Joey Veltkamp’s Guide to First Thursday: September 2, 2010

The openings you don't want to miss at the most popular Art Walk around the Sound.

SWEET CHILD OF MINE by Tim Bavington

Genteel by Lynne Yamamoto & New Paintings by Tim Bavington / Greg Kucera Gallery Greg Kucera has two beautiful shows up that couldn’t be more different. One references the past and the other is nothing but now, now, now. Tim Bavington’s acrylic polymer paintings look like they sucked every ounce of color right out of Lynna Yamamoto’s white porcelain sculptures that reference her childhood in Hawaii. And while Yamamoto’s objects look austere, they still seem tender. In marked contrast, Bavington’s paintings refuse to be ignored. I love this pairing of quiet and loud.

Eric Eley / Platform For his latest show at Platform, Eric Eley uses vintage photos from his grandfather for inspiration. Images taken from a WW2 bomber fueled Eley to create work built around the idea of “sky.” Explosive sculptures and geometric drawings combine in perfect symmetry. This is beautiful new work that you won’t want to miss.

(left) Distant Blast by Eric Eley

Eating History (large) by Saya Moriyasu

Charm by Maija Fiebig + Saya Moriyasu / G. Gibson Gallery Charm is the perfect title for the latest show at G. Gibson Gallery. Pairing Saya Moriyasu’s Fu dogs with Maija Fiebig’s dense paintings of foliage brings out the best in both artists. I’m especially excited to see Saya’s new glass charms/totems.

17 Lines. Each Over 400 Feet Long. Other Works by Ben Waterman

The Grand Rooms by Ben Waterman / Gallery4Culture I can’t wait to see Ben Waterman’s installation at Gallery4Culture. His sculptural lines and objects are markers for the passing of time; and his work always contains a strong element of meditation, or something humbling that reminds me of Eastern philosophy.

Other Must Sees...
(click on images for more info)

Approximately There by Andrew Rubinstein

Andrew Rubinstein / Collins Pub

Tower by Patricia Hagen

Spill by Patricia Hagen / Punch Gallery

Circuit by John Grade

John Grade / Davidson Galleries

Serrah Russell / Gallery 40 (parked near Tashiro Kaplan Lofts entrance)

  Important! City Arts’ Best Of Walk Awards will be held on Capitol Hill at the Unicorn on September 9 (8:30pm) as part of Blitz this month. Stop by to cast your vote for which finalist you think should take home $500.