Afghanistan in 4 Frames...embedded photojournalists capture soldiers at ease! Thought-provoking San Francisco Exhibit!

 

Quiet intimate moments captured on film!



At the height of the War in the Afghanistan conflict, heart-wrenching images flooded the airwaves daily on the evening news.

Now, thought-provoking stills of the war-torn country– at least eighty in number – are on exhibit in the lower level of City Hall in downtown San Francisco.

Thanks to funding provided by the Art Commission, the insightful work of four reputable photojournalists (who were embedded with the military forces overseas for five years), provides a golden opportunity for Americans to get an up-close “insider look” at a soldier’s daily routine.

For example, a handful of the intimate photographs capture average soldiers at rest or on-the-ready for action.

The photographers – Lynsey Addario, Teru Kuwayama, James Lee and Eros Hoagland – actually risked their lives chronicling the (at-times) disturbing shots of Afghans caught in the crossfire, too.

James Lee, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, traveled near the Pakistan border with the Afghan National Security Forces and was able to snap a color photo essay (titled "Counter Narratives") that offers up a rare view of a military group preparing to seize power once the Allies withdraw.

Light-hearted photographs – one features a bird perched on the beret of a young soldier – are also included in the comprehensive collection.

Teru Kuwayama is the lone artist included in the riveting display who facilitated the use of film rather than digital technology for practical reasons.

According to Kuwayama – the equipment was less obtrusive and allowed for easier maneuvering and better access in regions where fragile battery-operated cameras weren’t feasible.

Pulitzer prize-winner – Lynsey Addario – focused her lens on female Marines performing routine duties in the community ("Women at War") where the soldiers reached out to women and children in ways their male counterparts in uniform could not.

A series of stills – "Out of the Line of Fire" – captured female forces shaving their legs, grooming their hair, and relaxing off-duty in unlikely perches in the most volatile-of-regions near the enemy lines.

Afghanistan in 4 Frames is on display through May 13th at San Francisco City Hall (in the lower level).

INFORMATION

www.sfartscommission.org/gallery/2010/afghanistan-in-four-frames

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James Lee photograph

Artists Guild of San Francisco...elitist organization runs closed shop! Maintain strangle-hold on Union Square Exhibition Space!



Artists have complained that the Artists Guild of San Francisco is not only running an elitist "closed-shop" - but, in the process - trying to maintain a strangle-hold on Exhibition space outdoors at Union Square in downtown San Francisco!

For example, when a tourist or local stumbles on an art display in the park-like setting, they assume that Artists have hung out their works in a free-enterprise situation with the aim of rustling up sales and gaining exposure for their artistic efforts (sketches, paintings, sculpture).

On closer scrutiny, keener eyes may spy a kiosk propped-up nearby, which tout the artists by virtue of a handful of slick photographic publicity stills, resumes, and what-have-you.

But, the sinister truth is far from innocent in nature, in fact.

For instance, when an artist contacts the Artists Guild of San Francisco with the specific aim of becoming member - and with the express desire to exhibit their artwork in Union Square, too - their requests are ignored.

Indeed!

The hapless artisans are snubbed - at which point - the awful truth rears ugly its ugly head.

The Guild is an elitist organization - which caters to the selfish self-serving greed of the members - at the expense of a multitude of deserving (more-talented) artists.
When you consider that taxpayer foot the bill for the upkeep of the Exhibition space at Union Square, bottom line, the actions of the Artists Guild of San Francisco are an outrage.

In a civilized community, the selfish actions of a few - to the detriment of the many - should not be tolerated.

I say, turf them out, and open up the space to all artists!

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Closed-shop run by greedy artists!

Los Angeles Art Show...previews tonight with splashy soiree!

Tonight the Los Angeles Arts Show kicks off and runs through Saturday at the spacious downtown Convention Center.

More than one hundred of the top Galleries (and a posse of artists) on the West Coast are participating in the in 16-year-old art extravaganza!

Locals and out-of-towners alike are invited to get up-close-and-personal with an eclectic mix of fine paintings, sculpture - you name it - in a broad spectrum of styles and mediums inclined to appeal to the artistic sensibilities of most!

In addition to the thought-provoking visual displays, guest speakers will discuss hold discussions on a wide range of topics - from trends in architecture to feminist art.

Noted cartoonist Robert Williams (an underground artist who was part of the Zap Collective in the late 1960s) will lead one of the informative dialogues in a much-anticipated Q & A session over the weekend.

Tonight's preview boasts a mouth-watering dinner (for a pricey $125) that will  benefit the Art of Elysium (a Getty-approved foundation that seeks to enlighten hospitalized children about art appreciation).

 The daily entrance fee to the annual event is $20.

Hours

Thursday / Saturday
11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location

1201 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA

Info

 (213) 741-1151

http://www.laartshow.com

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