3.30.2007
Juxtapoz shows ATL some love...
Juxtapoz is an art magazine/blog based out of San Francisco that focuses on lowbrow, pop surrealist, and local art/culture. I'm a huge fan and often look to Juxtapoz as a model for what I'm trying to do on ThoughtMarker. Occasionally they venture into our neck of the woods and find something in Atlanta worth posting. Check out this post from the latest show at Get This! Gallery over in Castleberry Hill.
3.29.2007
Group Show at Old Mattress Factory
Funds raised go towards the production of a documentary about Atlanta, "City in Mind", and the show is curated by one of my favorite local artists, Stephanie Howard.
3.28.2007
Call for Animation
Animation Attack is accepting submissions for its first ever animation festival here in Atlanta. It will take place from July 12-14th and will include screenings, demos, discussions and more. For more information or to submit animation check out the Animation Attack website.
3.26.2007
TM vs CL about Foundation One's Latest Show
As an obsessive observer of Atlanta's underground art scene and a loyal fan of Foundation One Studios, I felt it necessary to respond to Creative Loafing's review of Foundation One's latest show "Between the Lines." Felicia Feaster has always provided excellent commentary on the art world and her views often reflect my own. That is why I found it so interesting that I could disagree with her at nearly every turn in her response to the show.
Her descriptions of the work are dead on, and very well versed:
"[Zack] Johnsen's work seems very much a product of the artist's New York reality and city life's claustrophobia. His work can be incredibly misanthropic, though that misanthropy can range from disgust at humanity's moral failings to a sadder, defeated anguish. He paints, draws and has created an installation piece in wood for the show, but it doesn't take long to figure out that Johnsen's greatest interest and skill lies in his watercolor and pen-and-ink drawings." And then we start to disagree.
"There is a tension in the work between the immaturity of many of those Star Wars cantina-style forms and the maturity of Johnsen's social commentary." Perhaps, but I don't find this as so much of a downfall as just a result of his style, which I believe is quite compatible with his content.
"...you get the sense that some of Johnsen's more cartoony shapes, with their one-note monstrosity, are holding him back, catching him up in a gimmicky expression of worldly vice and squalor." I don't read his work as gimmicky at all. His loose, figurative technique shows more talent than style and narrates as if illustrating a cynical, state of the world children's book.
Charlie Owens, a local artist (Johnsen is from Brooklyn), receives even less praise. Again, the descriptions are excellent:
"...so entrenched in his own graphic obsessions that he can feel like the 2007, skate-culture answer to the babe-obsessed Patrick Nagel." Good call. But then Felicia goes on to say:
"Owens' primary obsessions are street-savvy vixens, many executed on skateboard decks with come-hither almond eyes, bared navels, tattoos and skull belt buckles. In contrast, his big-eyed, stout, Sunday-funnies-style men are lumpy losers." I will agree that the majority of his work seems a bit formulaic, but I would shy away from using three forms of the word obsession over the course of two sentences. Slick depictions of Suicide Girls along with paint splatter on skate deck canvases may describe nearly half of his pieces. But then his style overflows onto a large scale installation including a table and chair set and oversized cut-outs. And she fails to mention the dripping paint, gun to the head masterpiece, my pick for the show.
"Owens could stand to get something wittier and more self-aware into his mix of sex and violence." I like to compare Charlie Owens' work to a good action movie. It may appear to be mostly style, but its taken to a place where the aesthetics are all that matter. The images are presented with a comfortable creativity, and such commitment that it makes for a very exciting ride. Its the kind of movie that I love if I'm seeing it for the first time, but would only want to see the sequel if it brought in some new themes and fresh imagery.
I take back what I said about the use of the word obsession, but I do think that in the art world, obsession is usually good. As for one other comment in the review:
"Foundation's latest, Between the Lines, therefore is a bit of a disappointment for an art space whose last show, of local artists John Tindel and Michi, was a great, pulled-together and visually compelling installation of that much-exhibited artist team's work. You can't swing a cat in Atlanta without hitting either Tindel or Michi, but La Calaveras Pop showed they still had some surprises in store and could bring a polish to their artistic collaborations that hasn't always been on display." I couldn't agree less. The last show was more of the same from TindelMichi. While I think that the majority of their work is flawlessly composed, I felt like "La Calaveras Pop" was a rerun. Foundation One has always blown me away with its creativity and surprises, but that was the only show I've seen there without a single surprise. It was good, but not "great, pulled together" or "visually compelling." Especially not compared to the current show, "Between the Lines."
