Lawrence Manning: Flames / India

Detail of Flames / India (2011) by Lawrence Manning
Digital archival print
48 X 72 inches


With just a few more days left to TAM's South Bay Focus 2012, I figured we could spotlight another artist. This time, let's appreciate the work of Lawrence Manning, one of the few photographers selected for this exhibition.

Given that the selection steered away from representational works, it is important to take note of the special use of color and geometric pattern within these photographs. Although clearly and effectively documenting people, places, and objects, Manning also constructs compositions that go beyond mere representation.

Be it by capturing the trails of smoke or the smudging of paste, the play of shadow and light, these photographs have intriguing nonrepresentational elements. They can be appreciated for their abstract qualities. Their beauty goes beyond mere objectification, although they can equally be enjoyed for that as well. ;-)

Detail of Here I Am / India (2011) by Lawrence Manning
Digital archival print
20 X 24 inches


Remember, this show ends on Saturday, December 15.

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

South Bay Focus 2012: Closing December 15

Works by Arzu Arda Kosar, Michael Chomick, and Vanessa Madrid


The TAM's annual show, South Bay Focus, will be wrapping up this weekend. When the doors shut on this exhibition, they also close on the museum for the year. Yeah, we'll be back next year, bringing all sorts of fascinating works of art, engaging panel discussions, and raising plenty of thought-provoking ideas about culture and aesthetics in the South Bay.

But don't wait until January comes to enjoy the riches that our local museum has to offer. With only a few days left, don't miss out on viewing the current show. And, if you've already had the opportunity to see it, come back and give it another look. ;-)

Here are a couple videos of Grace Kook Anderson, the juror behind this year's show, discussing how she went about selecting the exhibited works:

It's an interesting show.

But it wraps this upcoming Saturday, December 15. Don't miss out!!!

South Bay Focus 2012


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

Jesus Max: The Messenger & Time Warp

Detail from The Messenger (2012) by Jesus Max
Oil on canvas on panel
41 x 25 inches

Here's a brief "spotlight" post for our South Bay Focus exhibit, which is running at the Torrance Art Museum until December 15th. This time, we're looking at a couple of works by Jesus Max, The Messenger and Time Warp (After Roger Van Der Weyden). These two works have rich symbolic imagery and interesting references to historical themes of traditional art.

The contrast between the traditional and contemporary elements raises questions for the viewer. Are we to evaluate the painting's premise as commentary upon "Old Master" topics? Or is this a play on the absurd, a parody? Or, perhaps, it is an appropriation of an established visual vocabulary used in expressing something totally new, informed by art history but looking towards emergent aesthetics?

Whatever the case, these works are stimulating and engaging images. Come by the TAM and check them out. ;-)

Detail of Time Warp (After Roger Van Der Weyden) by Jesus Max
2012
Oil on canvas on panel
24 x 77 1/2 inches


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

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.