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12.14.2016

Tom Sachs's Space Program: Europa Lands at YBCA


Exploration is the word of the day every day at SPACE PROGRAM: EUROPA, an installation envisioned by Tom Sachs at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Visitors are transported to one of Jupiter's icy moons, which astronauts have begun to make themselves at home with creature comforts such as a Japanese water feature and an entire "Shoe Library." The centerpiece is the landing module, but there is a variety of works that transform the YBCA's largest gallery into a sci-fi landscape. Sach's sculptures are quirky and complex; nothing ever is what it seems at first glance, and a perusal of EUROPA's artifacts constantly reveals new whimsy in fresh details: The "Indoctrination Station" is inscribed with poems, the landing module features a vodka bar, and the faux Japanese style stone lantern is an assemblage of buckets, a cooler, a USPS crate, and other found objects. The sculptures bear the marks of their craftsmanship, suggesting that the creator does not seek to perfectly replicate or represent true functionality, rather to imagine in a man-child kind of way. The viewer explores Sach's transformational assemblies and puzzling references as they imagine the inhabitants of this space, who at once must be boldly futuristic and while still looking to nostalgia and tradition for inspiration. The exhibit also includes a three-dimensional timeline of Sach's aesthetic and work, featuring several of his smaller sculptures alongside images and texts. 

Apparently there's going to be some elaborate performance on closing day, January 13. I'll probably go back to check it out. Click here for event info!

Indoctrinate yourself with some videos before you go.

12.13.2016

Santa Skivvies Run Raised over $86K for SF AIDS Foundation

If you were lurking around the Castro Sunday morning, December 11 you may have glimpsed some burly men (and women) trotting through the neighborhood in their underoos. The following are some shots from the Santa Skivvies Run, where the participants raised funds from $100 to over $10,000 (!!!) before stripping down and braving the cold for the festive event. My boyfriend did it and I was very proud of him; see if you can spot him here! There was a fun afterparty with hot coco and walk-off hosted by local drag queens. It got me hoping I'll get some good underwear for Christmas to wear out there next year!

Keep an eye here for future info: http://www.santaskivviesrun.org/