Robert Haworth a.k.a “The Butterfly Man” is creating a buzz in the world of art that is completely different and radical. Drawing on his life experience, this U.K. artist transforms the mundane into alternate realities. Check out his unique brand of expressionism at: www.iamthebutterflyman.com
Roseville Arts has announced that it will celebrate the Grand Opening of its new Blue Line Gallery in February 2008 with an exhibition of contemporary art from the acclaimed collection of the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation.
This is a press Release provided by “Roseville Arts! Blue Line Gallery. They opened their doors February 2, 2008. Special Thanks to Roseville Arts! for providing Press Release and images.
The Gallery will open its doors to the public for the first time on February 2, 2008, from noon until 8 p.m., with its Grand Opening Exhibition, “Art and Illusion: Selections from the
Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation.”Such a significant selection of contemporary art has never before been seen in Roseville. Including painting, photography and sculpture, the eclectic exhibition curated by Billie Milam Weisman celebrates artists’ use of illusion and humor to create new ways of looking at the world.
Contemporary art itself is often concerned with perception over representation, with how various modalities—physical, psychological, social, and so forth—not only frame but also modify the perceptual experience. The “Art and Illusion” selection reveals an emphasis on vibrant contemporary works with immediate visual impact and a frequent focus on illusionism.Over forty American and international artists are represented in the exhibit, including such internationally acclaimed artists as Andy Warhol, Charles Bell, Red Grooms and Masaaki Sato. “Art and Illusion” is made available to our community through funding provided by the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation.
The Blue Line Gallery—frontispiece to Roseville’s new parking structure on Vernon Street and vanguard in the City’s downtown revitalization efforts—is in final construction mode as it prepares for the February opening. The gallery serves as the new permanent home for Roseville Arts, the result of ongoing collaboration with the City; Herculean investment by private, individual and business donors; and creative commitment by volunteers and staff. More information as available at www.rosevillearts.org or 916-783-4117.
From the stretch of Silicon Valley highway the band’s named after, 880 South delivers their version of feel-good Reggae. Their 13 song album “Beware” is not the smoked-out Jah Mon variety we’ve heard so many times before (not that there’s anything wrong with that type), but a refreshingly energized style. I use the term “Reggae” loosely, as this Nor Cal quartet synthesizes styles ranging from funk/rock to soul and ska. Their songwriting skill and melodic sense keep these diverse elements accessible to the average listener, while their musicianship lends them credibility with hardcore fans of the genre. Continue Reading »
The purpose of art is to achieve catharsis of thought and emotion. Art is not static but needs to look and feel as if it has a life of its own. Creative and expressive use of the medium can help to achieve this. It is important to have fundamental understanding of the visual language and then allow for spontaneity to create the moment between artist and the work that resonates with our individual creative truth. Visual art is similar to a spoken language in that the larger an artist’s skill, the greater visual vocabulary to communicate thoughts, ideas or emotions. My figurative work tends to be looser in technique, which conveys a unique presence. Continue Reading »
Solare, an LA based indie/alternative/rock trio releases “The Story of The Moon.”
Upon first discovering Solare, I felt a wierd sense of deja vu come over me. This band’s 5 song debut CD sounds at times foreign and yet strangely familiar. Any references to the obvious 90’s influences quickly disappear as the listener is immersed in the complex melodies and atmospheric rhythms. This dichotomy is further exaggerated by the band’s rich sonic pallete. In the hands of lesser musicians the songs could easily fall apart, yet the band holds them together with an artistry rarely seen today.
The opening instrumental “Holophoner” with its orchestral arrangement quickly ushers the listener to their seat. You may want to sit down for this rocket ride. The title track describes Earth’s inseparable relationship with the moon- a sort of metaphor for our own love affairs. Josh Johnson’s fluttering guitar hooks and emotional vocals are interwoven with Christine Bruton’s undulating bass lines, creating unique juxtapositions. Her bass carefully tip-toes around the chord progression, never stomping on the song while Nicholas Conner’s tasteful hi-hat splashes and fills steadily steer the ship. The mid-tempo “Spiral Out” continues the celestial theme. Josh’s jangly guitar verses and distorted/sustained choruses are reminiscent of Radiohead’s “Creep” era. His syrupy vocals echo the sense of longing in the lyrics. Before I start getting sentimental, “Everyday” is a super-charged indie rocker, a roller coaster of grungy guitar overtones and chaotic drumming by Nicholas. Bruton’s punky backing vocals play a call/response game with the guitar riffs, while her bass helps to keep the pulse. Modern noise bands should take note. You can be heavy without being metal.
This band does just about everything right. From the inventive lyrics to the inspired performances, their unique vision is so fully realized especially considering that they are relatively unknown outside of L.A. Be one of the cool kids and dig them before the rest of the world catches on.
Solare is releasing a full length CD in Japan during the Spring and working on a new full length U.S. release.
www.solare3.net
www.myspace.com/solare
Kevin Trivedi joins Jagged Magazine staff as Art Editor. We are proud to welcome Kevin to our staff. Kevin is an accomplished painter, writer, graphic designer, art teacher and all around nice guy. He will cover art reviews, the gallery scene, album art and the occasional music review. Kevin shares our philosophy of independent music & art promotion and we look forward to working with him.- Jerry Lee, Publisher
