SF Agenda: Design and Arts Events in the Bay Area
Author:Dara KerrChristopher Kurtz’s delicate and spiny wood sculptures on view at San Francisco’s Hedge gallery are jaw dropping. One can see his pain-staking approach to sculpture, which he says is through discipline and restraint – using only wood and very few tools. “In this process of building, carving, and un-building, unexpected pieces will emerge,” Kurtz says in his artist statement. Singularity features 12 new works by Kurtz. Runs through April 13, Hedge gallery, 501 Pacific Avenue.
Tapestry by Ben Barretto, courtesy of The Popular Workshop
Using three completely different types of material to create his artwork, Ben Barretto’s new exhibition at San Francisco’s The Popular Workshop gallery is worth a visit. Titled Self Help, Barretto focuses on repetitively interacting with whatever medium he is using in his artwork. On view are colorful hand woven tapestries made from climbing rope, oil paintings, and 2D artwork made from re-configured nylon running pants. Opens on March 1 and runs through April 12. Opening reception is March 1, 6 to 10pm, The Popular Workshop, 1173 Sutter Street.
Charles and Ray Eames, courtesy of The California Museum
Sacramento’s California Museum is hosting a major retrospective on one of the grandmothers of modern furniture design—Ray Eames. The exhibition starts with Eames’ early life as she broke gender barriers working in architecture, design, and art and then tracks through her 60-year career as she became highly influential in her field. On display are more than 100 original works and rarely seen artifacts from the Eames Office and family collections. Ray Eames: A Century of Modern Design runs through February 2014, The California Museum, 1020 O Street.
Alessi’s Colombina collection Tealight
It’s not too late to snap up last minute sale items on Alessi’s floor samples, discontinued items, and slightly irregular furnishings. The design company is offering up to 70 percent off certain items in its San Francisco showroom, including the Colombina Tealights, Captain Banana corkscrew, and the “Blossom” fruit holder. Sale runs through the end of February, 424 Sutter Street.
Mediums by Will Rogan, courtesy of Altman Siegel gallery
Will Rogan has done it again with an incredible large-scale multi-medium sculpture called Mediums. This stark piece is on display at San Francisco’s Altman Siegel gallery along with photographs, drawings and other sculptures by Rogan in a new show titled Blanking Out. The goal of the exhibition is to honor artists whose work has slipped into obscurity with the passing of time. Runs through April 13, 49 Geary Street.
