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A visual arts non-profit that connects creativity and community through a dynamic ecosystem of arts education, exhibitions, and studios.

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The Tools
Curated by: 
Nora Rodriguez
2nd Sat Reception: 
Saturday, January 11, 2014 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Exhibition Dates: 
Jan 8, 2014 to Jan 25, 2014
Gallery Hours (or by appointment): 
Wednesday-Saturday, 2-6pm

The Tools is a look through the wrong end of the telescope, examining art as apparatus and instrument. The show contains tools artists have constructed in view of executing their work, along with work that itself functions as a tool. What kinds of devices do artists create in the process of making? And how can the work itself become a tool for critique, education, or expression?

The Tools functions in two parts: In the first, utensils, models, and devices that artists have crafted specifically for their working process. How does preparation for work become part of the piece itself? How are aesthetic concerns manifest even before an artist touches the “final” piece?

The show’s second part turns the concept of tool on its head, presenting work that is in dialogue with the function or aesthetic of tools. These works blur the line between objects made and objects made to make, object as ends and object as means.

The show pushes against the notion of tool as a primarily physical aid. In the words of Robert Irwin, “The act of art is a tool for extended consciousness.” In some sense, then, all art is a metaphysical tool. From here, the challenge may be finding a big enough toolbox.


Participating Artists

Evan Barbour*
Josh Blackwell
Brad Brown
Anna Craycroft
Marshall Elliott
Ruben Gutierrez
Phyllis Ma
Rachel MacFarlane
Mie Horlyck Mogensen*
Michael O'Gorman
Rosie O'Gorman
Jeana Poindexter
Zin Taylor
Robert Wechsler

*Root Division Studio Artist


The Tools Exhibition Images

         

SEE MORE EXHIBITION DOCUMENTATION »

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The Tools is free, open to the public, and includes a Creative Station - all ages art activities hosted in our classroom during the 2nd Saturday opening reception.

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Address: 1131 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA  94103. Please buzz for entry.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 11am to 6pm / Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 2pm to 6pm

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