Archive for November 20th, 2008
Thursday, November 20th, 2008
Preview::Kris Kuksi + Pat Rocha
Kris Kuksi‘s Imminent Utopia opens this Saturday at Joshua Liner Gallery. The not-to-be-missed exhibit features a new body of meticulously crafted mixed-media sculptural works, painstakingly assembled from materials such as model kits, toy soldiers, action figures, and plastic animals. The resulting works create a three dimensional visual metaphor of the human condition, where religion and morality come face to face with violence and war, and the histories of civilizations past clash with chaotic visions of a post-apocalyptic future.
Also opening is Departure, the New York solo-debut for artist Pat Rocha. Here, Rocha presents a series of twelve new oil paintings that exude an erie nostalgia for the rural Midwestern America of the 1950s.
Read on for an in depth preview and click pics for larger views.
Kris Kuksi – Imminent Utopia / Pat Rocha – Departure
Nov. 22 – Dec. 20
Joshua Liner Gallery
548 West 28th St.
NY, NY 10001
Thursday, November 20th, 2008
MOCA Crisis
Image: Liz O Baylen / Los Angeles Times
It’s hard to feel bad about losses incurred by international auction house giants or millionaire collectors in the past few weeks, but it comes with heavy heart that we report the latest victim of the financial crisis - Los Angeles MOCA. The LA Times reports that with practically all of its remaining funds dried up, the museum is struggling to meet operating costs. While MOCA is seeking a large infusion from donors, it is weighing all possibilities, including a potential merger with another institution. Museum Director, Jeremy Strick says MOCA is in talks with several partners, but remained firm stating shutdown or takeover were not likely. ”All the possibilities being explored involve MOCA retaining its identity, continuing its program, expanding its collection,” Strick said, adding, “I think it is time for this city to step forward and offer the kind of financial support commensurate with the work being done.”
Want to do your part? Take a few minutes to become a member, and then use your 10% discount on something from their museum store
Thursday, November 20th, 2008
Double Dose of Travis Louie in November
Travis Louie has been busy lately preparing for two upcoming shows in November. The first opens this Saturday, Nov. 22, at Merry Karnowsky Gallery, Berlin, and the second opens a week later, Nov. 29, at Fuse Gallery in New York. Click for a preview of some of the Fuse pieces.
Thursday, November 20th, 2008
Kaws for Kanye
With three consecutive solo shows, and media attention from The New York Times to CBS, Kaws has certainly been on fire lately. With his latest collaboration, the artist unleashes perhaps his most high-profile commercial projects to-date. Hip-hop superstar, Kanye West’s, new album, 808s and Heartbreak drops Nov. 25th, with Kaws lending “a hand” to the iTunes art, as well as a special Christmas version available in stores on Dec. 16. While this isn’t the first time the artist has been featured on a music release, this one puts Kaws in some pretty strong company – Kanye’s last album, Graduation, featured artwork by Takashi Murakami.
Thursday, November 20th, 2008
Todd James 2.0
The artist otherwise know as REAS has just launched a new website, toddjames.com, specifically devoted to his visual art. Grab his new print (pic below) beginning at noon EST today – $350, edition of 150. You may also still visit reasinternational.com, where you can see James’ commercial projects including past character development for television shows including Crank Yankers, and one of our favorite’s, his blog over at 12oz. Prophet.
