"Swank: Co-Curated by Hilary Hedden, Elwyn Crawford and Louise Rice"
2004-12-04 until 2004-12-21
Lola Gallery
San Francisco, CA, USA United States of America

On Saturday December 4th, The Lola Gallery opened its annual Christmas Sale with a glamorous late afternoon party entitled “Swank”. Sensational local jazz artist Mr. Lucky will crooned Bing Crosby style Christmas favorites and more accompanied on keyboards by Kevin “Fingers” Gerzevitz!  The exhibition features high quality originals and prints by locally renowned artists, with a specific focus on the artwork of Mark McCloud.  McCloud, known to some as the “Prince of Paper”, is the owner of the largest original “blotter art” collection in the world.

These framed blotter sheets, some dating back as far as the early 70s, are festooned with incredibly unique psychedelic and pop culture images that are a testament to the subculture of LSD, from Alice in Wonderland to irresistible Piggy featured above. Senior museum and gallery officials conclude that McCloud’s work constitutes an unrivalled and entirely unique form of folk art.  His collection has rarely been viewed in public due to its controversial use of material, yet continues to garner widespread acclaim and has been featured in such publications as the Los Angeles Times, Wired, and Loaded. The Lola Gallery is honored to have the opportunity to exhibit some of these beautiful works in the new dedicated “Blotter” Room.

“Swank” also features new work by Sirron Norris, Zachary Rattay, Scott Ketchum, Francis Baker, Irene Hendrick, Charles Gatewood and many more. On ongoing exhibition through January 22nd, is  “Dark Skies” featuring work by the Canadian artist Ian Sheldon. “Sheldon’s work skillfully evokes the majesty and might of nature. The inherent paradox in the opposing forces of harmony and discord, of creation and destruction, is venerated in his inspired skyscapes”, says art critic Susan Kennedy.

IMAGE
Mark McCloud
"Travelling Pig" Single Hit 30" sq enlarged print

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for the State of California

Other Important Exhibitions in San Francisco