6/16 -7/22, Visual Aid at Space 743 Gallery, 'About Still Life' June 16, 2006

http://www.visualaid.org

Dates: 6/15-7/22, Opening: 6/16, 5-8 pm

Artists:Michael Beck, Kevin Cata (Mooshka), Joe De Hoyos, Ira Lesser

Curated by: Termeh Yeghiazarian and Maysoun Wazwaz

Although Still Life is a tradition many contemporary artists continue to uphold, the artists in this exhibit push the boundaries in various unique approaches that are more relevant and more invested with personal experience.

Michael Beck's realistically painted objects seem at first glance to follow in the steps of the old masters. Impeccably representational and lovingly treated with fine brush strokes and luscious oil paint, these paintings gradually reveal to the viewer an intense gaze, nostalgically focused on the individual object.

In Joe De Hoyos' collages, the artist uses images of objects of desire to create a universe of consumerist chaos. Brightly colored and carefully composed, each piece narrates a story of randomness and dispensability bounded by the artist's bewildered appreciation for human folly.

Mooshka's glass sculptures represent his mission to recycle the refuse of modern life into stunningly beautiful objects of art. He obsessively collects small, ordinary objects, discarded for having overstayed their use and value, and turns them into towers of sublime brilliance and color.

Collecting photographic glimpses from his daily walks, Ira Lesser pieces images together to shape a fuller picture of his daily exploration. With an often-humorous undercurrent, these are a bemused look at the seemingly simple elements that surround and shape our life.
Space 743 is a 1100 square foot exhibition space run by John DeLois, which houses artist studios as well as a ceramics work space. In its 21st year as an independent studio, Space 743 is fighting to maintain its space. Sadly, this could be one of the last exhibitions due to city planning. Visual Aid is grateful to John DeLois and Space 743/The Clay Studio for their continued support of Visual Aid and its artists.
Free.

Website: http://www.visualaid.org
Email: visaid@visualaid.org
Phone: 415-777-8242

About Visual Aid:
Visual Aid helps produce, present, and preserve the work of professional artists whose careers are challenged because of a life-threatening illness. Visual Aid serves professional artists from the nine-county Bay Area, providing artists with direct services from art supplies to exhibitions and career development.

Official Website: http://www.visualaid.org