Russian Artist Marat

Over the last month or so I have become aquianted with a Russian artist by the name of Marat (or Марат Хайдарович for Russian speakers). He creates some incredible artwork but like many others is finding it difficult to find work. Living in Russia makes it harder.

I think his work is incredible and told him I would do what I could to get the word out. He is actively looking for work and can be reached via email here.

More of Marat’s work after the break.

Photography of Ryan McGinley

Ryan McGinley’s website is making the blog rounds as we speak and I can’t pass up the chance to recommend the truly amazing collection of images on his website. Amazing color, movement, freedom and expression. It’s rare in this society that is so saturated by images (especially photographs) that you see something that makes you stop in your tracks and reminds you truly of the beauty of humanity. I find the spirit of these photos to be incredibly invigorating and hauntingly beautiful.

Gallery Opening – Tinman Gallery – 04-04-08

First Friday Cometh! The Tinman Gallery will be featuring the works of oil painter Gordon Wilson. After poking around and looking at some of his work, I really like his style. It’s unique, and surreal. I am really drawn to his faces in particular. (The piece above is called Red Face)

From his Bio:

Working predominantly in oils his subject matter ranges from quirky portraiture and obscure figurative to dynamic landscape. His expressive oil paintings are inspired by his native Scotland; whether dark and moody or an explosion of colour they reflect the ever changing moods of both the countryside and the artist himself.

The artist reception is at the Tinman, on Garland – April 4th, from 5pm – 9pm.

Gallery Opening – Art Spirit Cd’A – 04-11-08

Okay, I have little to go off of but wanted to give everyone a heads up. All I know at this point is what the Art Spirit website is telling me:

New Works by 10 Artists
April 11 – May 3, 2008
This show is sponsored by Bankcda.

I will update with more information as I get it. You stay classy greater Spokane area.

Mike Knecht Is A Great Painter.

Meet the staff time! We’re now over 5000 visitors and we have only been up since January! That is amazing, and I realized, we haven’t taken the time to introduce ourselves. There are a few of us who post here and do our best to keep in tune with the art and culture in Spokane and… Mike Knecht is one of those people and he is a great painter. Having seen his work in person I love his use of color and pattern as well as shape and design to create visually stunning and interesting pieces. Mike is currently booking shows for 2008, so if you are a gallery interested in broadening your horizons and introducing some modern art into the mix, please contact him. Also make sure you check out his full Series 1 works at his own blog.

Shepard Fairey Releases Another Obama Poster

Shepard Fairy (of Obey fame) recently released the above poster done in his classic propaganda-esque style, his previous featured a different head shot of Obama and the word “Progress.” The previous is available in paster format at the Obey Giant site, or you can buy the above from the Obama Site. Whether or not you agree with Obama and his stances, the posters are damn cool. (Via Drawn!)

The Singing, Ringing Tree

I like sculpture, I like sculpture even more than does some awesome like the “tree” in the video. According to the youtube notes: “Commissioned by a forward thinking Burnley Council, The collection of tubes makes the strangest sounds when the wind blows, which is often round the location at Crown Point, on the moorland overlooking Burnley.“ Spokane has prime places for art like this. I’d be great to see some installations pieces pop up in the pacific north west as well.

21st Century Fox

Spokane’s PBS affiliate, KSPS, is currently showing a documentary about the rehabilitation of Spokane’s Fox Theater. Equally as impressive as the Davenport Hotel and the Bing Crosby Theater, the Fox has been remade from a 1930s movie house into a state-of-the-art concert and performance art facility. As an added bonus KSPS is showing the documentary in HD for those with the proper setup. Be sure and check the KSPS website for the next available showing (or watch online).

God’s Eye View

Creative Review posted a selection of works of the Sydney-based “creative collective” The Glue Society. Commissioned by Eric Romano of Pulse Art it was created for its Miami Art Fair. I really like all these pieces, very elegant and such a different view of religious imagery than what we normally see. I LOVE the installation. You can check out more of the works HERE.

Gallery: URBAN WANDERLUST

 

We’ve only been around for a few days, so we missed the reception for this one, but the show is still on, and it might be right up you alley. The show is Urban Wanderlust by Jacob Wellman, and it’s at the Huneke Gallery at Spokane Art School through the 24th. More info and images HERE.

The painting above is “Jabberwalky Lost” and is Oil pastel 18″ x 24″ – Only 250 bucks. A great price for a kick ass piece of work.