Art Picks August 2011

Posted on August 5, 2011 – 10:22 PM | by OldManFoster

Made in the Pacific
Dean De Cocker
Through August 21
Center for Contemporary Art Sacramento
Reception: August 13, 6–9PM
Artist’s Lecture: August 11, 7PM

Artist Dean De Cocker showed locally last year at the Skinner Howard Gallery – it was the first time I’d seen work by this Stanislaus State Associate Professor, and I was impressed. Simple, strong lines, bright colors and cleanliness of execution were the hallmarks of the show. The sculptures (all wall-mounted if I remember correctly) had a light, playful feel – not what one might expect from work constructed largely out of steel. This month CCAS brings De Cocker back to Sacramento for a dual exhibit that juxtaposes the artist’s sculpture with vintage BMX bikes from his collection. That De Cocker takes inspiration from bicycles and other well-crafted machines and industrial objects is no surprise – his work has an obvious industrial-arts feel. The artist cites racecar and aircraft fabrication among his influences, and I’ll bet he’s plenty familiar with the work of Charles and Ray Eames and George Nelson, too.

1519 19th Street
Hours: Tues – Sun, Noon to 5PM.

Father & Son: Culture in the Landscape
Geoff Fricker and Geoff Fricker, Sr.
Davis Art Center
Through September 6
Reception: August 12, 7-9PM

The Davis Art Center offers up a unique show of work by father and son photographers Geoff Fricker Sr. and Jr. Both Frickers are represented by both large and small images, Fricker Sr’s shot in the 1960s in Vellore, South India, Fricker Jrs’ shot largely in northern California over a 30 year span. Fricker Sr, a radiologist by profession, shot the Vellore pictures while on a sabbatical; though he was not a professional photographer, the images he captured won considerable acclaim, helping earn him a solo show at SFMOMA in 1971. Fricker Jr is a professional photographer, and taught at Butte College for 35 years before retiring a couple of years ago. Fricker Jr has done celebrated work throughout his career and his photos are in the permanent collections of the Oakland Museum, SFMOMA and the Library of Congress. Looks to be a nice show, and special note: this is the first time in four decades the two have shown together.

Davis Art Center, 1919 F Street, Davis
Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9:30AM- 7PM; Fri, 9:30AM – 5PM

Axis 6th National Juried Exhibition
Axis Gallery
August 6-28
Reception: August 11, 6-8PM
Second Saturday Reception: August 13, 6-9PM

Once again, Axis offers up what is one of the most promising shows of the year in one of the slowest months on the calendar. This year’s show was curated by Dena Beard, of the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Beard was drawn especially to artists who are pushing the boundaries of disciplines, rejecting the generic labels that have defined artists for decades – even centuries – but which no longer quite fit. “Artists are refusing the categories of painter, photographer, filmmaker and even the designation of ‘artist,’ choosing instead to work undercover as an anthropologist, musician, geographer, or corporate spy. The work represented here similarly defies the parameters of medium and genre—metal sculpture explores the potentialities of dance, ceramic vessels indulge in the kitschy perversions of Pop art, and woven layers of microfilm echo the unrelenting architectural geometries of a Bauhaus apartment building.” A quick peek at the 38 artists she has included reveals a solid lineup of creative talents from across the US. Don’t miss.

1517 19th Street
Hours: Saturday – Sunday, Noon – 5PM

Architecture Tour
Crocker Art Museum
August 21, Noon

There is plenty to love about the Crocker’s new Teel Family Pavilion, but one of the best aspects of the expansion is the interplay between the old and new buildings. This interactive architecture tour – free with museum admission – emphasizes conversation among the participants. And, while you’re there you can stop by the Library Book Sale that runs from 11AM-3PM.

216 O Street

Short List:

Are You Destined to Become Your Mother?
Nathan Cordero
Nelson Gallery
Through August 20

Stunning show by one of Sac’s most intriguing talents. Cordero converts leaves, scrap wood and other recycled materials into thoughtful and elegant artwork. Benefiting from Nelson Curator Renny Pritikin’s tasteful installation, the work fills the space while leaving each piece room to breathe. Best local show I’ve seen this year – by far.

Nelson Gallery, UC Davis

Don’t Drink and Draw
Archival Framing
Through August 23, 2011