Amy Ellingson, “Identical Variation No. 3 (Red)” 2016, oil and encaustic on panel. Image courtesy of Eli Ridgway Contemporary Art.
October 1st to October 29th – Amy Ellingson: Chopping Wood on the Astral Plane at Eli Ridgway Contemporary Art: Amy Ellingson uses repetition and variation as tools to achieve a pure, autonomous abstraction. All of her imagery, whether geometrically intact or abstracted and chaotic, is comprised of a vocabulary of very simple forms that are digitally manipulated. She replicates these basic elements into an increasingly complex field that is then rendered in discreet layers of oil and encaustic paint. Using ephemeral, computer-generated abstract forms exclusively as my source material, Ellingson creates paintings that physically assert themselves through the heft and permanence of historical painting media. The translation from the digital to the material—a manifestation of elusive data into undeniable physical form and dimension—is paramount. Eli Ridgway Contemporary Art will present this exhibit in a temporary gallery at Minnesota Street Project, located at 1275 Minnesota Street in San Francisco.
Images from past SFAC Passport events.
Sunday, October 23rd, 12 noon to 4pm – Passport 2016: Chinatown sponsored by the San Francisco Arts Commission Galleries: This unique event puts the art collecting experience in the hands of the general public. By bringing local artists into neighborhood venues, Passport attendees can “create” their own limited-edition artist’s book by collecting original, artist-designed stamps in a customized $25 “passport” notebook. Walking throughout Chinatown, hundreds of do-it-yourself art collectors will follow a designated route to collect stamps from 17 emerging and established Bay Area artists. The Passport Home Base/Will Call with be in Portsmouth Square, Chinatown. An after-party will be held at Han Ah Dim Sum Tea House from 4:30 – 6:30 pm, located at 1 Pagoda Place.
Interior of 500 Capp Street, The David Ireland House. Image courtesy of 500 Capp Street Foundation.
Thursday, October 27th 6-9pm – Let’s Get Weird! at 500 Capp Street The David Ireland House: Let’s Get Weird! is an audio/visual program activated throughout the entire David Ireland House on Last Thursday Nights (except November). This is a unique opportunity to see and hang out in parts of the house that are not usually accessible on the regular tours. Featuring curated video, music and performance by different Bay Area artists alongside a guest bartender, Let’s Get Weird! creates a fun and engaging atmosphere for conversation and engagement among local art enthusiasts and practitioners. Featuring Artist Bartenders: Lindsey White and Jordan Stein (We are Will Brown); Video Selection : Anne McGuire (I’d like to reach across the ocean); Music Selection: V. Vale (RE/Search Publications) + “a young punk” aka Pedro Verdin, Bay Area Punk from 1977-79. Tickets are $20 General Admission.
Auction bidders from a past Root Division Annual Art Auction.
Thursday, October 27th 7:30 – 10:00 pm – Root Division’s 15th Annual Art Auction: Root Division is a visual arts non-profit that connects creativity and community through a dynamic ecosystem of arts education, exhibitions and studios. The Annual Art Auction will feature of 150 emerging and established Bay Area artists, there will be something for first time buyers and seasoned collectors alike. Come to collect art, support arts education, and be inspired by artists at Root Divison’s largest annual fundraising event. A Special *Buy Now* preview and artist reception event will be Saturday, October 8th from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Root Division is located at 1131 Mission Street in San Francisco.
Bruce Conner Left “Burning Bright” 1996 and Right “Sound of Two Hand Angel” 1974. Images courtesy of SFMOMA.
October 29th to January 22nd – Bruce Conner: It’s All True at SFMOMA: Realist. Surrealist. Hippie. Punk. Bruce Conner (1933–2008) was all of these and more. A pioneer in experimental film, collage, photography, conceptual works, and paintings, he challenged the limitations of medium, genre, and style, constantly breaking new ground. Both of and ahead of his time, Conner continues to exert influence over artists working today. From his early assemblages in the 1950s and 60s to his iconic and pioneering work with the language of film, from his photography and photograms to his prints, drawings and paintings — the sheer diversity of works created during the course of Conner’s career is astounding. With Bruce Conner: It’s All True, SFMOMA pays homage to this exceptional Bay Area artist and places him in an international context, marking the tremendous influence he has had on generations of artists, and continues to exert today.