Her descriptions of the work are dead on, and very well versed:
"[Zack] Johnsen's work seems very much a product of the artist's New York reality and city life's claustrophobia. His work can be incredibly misanthropic, though that misanthropy can range from disgust at humanity's moral failings to a sadder, defeated anguish. He paints, draws and has created an installation piece in wood for the show, but it doesn't take long to figure out that Johnsen's greatest interest and skill lies in his watercolor and pen-and-ink drawings." And then we start to disagree.
"There is a tension in the work between the immaturity of many of those Star Wars cantina-style forms and the maturity of Johnsen's social commentary." Perhaps, but I don't find this as so much of a downfall as just a result of his style, which I believe is quite compatible with his content.
"...you get the sense that some of Johnsen's more cartoony shapes, with their one-note monstrosity, are holding him back, catching him up in a gimmicky expression of worldly vice and squalor." I don't read his work as gimmicky at all. His loose, figurative technique shows more talent than style and narrates as if illustrating a cynical, state of the world children's book.
Charlie Owens, a local artist (Johnsen is from Brooklyn), receives even less praise. Again, the descriptions are excellent:
"...so entrenched in his own graphic obsessions that he can feel like the 2007, skate-culture answer to the babe-obsessed Patrick Nagel." Good call. But then Felicia goes on to say:
"Owens' primary obsessions are street-savvy vixens, many executed on skateboard decks with come-hither almond eyes, bared navels, tattoos and skull belt buckles. In contrast, his big-eyed, stout, Sunday-funnies-style men are lumpy losers." I will agree that the majority of his work seems a bit formulaic, but I would shy away from using three forms of the word obsession over the course of two sentences. Slick depictions of Suicide Girls along with paint splatter on skate deck canvases may describe nearly half of his pieces. But then his style overflows onto a large scale installation including a table and chair set and oversized cut-outs. And she fails to mention the dripping paint, gun to the head masterpiece, my pick for the show.
"Owens could stand to get something wittier and more self-aware into his mix of sex and violence." I like to compare Charlie Owens' work to a good action movie. It may appear to be mostly style, but its taken to a place where the aesthetics are all that matter. The images are presented with a comfortable creativity, and such commitment that it makes for a very exciting ride. Its the kind of movie that I love if I'm seeing it for the first time, but would only want to see the sequel if it brought in some new themes and fresh imagery.
I take back what I said about the use of the word obsession, but I do think that in the art world, obsession is usually good. As for one other comment in the review:
"Foundation's latest, Between the Lines, therefore is a bit of a disappointment for an art space whose last show, of local artists John Tindel and Michi, was a great, pulled-together and visually compelling installation of that much-exhibited artist team's work. You can't swing a cat in Atlanta without hitting either Tindel or Michi, but La Calaveras Pop showed they still had some surprises in store and could bring a polish to their artistic collaborations that hasn't always been on display." I couldn't agree less. The last show was more of the same from TindelMichi. While I think that the majority of their work is flawlessly composed, I felt like "La Calaveras Pop" was a rerun. Foundation One has always blown me away with its creativity and surprises, but that was the only show I've seen there without a single surprise. It was good, but not "great, pulled together" or "visually compelling." Especially not compared to the current show, "Between the Lines."
3.20.2007
MINT Flavored Windows!
I already mentioned one art opening that I will be attending this Saturday (March 24th), that being Stevie Brown at Beep Beep Gallery. But I've yet to mention the other show that I will hop to that evening.
MINT is a non-profit organization here in Atlanta aimed at cultivating an artistic community free of judgement and pretension. If I'm correct, their ultimate goal is to encourage creativity through art events, exhibitions and eventually classes. I've gotten to know a handful of those involved and I'm one hundred percent behind everything that they are about. Their first show, which I briefly reviewed back in December, was an amazing surprise that brought together all kinds of characters to make post-cards. This time the canvas of choice is windows. Since MINT is still working on renovating its very own space, this time around the show is being held at DooGallery over in Cabbagetown. The opening will go from 8-11 at which point the "after party" will begin. The $5 cover, which will benifit MINT, also gets you PBR and snacks. Raffle drawings will go on all night with prizes including $500 to Sacred Heart Tattoo. I plan on winning and getting the art from the side of the Centipede arcade game right on my forearm.
