Scribble From The Middle

Suddenly Last Summer

These last days of August shifting me into a nostalgic state of mind.

Motels 12" promo 1983

Badu On 9th Street

Erykah Badu made it back to Richmond last Friday night for the first time in 18 months. 

 

And even after paying 40-45 bucks a ticket (75 for gold circle elitists), waiting for hours in 90+ degree heat (on the 9th street asphalt) - sitting through an opening act, a thunderstorm and a very tardy Badu & band, the crowd (me) could not have been more thrilled when Erykah finally hit the stage.

 

She manifested after dark sporting a vintage 1950's dress (complete with black lace crinoline), 4 inch patent booties, leather arm bands and a foot high blond mohawk. 

It was a surprisingly shorter Badu appearance but who's complaining - she was amazing and held court like a queen. 

I danced and sang and paid my respects for the duration. 

        

    

Artspace Hits The Streets

Or rather, the streets hit Artspace.

The Strassen Kunst (Street Art) exhibit opened July 23rd at Artspace. A hand picked group of graffiti artists from a variety of locations across the East coast slipped in and out of the gallery throughout the week prior to opening night. They worked their magic on the down low and I was only able to catch two artists who would actually allow me to photograph them (at least partially). 

This is Part 1 of the exhibit. Part 2 opens on Friday, August 27th with the Strassen Kunst international competition in the smaller galleries - the street artists work will remain in the Main Gallery through September as well.

7/19/10 Artspace members prep the space so the artists can create on the walls of the gallery:

 

 

   

7/21/10  Artists put finishing touches on their works:

 

  

  

  

 

   
The exhibit includes graffiti by street artists: Ottomatik, Reti, Daniel Johnson, Elegwa Wycliff, Hamilton Glass (HAM?), Gee Cheung, Megan Mueller, Good Child/Tender Hooligan, Dr. Bastard and Keeley Laures - all in the Main Gallery. 

 

 
   

 

 

 

 

      

 

The curator of the exhibit, Martin McFaddin, is showing his photographs of Berlin street art in the Helena Davis and Frable galleries - these exquisitely detailed images are inkjet prints on vinyl. The vinyl's texture along with the saturated quality of the work and the immediacy of the imagery makes for a uniquely active viewing experience; the work lures the viewer into the graffitied environment and the colorful layers inspire contemplation. Here is a sampling of Martin's work

"Kreuzberg Cemetary"  24X86

"Park Bench"  24X36

"Collage"  24X36

 

"Kreuzberg Playground"   24X36

"RoboNic"  24X48

                                                                                                                                                            

7/23/10: 4th Friday Opening Night

 

  

This edgy exhibit is definitely worth the trip and the time - there has never been one like it in these parts! Thanks to Martin McFaddin, president of Artspace, for conceptualizing and organizing the exciting two month event. 

    

  
 

VMFA - Moving Into The 21st Century

The VMFA now has a beautiful new gallery for it's growing permanent collection of 21st Century Art . Here are a few favorite works. They provoke my inner child...

David Schnell  "Tor"  2005 oil & acrylic on linen  very, very large (this piece is on loan)

 

Farhad Moshiri  "S4M53"  2004  oil on canvas

 

Fred Tomaselli  "Woodpecker"  2008  acrylic, gouache, photo collage, and resin on wood panel

      

 

 

Julie Heffernan  "Self-Portrait On A Coral Bed"  2003  oil on canvas

 

 
    

Classic Badu

Old school Badu -  I'll always have a soft spot for her exaggerated head wrap (or massive afro) & African regalia. And I'll never tire of hearing her croon about Tyrone.