William Kentridge at the SFMOMA thru May

ASIFA-SF president Karl Cohen recommends…

I finally saw William Kentridge: Five Themes and it is an amazing, not-to-be-missed exhibit.  If animation as art interests you, his is the most exciting art exhibit that I’ve seen in several years. The show isn’t about storytelling, but about technique, presentation and personal content. There are several unique installations in the show including entire large rooms given to 8 and 9 projections of his animated work. One is a homage to Russian constructivist art in the 1920s and it is even more exciting than the Jewish Museum’s present exhibit of this form of art (and I loved that show). Another of the multi-screen displays was inspired by George Melies Trip to the Moon. A third is rear-projected onto a stage set with music by Mozart playing, and yet others include images of Ubu Roi.
 
There is one work presented that really needs to be seen, not described, but I’ll try: A video projector shows animated images distorted on a very large concave round mirror, which also contains a reflective cylinder in the center of that disc. In that mirror you see the image correctly—it is a fascinating optical experience.
 
William Kentridge: Five Themes will be on display thru the end of May and provides a comprehensive survey of the South African artist’s work. The exhibition explores five primary themes that have engaged him over the past three decades. It features more than 75 works in a range of media—including animated films, drawings, prints, theater models, sculptures, and books. For more information and museum times/location visit SFMOMA.org.
 

Academy of Art University 2009 Spring Show                              

Everyone’s invited to view this year’s student showcase of fresh talent; while the school encompasses a huge range of artistic studies, there’s a substantial animation component as well. In addition to film clips you can see original artwork in the form of traditional illustrations, 3-d maquettes, and more. The exhibit runs thru July but the grand opening and reception is this Thursday, May 21, from 7pm to 9pm at Academy of Art University 601 Brannan Street (at 5th Street) San Francisco, CA 94107.

This event is open to the public, and–oh yeah, admission is Free!

(above artwork by Tzu-Ying Ho and N. Suwankiri)

Trek FX Chief beams down to Balboa

If you haven’t seen Star Trek yet (and don’t worry, we won’t tell), or more likely, you’d like to see it again, the Balboa Theatre is thrilled to announce that the Visual Effects Supervisor for the series reboot and many other films will appear after the 4pm and before the 7pm shows on Sunday, May 17. He will discuss the making of J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek and other aspects of working at Industrial Light & Magic.

He might not be able to change the laws of physics but Roger Guyett has been bending them onscreen with ILM since 1994. His credits include Casper, Twister, Dragonheart, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and lots more. If the show itself isn’t enough enticement, the great venue and Roger’s insights should make the difference. Don’t miss it!

Sunday, May 17, 4pm and 7pm
Balboa Theater 3630 Balboa Ave (@38th) San Francisco