MINT is a non-profit organization here in Atlanta aimed at cultivating an artistic community free of judgement and pretension. If I'm correct, their ultimate goal is to encourage creativity through art events, exhibitions and eventually classes. I've gotten to know a handful of those involved and I'm one hundred percent behind everything that they are about. Their first show, which I briefly reviewed back in December, was an amazing surprise that brought together all kinds of characters to make post-cards. This time the canvas of choice is windows. Since MINT is still working on renovating its very own space, this time around the show is being held at DooGallery over in Cabbagetown. The opening will go from 8-11 at which point the "after party" will begin. The $5 cover, which will benifit MINT, also gets you PBR and snacks. Raffle drawings will go on all night with prizes including $500 to Sacred Heart Tattoo. I plan on winning and getting the art from the side of the Centipede arcade game right on my forearm.
3.16.2007
Atlanta Film Festival
The movie that you've all been dying to see will finaly premiere in Atlanta as part of this April's Atlanta Film Festival. Bloodcar is a little comedy/horror/satire that I worked on last winter made by Atlanta film collective Fake Wood Wallpaper. We posted a short review of it after the cast/crew screening a few months back, but the legend has since grown. Bloodcar sold out two of its three screenings at Cinequest in San Jose and won its catagory. If you like vegans, blood, government conspiracies, boobs, blood, or cars that run on blood, then make sure to pick up tickets for one of the two screenings at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema April 26th and 27th.
3.14.2007
Beep Beep: Last Saturday and Next Saturday
How sick is this poster?
Last Saturday, Beep Beep Gallery put on thier first of hopefully many concerts. Despite the modest size of the space, they managed to pack in well over 70 folks along with the seven(?) piece Noot d'Noot. When playing live, Noot d'Noot is a jam band playing undercover. They wear a instrumental hip-hop mask and a matching funk wig. And I mean all of that in a good way. You can pick up their cd, Goofer Dust Mixtape, at Criminal Records, Beep Beep Gallery, and probably some other places around Atlanta. This is what they sound like.
Noot d'Noot - Jose Tussin.
This picture of them was taken by Stevie Brown, who happens to have the next show at Beep Beep: Recent Photographs by Steven Brown opens next Saturday at 8pm. Stevie's photography consists mostly of portraits, and most of his portraits range from strange to at least off-beat. Or rather his subjects are off-beat and his portraits can be quite telling.
Last Saturday, Beep Beep Gallery put on thier first of hopefully many concerts. Despite the modest size of the space, they managed to pack in well over 70 folks along with the seven(?) piece Noot d'Noot. When playing live, Noot d'Noot is a jam band playing undercover. They wear a instrumental hip-hop mask and a matching funk wig. And I mean all of that in a good way. You can pick up their cd, Goofer Dust Mixtape, at Criminal Records, Beep Beep Gallery, and probably some other places around Atlanta. This is what they sound like.
Noot d'Noot - Jose Tussin.
This picture of them was taken by Stevie Brown, who happens to have the next show at Beep Beep: Recent Photographs by Steven Brown opens next Saturday at 8pm. Stevie's photography consists mostly of portraits, and most of his portraits range from strange to at least off-beat. Or rather his subjects are off-beat and his portraits can be quite telling.
3.12.2007
Foundation One at it again...
As usual, Foundation One Studios in Decatur looks to have lined up another killer show. This time it pairs local artist Charlie Owens with Zach Johnsen out of New York. Both artists share a loose, figurative style that should translate into a cohesive show. Stop by for the opening this Saturday (March 17th) and don't forget to check out F1S's selection of prints, shirts, and other stuff you'd be lucky to pick up anywhere else in Atlanta.
3.08.2007
NOOT D' NOOT
NOOT D' NOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Check this out. This saturday at Beep Beep, live and in person, they will arise. If you haven't heard the Noot, check out the myspace and then prepare to get your diapers soiled because they'll eeeek your shit out. 9:30 show starts.
3.03.2007
Call for T-Shirts
Direct from Beep Beep Gallery headquarters.
