Let's Do Something Cheap and Superficial

Detail of Let's Do Something Cheap and Superficial (2012) by Molly Jo Shea
Yarn
59 X 24.5 inches


Well, we're entering our final week of The Subterraneans here at the TAM.

I figure we can wrap up the show with a few more exhibition spotlight posts. Today, we're looking at the humorous and satirical work by Molly Jo Shea, Let's Do Something Cheap and Superficial. Taking as inspiration the 1972 iconic nude Burt Reynolds centerfold, published in Cosmopolitan magazine, Shea transformed the image through yarn into a shag rug.

It's an interesting examination of sexual objectification. Back in 1972, the image was intended to posit "eye candy" for women, an act of "sex positive" feminism. Although contemporary marketing of such sexuality towards women is still alive and well, as this year's movie, Magic Mike, demonstrates with impressive box office earnings, the overt "beefcake" approach of 1970's "sex positive" feminism seems a bit vulgar, awkward and humorous.

Therefore, the transformation into a shag rug feels appropriate. The discomfort induced by the image's now inappropriate sexuality is softened into a funny textile cartoon, draining it of all erotic expressiveness. But it raises the question as to what exactly is "cheap and superficial." Is it the original centerfold with its overt appeal to female carnal desires? Or is it the modern sensual sensibility that rejects the exuberance of yesterday's sexual revolution?

Here's a vid:

Let's Do Something Cheap and Superficial by Molly Jo Shea

The artist-run space that Molly Jo Shea helps run is RAID Projects, located at 602 Moulton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Check them out!!!

And, we can't end the post without listening to Burt Reynolds singing.

"Let's Do Something Cheap and Superficial" performed by Burt Reynolds

Now, don't delay!!! We close up the show this upcoming Saturday, November 3rd.

We're looking forward to seeing you at the TAM, 'cause "This might be the only chance we get." ;-)

Matt MacFarland: Clusterfuckwich

Clusterfuckwich (2012) by Matt MacFarland
tinted resin and assorted trash
5 x 6 x 4.5 inches


Here's a spotlight post on one of the works currently displayed in "The Subterraneans: The artists behind LA's artist-run spaces." Matt MacFarland's resin sculpture of sliced bread, into which various bits of trash are embedded, is part of the contingent of art works from Elephant, an art space in Glassell Park.

Although a colorful and humorous piece, Clusterfuckwich plays with the serious emotional contrast between that which is wholesome, such as a loaf of bread, and that which is repugnant, such as discarded trash. Placed in conjunction, it leads one to consider how that which we blindly accept as desired commodities actually contain interior pollutions, hidden within a pleasing presentation.

When we ask for our "daily bread," are we aware of the "trash" inside?

Sideview of Clusterfuckwich (2012) by Matt MacFarland

Elephant is located on 3325 Division St., Los Angeles, CA 90065. Check out the website to find out about the many exciting events that they host.

And here's a video of Matt MacFarland's Clusterfuckwich:

Fun stuff!!!

So,come on by and check out this interesting work for yourself. And, if you're near Glassell Park, pay a visit to the fine folks and Elephant. In either case, it'll be a fun time. ;-)

Clusterfuckwich (2012) by Matt MacFarland

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

Subterraneans: Opening Night Photos

The Subterraneans opened on Saturday, September 22, at the TAM.


Last weekend, the TAM opened a set of new exhibitions. In Gallery One, "The Subterraneans" is on view. In Gallery Two, we have "XYZ: The Geometric Impulse in Abstract Art" running. Finally, we've premiered our video gallery, The Dark Room, which is currently featuring works by Yoshie Sakai.

Here are some photos from Opening Night.

XYZ in Gallery Two, including Jessica Halonen's Rx Garden: Sticky Ends (6)

The Dark Room Presents: Yoshie Sakai

The Subterraneans viewed from behind Elonda Billera Norris' Theory of Transformation

Dance and music from Pieter



TAM's Sculpture Patio, featuring Ichiro Irie's RX-Heaven



The Subterraneans viewed from behind Audrey Moyer's This Is My Place



The Subterraneans viewed from behind Mario DiDomenico's Visions and Revisions



Mobile Arts Platform (MAP) charting the Los Angeles experience



The Subterraneans viewed from behind Bianca D'Amico's Planter Study #253 (should be a real plant, but we are without windows)


These shows will be running until Saturday, November 3rd.

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

Empty Gallery

The Torrance Art Museum is temporarily closed for installation of the next exhibit

Well, another show has wrapped up and we're in that empty space between exhibitions. However, although it looks like there is nothing going on at the TAM, it is actually a hive of activity as preparations are underway for a huge show that opens on Saturday, September 22.

In Gallery 1, we'll be exhibiting "The Subterraneans: The Artists behind LA's Artist-Run Spaces." This will be joined by "XYZ: The Geometric Impulse in Abstract Art" in Gallery 2. Moreover, we will be unveiling our new space, the Video Gallery with recent works by Yoshie Sakai. And in the Hallway Promenade, TAM will be hosting an installation by MAP, "Mobile Art Platform."

Yeah, it'll be a big event with lots of engaging art on view for your edification and enjoyment. ;-)

I'll be writing up some articles over the next few weeks to provide more details, artist lists, photographs and other teasers.

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