Baker's Dozen: Curatorial Discussion

Panelists included (left to right) Robert Fontenot, Neha Choksi, Madison Webb, Grace Kook Anderson, and Sean C. Flaherty

On Saturday afternoon, the TAM hosted an engaging panel discussion regarding the curatorial concerns involved in putting together a show like Baker's Dozen 4. For instance, since every curator works within a framework of their own interests and biases, what are the methods by which these inclinations may be minimized? Or should a curator embrace their particular vision, pushing it to the forefront of their exhibits as a developing premise?

Baker's Dozen 4 is a case in point on how to explore curatorial bias. In previous years, TAM's curator, Max Presneill, would select thirteen artists that he felt were creating compelling works that were representative of current and emerging trends within the context of the Los Angeles art scene. These shows were very interesting, but reflected Presneill's particular focus and awareness. This year, twelve other local curators were invited to participate in the selection, with each suggesting an artist. The result is a sharp but engaging variety of works.

Before the panel: (back) Neha Choksi, Sean C. Flaherty, (front) Madison Webb, Grace Kook Anderson


The thirteen curators that have put together Baker's Dozen 4 are:

Max Presneill (Torrance Art Museum)
Grace Kook Anderson (Laguna Art Museum)
Carl Berg (Irvine Fine Arts Center)
Scott Canty (Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery)
Miki Garcia (Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum)
Julie Joyce (Santa Barbara Museum of Art)
Lisa Melandri (Santa Monica Museum of Art)
Aram Moshayedi (Redcat)
Pilar Tompkins Rivas (18th Street Arts Center)
John Spiak (Grand Central Arts Center)
Tyler Stallings (UCR Culver Center for the Arts & Sweeney Art Gallery)
Aandrea Stang (formerly of MOCA)
Irene Tsatsos (Armory Pasadena)

Baker's Dozen 4 runs until September 1, 2012. Come check it out!

Robert Fontenot and Neha Choksi with Micol Hebron of X-TRA magazine

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

Baker's Dozen 4: Opening Night

Opening Night: Viewing the works of April Street

Our annual "Baker's Dozen" kicked off last night at a full and enthusiastic opening reception. We at the TAM are excited to have had such a successful start to this exhibition, and we give our thanks to the artists, curators, and all of our friends who came by to support the show. It was a good time with great people and fine art.

The show will be running until Saturday, September 1. So, if you were not able to see the exhibit last night, come by and check it out. Likewise, if you did attend the opening reception, this show is well worth repeat viewings. ;-)

And here are some photos of the evening's festivities to whet your interest.

View of Madison Webb's work



View of Neha Choksi's work



View of William Kaminski's work

View of Max Jansons' work



View of Haruko A Tanaka's work



View of Robert Fontenot's work



View of works by April Street and Sandra de la Loza



View of Sean C. Flaherty's work


Again, the TAM thanks everybody who helped make this exciting show take place.

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

Baker's Dozen 4: Opening July 21

Works by William Kaminski, Neha Choksi, and Max Jansons

We're on the eve of our next show, Baker's Dozen 4, an annual tradition here at the TAM, wherein we showcase thirteen emerging artists. In years past, the selections were all determined by our own TAM curator, Max Presneill. This time, there's a twist.

Max invited twelve other curators to each make a selection. As a result, we have a very diverse group of artists on display. The "Baker's Dozen" are:

Neha Choksi
Fiona Connor
Sandra de la Loza
Sean C. Flaherty
Robert Fontenot
Max Jansons
William Kaminski
Brandon Lattu
Jorge Oswaldo
Ry Rocklen
April Street
Haruko A Tanaka
Madison Webb

It's an interesting collection of works. I was able to view some of the pieces during set up and the staff walkthrough. I figured you all might like a sneak peak. So, here are a couple photos. ;-)

Works by Madison Webb, Ry Rocklen, Jorge Oswaldo, and Robert Fontenot


The opening reception will be on Saturday, July 21, from 6-9pm. The show will run until Saturday, September 1.

Moreover, on Saturday, July 28, at 2pm, TAM will be hosting an exhibition talk, featuring some of the artists in the show, including Neha Choksi, Robert Fontenot, Max Jansons, William Kaminski, and Madison Webb. It'll be an interesting discussion.

Works by April Street and Sandra de la Loza


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

Opening Night for Oh Nancy: Blank Land

Gallery One: North Wall featuring works by Katie James, Nathan Wellman, and Oh Nancy

Oh Nancy's "Blank Land" opened last night for the first day of a two day show. There were many fine works on display and a decent level of attendance. It was a fun time.

I figured that I would share a few images with you all. Hopefully, if you were not able to check out the show on opening night, these photos might inspire you to pay the TAM a visit on Tuesday, some time between 11 am to 5 pm, to view this excellent exhibition before it closes.

After all, Nancy, Bill Oolie, and the Corn Team need to move on before the Preacher and his zealots catch 'em. ;-)

Wicked Words (2012) by Emily Link



The West End alcove featuring works by Michelle Matson, Cara Despain, and Andrew Shaw



View from the Vitrine



Gallery One: East Wall with works by Christopher Wawrinofsky, Oh Nancy, and Arthur Henderson


And here's a vid:

Breathing chip bag with lung (2011) by Nick Rodrigues

Remember, Oh Nancy's "Blank Land" closes this Tuesday, July 3rd. Don't miss it!!!

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