Alameda On Camera (AOC), a photo-based art exhibition at the Frank Bette Center
for the Arts, opened with a big hurrah, overflow crowds and a loud buzz last
week about how the artists viewed the Island City. AOC allowed 48 local artists
to participate; the map of Alameda was cut into 48 sections, and the artists
drew randomly to see where they would work.
Review
Alameda On Camera (AOC), a photo-based art exhibition at the Frank Bette Center
for the Arts, opened with a big hurrah, overflow crowds and a loud buzz last
week about how the artists viewed the Island City. AOC allowed 48 local artists
to participate; the map of Alameda was cut into 48 sections, and the artists
drew randomly to see where they would work. Each artist then had 48 hours to
photograph, and from the basics of the photos, create some kind of art.
The range of works is breathtaking — from close-ups and still-lifes to quilts,
sculpture, jewelry, photo manipulation, collage and assemblage, and many more
stylings. You won't believe how stunning and beautiful the ordinary can be. Some
notable entries:
"From Here to Eternity," by Susan Leah
Hackett, from area #31, the corner of Crown Beach at Westline, a quilt made of
photos reproduced on fabrics, and fabrics comb-painted in natural colors; the
photos are of waves and sand. It's a textural wonderland.Patricia Edith's
"Westside Exterior," from area #41, near Chipman Middle School: a notebook
painted black, photos of street signs reflecting the night glare of headlamps.
Erin Barrett's series of photos with an Asian flair, from area #29, by St.
Joseph Basilica. Barrett grew up the daughter of missionaries in Hong Kong, and
her pieces, "Foo," a stone Chinese lion; "Jade Garden," a close-up of
succulents, and "Return" each are mottled with Chinese characters and a spare,
elegant Eastern sensibility.
Not to be missed is photographer Peter Tonningsen, with an honorable mention
from the juror for "Beach Detritus," showing a collection of individually
photographed found items beached behind Towne Centre. From a shotgun shell and a
used syringe to shells, feathers, hair clips and empty bottles, the collection
of natural and unnatural items is presented like a catalogue or a pop-art
poster: vivid colors, strangely juxtaposed, slightly disturbing in total.
For a long, close-up, sometimes romantic and sometimes stark look at the Island,
take a pause and visit the FBC. The show is up through April 26. Call 523-6957
or visit www.frankbettecenter.org for details on the show.
The youth version of the show, Alameda on Camera 24x48, premiered Saturday,
April 7, at the Alameda Marketplace. A satellite show of the Frank Bette
Center's Alameda on Camera show, the artists held a reception Saturday. Clint
Boden, juror for both shows, chose Taylor McAdams as the first-place winner,
Jennifer Lundeen as second, and Samantha Vaughan as third.
Admission to both of these exhibitions is free. The FBC is located at 1601 Paru
St.
See and learn more about the Alameda on Camera exhibition at the Frank Bette
Center for the Arts tonight with media partner Alameda Currents, on AP&T channel
31 at 7:30 or Monday night on Comcast channel 28 at 7:30 p.m. You can also view
the show online at www.tvalameda.com and select the April 10 episode.
Contact Julia Park Tracey at
editor@alamedasun.com
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