Press
PRESS RELEASE
Venue: Hayes Valley Market Gallery, 580 Hayes Street, San Francisco, 94102
Opening Reception: Friday, Feb 8, 5:30-9pm
Artist Panel Discussion: Friday, Feb 22, 6-8pm
Closing Party: Friday, Feb 29, 7-10pm
Dates: Feb 6 – Mar 1
Hours: 12 noon-7pm, Wednesday-Sunday
At an unprecedented pace, we’re witnessing a massive transformation of San Francisco; and cities are certainly unique in the dynamic way they process time. Whether one identifies with preservation or progress, is attracted by the geometry of the skyline or the oxidization of old steel, it is an auspicious moment in which to get a diverse set of artistic impressions on the theme of urban transformation.
The “Ancient City” exhibition, running at the spacious, soon to be torn down, 580 Hayes Gallery, presents works by 15 Bay Area artists working in very diverse media: from hanging mobile, to concrete, wire and recycled material sculpture, to encaustic lightbox painting, and time-lapse still life. The exhibition is “a narrative and atmospheric exploration of diverse urban worlds navigating the effects of time” in the words of photographic artist and exhibit curator Daniel Newman. Newman states “now is a very important moment to be conscious of the transformation of our city and our potential to influence its course in inventive and positive ways.”
“Ancient City” amounts to a highly immersive show, where industrial decay, kinetic motion, concepts of time and urban aesthetics interrelate. It makes us think and view our fast changing cityscape in novel ways.
Five percent of the proceeds from art sales at “Ancient City” will be donated to San Francisco Beautiful, a non-profit organization whose mission is to “improve the quality of daily life, strengthen communities, and empower citizens to maintain the character of the city’s parks, neighborhoods and streets” (www.sfbeautiful.org).
Wine at the opening reception will be provided by l’Uvaggio di Giacomo (www.uvaggio.com).
Food by Soul Cocina (www.soulcocina.com).
DJ sounds (rare Jamaican oldies) will be provided by Wake The Town (www.myspace.com/revivalsoundsystem).
