Altman Siegel

I saw a show by Devin Leonardi here. The paintings (gallery statement called them "exquisite"--maybe a tad presumptuous?) depicted quiet scenes--minor landscapes, views from porches and windows. I liked the way that Leonardi turned leaves and branches into monochromatic negative space, without shading, to give these intimate paintings the flatness of impersonal graphic design. There was a relatively small number of paintings spread out in a fairly large gallery, giving each work a lot of breathing rom. I would call the overall effect precious (in the best possible sense) but probably not exquisite.

This is a great new gallery in the 49 Geary building. I've been very impressed with the quality of the work, and the exhibitions seem very thoughtful. I like the context they bring to the SF gallery scene. They are edgy, smart, and ambitious. Go check them out!

Re: Fran Herndon (See: http://www.altmansiegel.com/main.php?menu=current&page=pics) September 8 - October 29, 2011 In the back room is the suggestion of detail but more of a fog, people and shapes, a kind of drunk Gauguin, a smothered life, dreams-up-in-smoke, a skill but not a skill. The curtains tease with wind, like ghosts of nubile virgins. It is like the pieces were painted by someone without arms, the way a veteran paints, the way a veteran cries, restricted by poverty to magazine cut-outs and glue. It is a still life in the quagmire of a haze.