"It has been said that the Tee Shirt is the "Tuxedo of the 21st Century"... While that may or may not make any sense, the Beep Beep Gallery is looking for artists to participate in a one-night-only spring t-shirt showcase. We are looking to bridge the gap between high art and low (cut) fashion by displaying both original one-of-a-kind designs and inspired t-shirt prints made by local Atlanta artists. Whether its short sleeve or long sleeve tees, vintage baby tees, cut-offs or tank tops, we want to show it.
If you are interested or if you want to refer a fellow artist or designer, send an email to beepbeepster@gmail.com. In your email, let us know if you have printed shirts that you want to show, or if you want to design a one-of-a-kind shirt, and if so, whether you plan to have a model wear it or you want to hang it for display. A photo of your work would also be nice. This is an open call for submissions,but be advised that we have limited space, so the earliest you let us know of your involvement, the better. The deadline for submissions is March 31st and the event will be held on Saturday, April 7th at the gallery. Thanks everyone and we look forward to working with you!"
"It has been said that the Tee Shirt is the "Tuxedo of the 21st Century"... While that may or may not make any sense, the Beep Beep Gallery is looking for artists to participate in a one-night-only spring t-shirt showcase. We are looking to bridge the gap between high art and low (cut) fashion by displaying both original one-of-a-kind designs and inspired t-shirt prints made by local Atlanta artists. Whether its short sleeve or long sleeve tees, vintage baby tees, cut-offs or tank tops, we want to show it.
If you are interested or if you want to refer a fellow artist or designer, send an email to beepbeepster@gmail.com. In your email, let us know if you have printed shirts that you want to show, or if you want to design a one-of-a-kind shirt, and if so, whether you plan to have a model wear it or you want to hang it for display. A photo of your work would also be nice. This is an open call for submissions,but be advised that we have limited space, so the earliest you let us know of your involvement, the better. The deadline for submissions is March 31st and the event will be held on Saturday, April 7th at the gallery. Thanks everyone and we look forward to working with you!"
3.01.2007
What the hell happened to Rabbit Hole Gallery?
Seriously, does anybody know what happened? They had awesome shows over there and then nothing since last November.
Wait, after typing that sentence I did some research. New show coming up this month. Still don't know what happened though.
UPDATE: I spoke too soon. The March show has been postponed. I will figure you out Rabbit Hole Gallery.
Art Openings This Weekend
Here is a quick rundown of the art shows this weekend. On Friday, March 2, we've got a couple of openings that look promising:
Odds and Ends: a motley collection of paintings by Samuel Parker opens at Aurora Coffee in Little Five Points from 7-10. (You may have seen his stuff recently at Yo Yo, or just before that in Village Pizza. Pretty much anywhere in Cabbagetown.)
"Wrecktangles" Paintings and sculptural installation by Jessica Marshall at New Street Gallery. Opens 7-11. (I think I saw her work recently at Eyedrum. It was cool. I took a picture.)
My pick for the weekend however is at Youngblood Gallery on Saturday, March 3rd. The artists from 13 Roses Tattoo Parlor in East Atlanta are doing a group show. If anybody remembers L'Avenue (the space has now changed hands and become Beep Beep Gallery), the last show there was a solo show by Watson Atkinson, one of the artists from 13 Roses. If this show at Youngblood is one tenth as amazing as his show at L'Avenue, the whole lot of you are gonna be blown away. Opens 7-11.
Also check out the website for 13 Roses. It might be the best website I've ever seen.
Odds and Ends: a motley collection of paintings by Samuel Parker opens at Aurora Coffee in Little Five Points from 7-10. (You may have seen his stuff recently at Yo Yo, or just before that in Village Pizza. Pretty much anywhere in Cabbagetown.)
"Wrecktangles" Paintings and sculptural installation by Jessica Marshall at New Street Gallery. Opens 7-11. (I think I saw her work recently at Eyedrum. It was cool. I took a picture.)
My pick for the weekend however is at Youngblood Gallery on Saturday, March 3rd. The artists from 13 Roses Tattoo Parlor in East Atlanta are doing a group show. If anybody remembers L'Avenue (the space has now changed hands and become Beep Beep Gallery), the last show there was a solo show by Watson Atkinson, one of the artists from 13 Roses. If this show at Youngblood is one tenth as amazing as his show at L'Avenue, the whole lot of you are gonna be blown away. Opens 7-11.
Also check out the website for 13 Roses. It might be the best website I've ever seen.
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