Installation view. Courtesy of the artist
Installation view. Courtesy of the artist
From the wonderful world of print into the realm of art objects, Luca Antonucci and Carissa Potter have forged a magnificent niche for themselves in the now overly abundant tech city of San Francisco, where the art community is being pummeled by the exponentially growing price of living. But threw the mucky terrain of the tech industry, quiet and beautiful moments can be found in Ramon’s Tailor, an alternative space on the borderline between the Tenderloin district and Union Square.
"Fallen Empire 2" book. Courtesy of the artist
Trekking past drug induced individuals of the TL and tourists with shopping bags in hand from Union Square, I found my way to “While, At Last” a two person exhibition by the masterminds behind Colpa Press, Luca Antonucci and Carissa Potter. For those who don’t know Colpa, visit their website, and even better visit Edicola, a newspaper stand they run with the help from an Alternative Exposure Grant from Southern Exposure, San Francisco. You will find a great assortment of print goods that can’t be captured through an app or digital PDF. The paper goods they create and sell are memorable, one being “Fallen Empire 2” which I purchased at the opening, and you should do the same.
Detaill image. Courtesy of the artist
Detail image. Courtesy of the artist
I walked into the space, which I heard was cozy, but seeing the space in person I can say that it is uber cozy. Low ceilings about 7-8 feet tall, and no bigger than 200 square feet. Even though it was small the space, it packed a punch with its nicely designed interior and extremely pleasant vibes. I met with Antonucci and Potter who walked me through the show. The show was compiled of sculptural works and prints contributed by both Antonucci and Potter. Antonucci’s work had a reoccurring usage of the idealized Greek column. One of my favorite works consisted of two miniature columns, one flush with the ceilings and the second flush with the ground, with an extended curtain rod in between as the mediator of what was missing. It was nostalgic to the operation of a full size column, and highlighted the relationship between these three objects and how they redefine their function through their collaborative efforts.
Potter used digitized camouflage in a majority of her works. A few pieces stuck out from the body of work and had humorous quality that is enjoyable. Almost like fabric covers for expensive porcelain figures, Potter crafted camouflage versions that sat harmlessly over potted plants. They had this nostalgic domestic quality that attracted my attention, and reminded me of my early years sitting on my grandmothers plastic wrapped couch with my grandfather pretending to inhale smoke from his ear, blowing O’s next to me where we watched his favorite golf channel on TV, one of my most treasured memories. Together these artists complement each others work with a dignified level of equality. There is no imbalance between the works and how they are installed. Everything has found their placement in the space, and are patiently waiting for your arrival to be viewed.
Detail image. Courtesy of the artist
This exhibition closes April 7th. For more information visit Ramon’s Tailor website here. Also find time in your schedule to visit Edicola at 6th and Market in San Francisco, in front of Blick Art Materials. For more information on Edicola and its hours, visit here.
Contributed by Gregory Ito
