Regen Projects in Los Angeles is having a show by Raymond Pettibon. Known for his “film-noir” style black and white drawings, the show will be up until October 18th, and is worth a look. Regen Projects shows artists Catherine Opie, Richard Prince, Matthew Barney and a lot of other famous contemporary artists.
The link to it: http://www.regenprojects.com/artists/

Along with every other art person I know in Charleston, I was excited about the Autobiographies exhibit at the Clay Center. There was a conflicting art show happening the same night in Institute at West Virginia State’s gallery, which Andrea will write about.

I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed by the turnout at the opening reception for the artists, especially for the rare occurrence that all but one of the artists were in attendance. With so many artists in the show we all know and follow, you’d expect more interest. Maybe it was the six dollars for a glass of wine.

Each artist’s work shared similar installation qualities, with almost every artist employing the grid format in some way. Artists in the show jumped at the chance to take advantage of the Clay Center’s vast walls, and incorporated the space to take their work into new directions.

Themed art shows can pose a challenge to artists, but art has always in its nature been autobiographical. Universal themes and formal styles appeared though out the exhibit, almost lending an identity to West Virginia art.

Hands down, the show was challenging, Claire Sherwood to be exact. Eric Pardue launched his sculptural abilities into a new realm with his grid of X’s, in a gorgeous candied-colored palette. Mark Tobin Moore’s work has recently arrived at a gripping personal look into the universal qualities that affect all mankind. Peter Massing’s stunning horizon drawings were natural additions to his versatility.

Emily Ritchey may have taken the most dramatic approach to her installation, and her aesthetic comes across as subtle as it is direct. Finally, Robin McClintock has established herself as a force, with paintings on paper so unique and concepts so cohesive that some kind of national attention is inevitable.

Congratulations to each artist involved with Autobiographies.

Whatup, Whatup! Fresh Paint is the cracking new art blog and is comprised of two Charleston artists, Dane Klingaman and Andrea Anderson (ed. note: click photo at right to get up close and personal). Dane received his BA in Studio Art from the University of Charleston where he also played baseball. He came to Charleston by way of San Francisco and Minneapolis, and currently operates a live/work space known as the Hansford Art House. The house serves as his own studio as well an alternative space designed to exhibit local emerging artists. As an artist, he focuses primarily on 2D mixed media and painting, with primary influences being Glenn Ligon, Barry McGee, and Willem de Kooning.

Andrea recently completed her MFA at Ohio University, and owns a BFA from Marshall University. She has a history of collaborative interdisciplinary efforts with other artists, focused primarily on new and non-traditional media, such as video, installation, and performance. She is a gallery director, artist and plays banjo in the Buttonflies, a quintet of edgy folk rockers out of Huntington, WV.

Dane and Andrea recently co-curated the Premier, an art exhibit at the Callen McJunkin Gallery featuring artwork from twelve local and regional fine artists.