South Bay Focus 2012: Opening Night

South Bay Focus 2012: Opening Night


It's time for the Torrance Art Museum's annual celebration of our local art scene, the South Bay Focus. Although the exhibit has been open for a few days now, last night was our official opening. It was a fun time, with plenty of engaging art and delicious treats. ;-)

The show runs until December 15. That's not much time to enjoy this special show. So, don't delay coming around to check it out.

And here are some more images from the reception to give you all a taste of the fine works on display, representing the tastes and talents of our homecrowd artists.

Snacks along Video Row



Along the North Wall of Gallery One



Along the South Wall of Gallery One



Looking at Michael Chomick's Doghouse (2012)

Looking at Lindsey Schulz's Keep Out of Reach (2012) in Gallery Two



Along the East Wall in Gallery One


Remember, this is a short exhibition, ending on Saturday, December 15. Don't miss it!!!

We're looking forward to seeing you at the TAM.

The Darkroom Presents: Yoshie Sakai

Image from Come One Eat All (2007) by Yoshie Sakai


The Torrance Art Museum has long been a proponent of video art, but displaying it has always been complicated. In setting up an exhibition space, should the videos be intermingled with the paintings, photos, sculptures, and installations? If so, should there be seating and headphones? Alternatively, should the videos be separated into their own video space, with dedicated seating and sound system. Each of these approaches and all the others in between have their advantages.

However, the TAM has decided to open up a new space, The Darkroom, dedicated to exhibiting video art. Yes, our other exhibitions will still continue to include videos, but there is now an exhibition area purely for the showcasing of videos. In our first exhibit, we are featuring the works of Yoshie Sakai.

Humorous, witty, and socially relevant, Yoshie Sakai puts a critical eye to topics as diverse as body image, familial expectations, and mass media concepts of beauty. Combining these satirical critiques with influences from Japanese aesthetics, her videos are engaging, provocative, and entertaining.

Here's one of the works on view in the exhibit:

Come One Eat All

We're looking forward to seeing you at the TAM!!!

Manipulated Image: Gul (Flower)

Image from Adnan Hussain's animated short film, "Gul (Flower)"

Recently, the Torrance Art Museum played host to Manipulated Image's screening of video art, in an evening presentation entitled "A Curious Sense of Calm".

Curated by Alysse Stepanian, works by Kika Nicoleta, Gerald Guthrie, and Yuko Takemura were presented. However, the feature attraction of the night was a showing of Adnan Hussain's award-winning animated film, "Gul (Flower)".

Following the presentation, Adnan Hussain discussed various aspects of creating the film, including his conceptual approach to the narrative structure and the experience of recording its distinct musical score, featuring Sindhi folk music composed specifically for the film and recorded during a trip to Pakistan.

Here's the video of "Gul (Flower)" and footage of the Sindhi music recording session:

"Gul (Flower)"

Sindhi Music Session

Madrona Musings would like to thank Adnan Hussain for sharing his artistry and experiences with us. Check out his website, Mad Guru, to learn more about his animation and the Sindhi folk music.

Likewise, our gratitude goes to Alysse Stepanian and Manipulated Image for putting this show together. Manipulated Image's next screening is scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 8pm, at the Echo Park Film Center.

Enjoy!!!