Yesterday I dropped by SOMArts to check out a panel discussion organized by my friend Carlos Cajilig, called Next Generation Asian American Comedians. This was my first time to SOMArts, in fact, I ashamedly admit, the first time I had heard about it. I always knew that SOMA was an area where artists thrived in post-industrial spaces, kind of similar to other warehouse art spaces, such as the 798 in Beijing, which I had frequented somewhat when I was living there.
Little did I know that SOMArts is in the same complex as Trader Joe's, which happens to be the first TJ's I'd ever gone to. As soon as you turn into the little driveway off Brennan street, you enter the courtyard that leads to SOMArts, which is really quite a charming space, with neat and tasteful garden decorations and installations. Once inside, it was rather what I expected--high and wide vertical spaces, perfect for large scale art exhibition, a kitchen that's great for receptions, and a little stage.
The panel took place on the little stage (which I think would just be so, so sweet for film showings, comedy shows, theater, gosh, possibilities are endless!), and before that, I got to tour the current exhibition a little bit, and took some photos. If you've never been into a warehouse art exhibition space, then you owe yourself to check out a place like this. I'll save comments on the art for later day, for now I'm just happy to be in a liberating space like SOMArts, after eight hours of sitting in an office. (Although my general take from the displayed work, is that Asian American artists seem to be shouting in unity one sentence: Why The Fuck Am I Asian and Why The Fuck Am I In America?! Or, Why Am I Asian in America. Well, this I completely agree with!)
Anyway, slideshow below:
No comments:
Post a Comment