Gabriele Stotzer, “Aber”, from her performance in 1982, German Democratic Republic. Image courtesy of re:riddle.
Ongoing to May 19– The Body Electric at 41 Ross Alley: This group exhibition curated by re:riddle includes the work of artists interpreting the ways in which the human body functions as a vessel for memory. In conjunction with the exhibition, practicing psychogeography and artist Astrid Kaemmerling will perform a guided audio-walk entitled Crossing Walls. Kaemmerling’s art practice is grounded in the exploration of selected spatial experiences. The exploration of space via the practice of walking is an important aspect of her approach. Drawing on the history of the fall of the Berlin Wall, collected stories from witnesses will provide guidance as you navigate imaginary and real walls in San Francisco’s Chinatown. This event is free and open to the public but RSVPing is required. 41 Ross Alley is located at 41 Ross Alley.
Crossing Walls Event: Saturday, May 4, 2:30- 3:30pm
RSVP here.
Ebony G. Patterson, “A View In”, 2015. Image courtesy of MoAD.
May 8 to August 11– Coffee, Rhum, Sugar & Gold: A Postcolonial Paradox at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD): This exhibition looks at the legacy of European colonialism in the Caribbean through the work of 10 contemporary artists. The artists use their work as a means of examining the relationship between the power structure, those who are controlled by it, those who benefit from it, and those who actively seek to liberate themselves from it. The exhibition title is inspired by some of the core products that have historically been produced in, and exported from the Caribbean to the rest of the world. However, because of how common they are, these items have lost much of their historical gravity. A key driver of the exhibition is the theory that colonialism has continued to exist in other forms, and is in fact spreading through the use of military force, the control of international financial and banking mechanisms, and the increase in globalization. MoAD is located at 685 Mission Street.
Image courtesy of Robbie Sweeny.
May 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 7:30- 9pm– Dance Exhibit by Lauren Simpson Dance at Minnesota Street Project: Lauren Simpson Dance and Minnesota Street Project co-present Dance Exhibit, a multidimensional arts experience centered around a physical and embodied exploration of Minnesota Street Project’s Atrium space and the sculptures contained within. Beginning with beverages, snacks, and socializing, audiences will experience sculptures by Dana Hemenway and Brion Nuda Rosch. The evening gradually moves from gallery environment into live performance with sound by Shanna Sordhal and lighting by Jack Beuttler. For each event, following the performances will be a lecture/discussion led by various Bay Area’s thought leaders and artists. Minnesota Street Project is located at 1275 Minnesota Street.
Buy tickets here.
Jean-François Lauda, “Untitled”, 2018. Image courtesy of Romer Young Gallery.
May 10 to June 15– Jean-François Lauda at Romer Young Gallery: Through an intuitive approach, Jean-François Lauda’s practice grapples with the exploration and disintegration of painting. Embracing the unexpected and seeking to understand the residual traces of the image, his research is characterized by gradual formal transformations as well as raw application of color. Lauda’s practice evokes self-reflexive associations, whether through erased and fleeting gestures, juxtaposed geometric bands and fragmented or concealed elements, his compositions reveal a constant desire to shift the susceptible elements of chance into a unique aesthetic. Romer Young Gallery is located at 1240 22nd Street.
Opening Reception: Friday, May 10th, 6- 9pm
Image from previous event. Image courtesy of di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art.
May 11, 10am to 4pm– di Rosa Days at di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art: This all day event is full of art experiences, music, food, and drink. You will have the opportunity to explore the galleries, participate in bird watching bingo, plein air drawing, nature walks, lounge by the lake, listen to pop-up talks, and salsa dance to Latin music. In the afternoon there will be an a lively conversation about the current exhibition, Building a Different Model: Selections from the di Rosa Collection, with curator Dan Nadel and collection artists Peter Saul and William Allan. di Rosa is located at 5200 Sonoma Hwy in Napa.
Buy tickets here.
View from previous Graduate Fellows Exhibition. Image courtesy of Headlands Center for the Arts.
May 12 to June 6– 2018- 2019 Graduate Fellows Exhibition at Headland’s Center for the Arts: The Headland’s Graduate Fellowships provide yearlong studio residencies to recent, promising MFA graduates in partnership with esteemed schools in the region. Bringing together representatives from these institutions, the exhibition provides a composite view of Bay Area graduate art programs. Participating artists include Tavarus Blackmonster (University of California, Davis), Kai Chen (San Francisco Art Institute), Troy Chew (California College of the Arts), Nicki Green (University of California, Berkeley), Jenna Meacham (San Francisco State University), Amy Nathan (Mills College), and Natani Notah (Stanford University). Headlands Center for the Arts is located at 944 Simmonds Road in Sausalito.
Opening Reception: Sunday, May 12, 2- 5pm
Sahar Khoury, “Untitled (15 Esthers in pyramid on bone relief plinth)”, 2018. Image courtesy of Rebecca Camacho Presents.
May 17 to July 6– Sahar Khoury: Holder at Rebecca Camacho Presents: Khoury crafts powerful sculptures by combining materials including paper mache, ceramic, steel, and concrete. Her works highlight the unique qualities of each element – cast concrete with rough edges and clay dimples. Khoury’s sculptures allow a place for us to consider material, form, composition, and the mark of the artist’s hand. The artworks also offer the viewer a place to consider universal experiences and memories, such as the sound of heavy chains moving in the breeze, the texture of rocks, the crackle of static on a radio, the weight of concrete and steel, and much more. Rebecca Camacho Presents is located at 794 Sutter Street.
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 16, 6- 8pm
Richard T. Walker “An Acquiescence of Meaning” 2018. Image courtesy of Fraenkel Gallery.
May 16 to July 6– Richard T. Walker at Fraenkel Gallery: This exhibition of new work by Bay Area artist Richard T. Walker showcases the artist’s continuing exploration of the intersections of landscape, photography, video and sculpture. On display will be installations and works on paper that incorporate etchings, screen prints, found and man-made rocks, branches, neon, and a full-sized trampoline. Working in vast, dramatic landscapes or in the studio, Walker uses his own body to emphasize differences of scale and distance between human experience and the natural world. Fraenkel Gallery is located at 49 Geary Street, 4th floor in San Francisco.
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 18th 1- 3pm