Visual artists face the same local venue shortage as the performance community. And since their final products are a lot less obtrusive than those of their live counterparts, the problem might actually be that much more acute.
One Ocean Beach store has the problem in hand. In fact, its exhibit space comes with an inherent security feature for its working artists. The pieces are displayed in a bank vault, the only remnant of the financial institution that once stood at 4976 Newport Ave. The Rock Paper Scissors international galleria took over the space last summer “” and with the move came a nod to the area’s visual artists and a partial solution to their plight.
The venue is the site for “Works from the Vault,” a show series that commenced with the store’s opening. Its inaugural installment was called “Heist!” and featured art reflecting hip-hop music and fashion. On its heels is “Blatant,” set to open at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 “” and the tone diverges decidedly, especially as the Nov. 7 elections may have colored it. “Blatant” is multimedia artist Isaac Katzoff’s nod to current events and a take on this country’s often rocky evolution.
“If I wanted to be a speaker,” Katzoff said, “I would be a politician. I paint and I draw and I blow glass, and I try to communicate through that.”
His message is overwhelmingly one of national mistrust and frustration. One of his entries features an American flag, its stars enlarged and faded, with an equally obscured likeness of President George Bush. It reflects a dour national mood, and there’s no mistaking the upshot.
“I call the show ‘Blatant,'” Katzoff said, “because I want it to [illustrate] blatant truth, blatant realities “¦ [of] contemporary American society.”
Katzoff is also planning a live collaborative work during the run, which includes a bronze piece by local sculptor Rich Stewart. The show also includes jewelry by San Luis Obispo goldsmith Matt Baxter and some mixed media by St. Louis artist Aaron Gondek.
In the case of the store, “Rock Paper Scissors” is a metaphor for concepts that transcend the popular children’s game. The “rock” equates with jewelry; “paper” with art and “scissors” with clothing “” and the items come from around the world. The store is also the site of glass-blowing, dance, art and jewelry classes.
And then there’s the vault, whose significance isn’t lost on exhibit program coordinator Amanda Steinhaus.
“Art is a precious commodity,” she explained, “and we want the community to see it that way. Isaac is actually locking himself in the vault on [the] days before the exhibit opens “” he wants everything to be perfect. We think his work challenges and engages.”
Unless somebody loses the combination, “Blatant” will run through Nov. 29. The “Vault” series will ideally average one show a month. Galleria hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Further information is available at (818) 456-9606.