Richard Ankrom: Figurines

Detail of Figurines
Richard Ankrom
2012
ceramic found objects, synthetic rubber, zipper
dimensions variable

Combining the imagery of bondage with sentimental kitsch, Richard Ankrom's Figurines convey a dark humor, bringing to mind both the government's attempts to socially sanitize the techniques of torture and the public's tendency to turn a blind eye to documented instances of such. These cutesy ceramic figurines, bunnies and kitties, may be seen simultaneously as both the victims of government-sanctioned violence, made to seem anodyne through propaganda campaigns, and as the submissive citizenry that permits such actions.

In either case, humanity is degraded, treated with cheapness and banality. Yet, Figurines conveys this harsh concept with a touch of the absurd. That's no "terrorist" in a hood, but a sweet little bunny.

Detail of Figurines (2012) by Richard Ankrom

Here's a video showing a few other works and projects by Richard Ankrom:

LAX Art Scene's focus on Richard Ankrom (December, 2008)

It's some interesting work. Figurines is part of the Torrance Art Museum's Baker's Dozen V: Marginal Revolutions. Come on down and check it out. ;-)

Detail of Figurines (2012) by Richard Ankrom

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

Consensus

Christy Roberts and Erich Wise
Consensus
2013
wood, metal, led wire, acrylic, margarita mix, tequila
12' x 12' x 5' (dimensions vary)

Broadly defined, Horizontality is an attempt to engage in egalitarian group decision-making, without a leadership structure, through open debate within a diverse and participatory network. This form of direct democratic expression has become prominent within some contemporary political communities, notably within the Occupy movement. Consensus, by Christy Roberts and Erich Wise, expresses a critique of the concept as idealized.

Within every group, there will be marginalized subgroups or those who may not be capable of vigorous debate and persuasion. Since the claims of horizontality are that the views of every member of the community are worth considering, worth subjecting to communal review, doesn't the presence of such overlooked subgroups cause a glitch in the system? With only the voices of those skilled in social influence or those from a respected subgroup rising to consideration, the desired egalitarian results are subverted.

In Consensus, this problem is represented by the unbalanced seesaw; those with social entitlement are given greater "weight" in decision-making. Yet, through empathy and an honest process of opinion-gathering, this unequal allocation of power may be resolved. It may be frustrating, but getting the situation properly balance, truly horizontal, can bring about sweet results.

Consensus portrays this concept with a drink container balanced in the middle of the seesaw. Though it reads "Ugh", a sound of frustration and distaste, the liquid within can be a delightful treat.

Detail of Consensus (2013) by Christy Roberts and Erich Wise

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

ICWDD: Wrapping Up

In Case We Don't Die: works by Mie Olise and Theis Wendt

The show is over, but I figured we could have a last look. After all, a major theme of this exhibition was on the persistence of Being beyond anticipated endpoints. So, let's take a few images, a few memories, from which to explore new potentialities.

Or, at least, we can take a moment to appreciate this fine exhibit and express gratitude to the artists and curator, Bibi Katholm. It's been a good time. ;-)

In Case We Don't Die: works by Andreas Emenius, Bibi Katholm, and Devin Troy Strother

In Case We Don't Die: works by Frohawk Two Feathers, Andreas Emenius, and Chris Natrop

Although this show is finished, the Torrance Art Museum will be back in June with another set of exciting exhibitions. Until then, we'll be hosting a few special events, such as a screening of Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, on May 30.

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

In Can We Don't Die: works by Christine Gray, Ida Kvetny, Chris Natrop, and Paco Pomet

Peter Everett: Utopia

Detail of Utopia (2012) by Peter Everett

Currently on view at the TAM, we have a few works by Peter Everett featured in the lobby and the exhibition hall. Our lobby sculpture is Utopia, a large dodecahedron, with faces of one-way mirrors, that encloses a model city. The structures are modeled on real-world financial buildings, but arranged in an idealized geometric grouping. This "Utopian" design is built upon a rotating platform and is reflected within the mirrors in an infinite regression.

Here's a video showing the work in motion, alongside its complementary video screens, which show historical examples of Utopian architecture:


Utopia installation view from Peter Everett on Vimeo.

In addition to the lobby sculpture, the exhibition hall features a collection of Everett's paintings.

Detail of Tongues (2011) by Peter Everett

But the exhibition is wrapping up this week. So, come on by the Torrance Art Museum and see these fine works before the curtain falls on the show.

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

Detail of Utopia (2012) by Peter Everett

Software

Software: 21st Century Ceramics from Lo Angeles

Software is a survey of contemporary ceramics in Los Angeles, featuring the works of Danny First, Mitsuko Ikeno, Nobuhito Nishigawara, Brian Rochefort, and Kim Tucker. It was curated by Jason Ramos. Currently on view in the Torrance Art Museum's Gallery 2, this exhibition will run until May 16, 2013.

Los Angeles has a strong tradition in challenging traditional forms of ceramic art. Such innovators as Peter Voulkos and Ken Price have pushed the "potter's craft" in new directions, but, as time passes, they have themselves become the "traditional" and the standard against which new generations of ceramicists reexamine the aesthetics of clay. It is a long dialectic of practice, seeking to evolve distinct styles of expression.

So, Software is a "snapshot" of five artists, representing both the influences of the past and the attempt to create a unique new vision.

Works by Brian Rochefort (front) and Mitsuko Ikeno (behind)

Here are links to learn more about these artists:
Danny First
Mitsuko Ikeno
Nobuhito Nishigawara
Brian Rochefort
Kim Tucker

Works by Danny First

So, come on by the TAM to check out these works. The exhibit will be running until May 16, 2013. Don't miss out!!!

We're looking forward to seeing you!

Another gallery view of Software at the Torrance Art Museum, curated by Jason Ramos

In Case We Don't Die: Opening Night

Opening Night at the Torrance Art Museum, viewed through Chris Natrop's Reflect What You Are

The Torrance Art Museum opened our new exhibits, In Case We Don't Die, Software, and Works by Peter Everett, on Saturday, March 30. It was an exciting event, with plenty of the artists in attendance, live music, and good company.

I figured that I would share a few photos with you all. ;-)

Ishmael and Bert, by Danny First, met visitors entering Software: 21st Century Ceramics from Los Angeles

Peter Everett's Utopia was featured in the lobby

Works by Andreas Emenius and Frohawk Two Feathers

Works by Mie Olise and Monique Prieto

Chris Natrop's Black Butterfly Sparkle Bomb (2-4)

Live performance by Dreamers

Works by Brian Rochefort and Mitsuko Ikeno

Works by Ida Kvetny and Theis Wendt

Works by Christine Gray and Ida Kvetny

These shows run until May 16, 2013. Don't miss out!!!

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

In Case We Don't Die runs until May 16, 2013

Making Masks

Super hero mask making at the TAM, led by Kiel Johnson

Although it's been nearly a month since our last show wrapped up, the TAM has been home to numerous events. From film screenings to portfolio reviews to hosting a mask making workshop, our humble museum has been a hive of activity.

I figured that we could share some images from Kiel Johnson's super hero mask making workshop. It was a fun time for all involved, engaging the youngsters and their parents in the joys of art-making, turning an imagined vision into a tangible design. And wearing it as a mask!!!

How cool is that? ;-)

Here are some photos:

It's been a good month of special events, but we now turn our attention to the next big show. Opening on March 30th, the TAM will be hosting In Case We Don't Die, curated by Bibi Katholm. That's just a couple days away.

So, we're looking forward to seeing you at the TAM.