by Patricia Frischer
Feb
17 to May 12 curated by Vallo Riberto at Oceanside Museum of Art
Homo Sapiens are basically problem solvers. We are seekers
of knowledge and makers of things. Ving Simpson’s outpouring of relatively
small objects on abundant display at Oceanside Museum of Art is an example of a
non-verbal language which alludes to answers to questions not asked. This gives
the viewer of his work, a challenge and a chance to exercise their own views
about the world around us. The artist’s imagination and use of a large variety
of tools and mediums richly enhances this experience.
The curator Vallo Riberto by invoking the studio of the
artist, has managed to let us in to Simpson’s world of “abstract thoughts…and… universal
mysteries”. Our brains try naturally to identify repeating shapes, colors and
patterns. These shapes are made more concrete in the hanging painted banners
(all created especially for this exhibition) in the stairwell of the museum. The
theme for the banners is water in all in forms; gas, liquid, and frozen.
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| Ving Simpson standing tall with the only large work in this display |
Many of us remember the old Life Magazine and how much we
looked forward to the wonderful photographs that appeared every week. That
tradition is alive and well in Oceanside since there is a plethora of exciting
photo journalist in our region producing images for the bi-monthly Osider
Magazine. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary with a bumper edition
and this stunning show at the Oceanside Museum, these are the images that
record our lives.
Professional photographer and creative director Zach Cordner
is not only the co-founder of Osider but of similar publications in Riverside
and Encinitas magazines. He is a teacher,
active sport photographer (surf, skate, etc.) and with his partner and
publisher Jamey Stone, he is “keeping Oceanside weird” while managing to get
the advertising and support of the community to help Oceanside make it mark as
a cultural district.
Arts and Culture in Oceanside contributes $57.7 million to
the economy (AEP6 report from 2022) and the state recognized Oceanside Cultural
District contributes 80% ($45.6 million). Want to know more: attend the May 3 celebration
event from 3-5 at the Seabird Hotel. Before that on March 30, celebrate all the museum’s
exhibitions at a grand opening including Allied
Craftsmen: Hands on Design, March 30 to August 18 juried by Guusje Sanders.
Why does Zach Cordner say, “Keep Oceanside Weird”? A perfect example is Bruce Parker, aka the
Oceanside Trenchcoat Guy. When Bruce retired he decided to walk the beaches and
interact with as many people as possible. The long trenchcoat helps him avoid
skin cancers and keep him warm. His joy in just being alive is contagious and
he is a subject of so many photos that he has is own section in the exhibition.
Cordner even uses him as a photo shoot assignment for his students. Zach Cordner's own images and his excellent curation of the content of the magazine and of this exhibition are what makes it a stellar display.
It is the authenticity and pure love that shows through in Coastal
Exposures and the pride it generates is palpable.
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| Zach Cordner |
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| Zach Cordner |
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| Brooks Fritz |
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| Vladimir Medvinsky |
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| Kailoa Powers |
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| Colin Leibold |
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| Zach Cordner |
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| Cory Villanueva (one of the student works) |
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