Even Better Than the Real Thing observes the edges of perception. It takes into account the notion of “defamiliarization,” or the artistic technique of forcing the audience to see common things in an unfamiliar or strange way in order to enhance perception of the familiar. Ten contemporary artists fulfill this concept by making the everyday uncanny. While the procedure to achieve such realistic and hi-tech qualities may appear mass-produced, the objects in the exhibition were constructed meticulously by applying basic, traditional art and handcraft techniques, such as painting, drawing, sculpting and sewing. Pop Art has an ongoing significance and works like Claes Oldenburg’s Lipstick (1969-74) made of massive steel and Andy Warhol’s cardboard painted Brillo Boxes (1964) set the precedence of utilizing unanticipated resources and methods to fashion the common object. The works selected for Even Better Than the Real Thing posses characteristics that are visually arresting, seductive, and at times, disturbing. The results undertake an unsettling realism and issue a challenge to art’s alleged dedication to the world of appearances. Artists include: Jon Bonser, Joe Davidson, Ben Jackel, Kiel Johnson, Nina Katchadourian, Rebecca Morales, Kristen Morgin, Kaz Oshiro, Derek Parker, Andy Ralph, Laura Splan, Stephanie Syjuco.

I’m excited to be in this exhibition. Thanks Lucia!

Press/Info:
www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/may/30/in-the-here-and-now/
www.mcasd.org/exhibitions/612/
www.sezio.org/news/Here-Not-There-at-MCASD.aspx
va-grad.ucsd.edu/~drupal/node/1433
www.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/street/2010/jun/02/weve-always-believed-andy-ralphs-art/

I’ll post the new ones here, I hope they don’t stop.

NEW POSTCARD / Nov. 5 :

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UT link

poor bastard. clarke is in bad shape.

also on aug. 29th we will be releasing our new record titled “blood drops” and playing a show at the Whistle Stop in South Park (San Diego, CA) here is the poster:

I went to the archery supply store today and bought some arrows.