Art Street 2017

Art Street felt like a very nice place to be. It was crowded on the Thursday night before closing. Lots of people waited in line and bustled through the warehouse turned gallery. Upon entering the labyrinth of local, national, and international art, it was hard for me to not feel confused and immediately intimidated by the sheer number of pieces presented. I tried my best to walk slowly and thoughtfully as to not disturb others or the art.

Artist: Lin Fei Fei

Although I did enjoy seeing almost all pieces presented, it did take some time and wandering to find an installation that really resonated with me. The art that really struck a chord in me was Lin Fei Fei's series of work titled The Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Lin Fei Fei learned how to make paper-cut figures from her Grandmother before moving to America. Within the space, the walls were decorated with a calendar of periods and climates that influenced agricultural. Each of the 24 pieces hung up were intricate and colorful paper-cut scenes and figures.

In the center of the small space was a flowing string of "Red Babies" paper-cut figures that were used in Ancient China to serve as a "spiritual avatar" for a loved one. This really moved me. This past fall, I lost my father to cancer. Since his passing, I have been affected by art in whole new way. I am finding more relation to loss and to non-human representations of people. Although these "Red Babies don't always represent loved ones who have left this world, I was still moved by the creation of these figures to serve as an almost place holder. The "Red Babies" reminded me of Keith Haring's "Radiant Child". They both have severely different meanings but share very similar form.

Artist: Lin Fei Fei

 I really enjoyed this piece that was installed outside in the entrance. I like that its not a stiff geometric form but instead finds a way to cascade down in a more organic way. It also reminded me a lot of playground jungle gym structures. 

 Artist: Daniel Tran

I was very impressed with Art Street. Exhibitions like that are what is putting Sacramento on the map as a big name city. It was incredible to see international artists showing their work here and I look forward to what is in store for Art Street. 

Artist Unknown feat. ME :-)