The Moment for Ink February 23, 2013

Reception: Feb. 23, 1 - 4 p.m, Exhibit February 23 - May 18, 2013, Tue-Sat, 10am-4pm

SAN FRANCISCO - Coloring far outside the lines of traditional ink-wash painting, works by eight equally diverse contemporary artists explode the once-staid genre in The Moment for Ink, an exhibition opening on February 23 at the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco.

The featured works at the Chinese Culture Center prove that-despite the name on the gallery's door-ink isn't just for Chinese (or even East Asian) artists. "Ink can be found throughout the world," says exhibition co-curator and CCF artistic director Abby Chen. "Why is it, then, that this ubiquitous material, when used as an artistic medium, immediately conjures up images of traditional Chinese art? These talented artists are a perfect example of what we stand to lose," Chen says, "if we do not open up the dialogue on ink as a non-ethnic medium. We must break the cycle. It's imperative that we continue to introduce and cultivate ink painting that isn't necessarily influenced by Chinese culture or tradition if we wish this art to remain truly innovative, and truly contemporary."

The Moment for Ink is a group exhibition co-presented and co-organized by CCCArts of the Chinese Culture Foundation and San Francisco State University, curated by Abby Chen and Mark Johnson, collaborating and associating with the Asian Art Museum, Zhejiang Museum of China, and the Silicon Valley Asian Art Center. This project is made possible by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Terra Foundation for American Art, as well as support from the San Francisco Arts Commission and the Zellerbach Family Fund.

Founded in 1965, the Chinese Culture Foundation aims to promote and influence the course of art and culture, contributing to the global discourse with crucial impact. CCCArts challenges perceptions, and encourages risk-taking by bringing critical visibility through open dialogue.

Official Website: http://www.c-c-c.org