Altman Siegel, a new gallery which shows a young generation of artists.  They were having a three person show, with Chris Johanson, Charley Harper, and Matt Keegan.   It was quite a dude show, with highlights including these two Chris Johanson pieces.  I love the blue in the boat piece, and the line-up one is pretty funny.  (The show just ended).

Be sure to check out Rena Bransten if you are in the area.  Til next First Thursday...

Two Solo Shows: Linda Geary and Stephen Beal

About a week ago I went to see the painting exhibitions of two of my professors at CCA, Linda Geary and Stephen Beal. It's nice to see what's behind the curtain of school sometimes; to see where your professors are coming from on a personal and visual level. Both shows are still up so go see them if you can!

Linda Geary "Inside/Out" at Rena Bransten Gallery, 77 Geary, San Francisco (ends December 4)

Linda has been on sabbatical, which sounds like the ultimate way to live and make work; taking a salary from school for a year while they allow you to spend your time regrouping, relaxing, and making (hopefully) a new body of work. This certainly happened with Linda's paintings. The show looked awesome and truly thought-out. Each piece had color and shape that referenced the paintings around it. As a color theory teacher, it's obvious that she has a strong relationship with her colors, but it was just as interesting to see all the media that went into the pieces. There were taped-off shapes, spray-painted sections, and loose, drippy windows next to clean, tight pools. It was one of the only shows I have seen in a long while which made me want to go back and see it again.

"Stephen Beal: Recent Paintings" at George Lawson Gallery, 49 Geary, San Francisco (ends December 4)

Stephen Beal just happens to be the most important guy at CCA. He's the president. But, he is also a painter, which settles some sort of score for me and the Fine Arts program I reside in, as rumors often fly about who's budget will be cut and who is more important. Knowing that he has our back as mere makers, versus the more financially stable industries like architecture, is comforting. He also teaches a painting class for seniors, of which I am the Teacher's Assistant, so it was even more intriguing to finally see first-hand what most interests him visually. The show seemed related to Linda's in how invested he was in color. It's clear even in these two images that he has a favorite mode of working, (the grid), but the fine details and repetition of gesture seemed to share a slight affinity with Linda, as well. The two should have had a show together!