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Betti Ono Gallery

March 2 - April 14, 2012

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1804 Telegraph Avenue Oakland, CA 94612
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Art Is Hammer
In Celebration of International Women’s History Month Betti Ono Gallery Presents: "Art Is A Hammer" a solo show by Favianna Rodriguez. Also showing "Felt" by emerging painter Deirdre Baugh Opening Friday March 2, 2012 from 6-9pm (Oakland, CA) Betti Ono Gallery is pleased to present two shows in celebration of Women’s History Month, Art Is A Hammer by Favianna Rodriguez and Felt by Deirdre Baugh. Art Is A Hammer is Rodriguez’s first solo show of 2012 and features new and recent works which include large scale woodblock prints, paintings, digital media, and limited edition posters. The show also offers an exclusive pop-up design shop and marketplace showcasing books and merchandise by women-artists. Additionally, emerging painter Deirdre Baugh offers abstract works on canvas in her first Bay-area exhibit titled Felt. Both shows open Friday March 2, 2012, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm and will be on view through April 13, 2012. Betti Ono Gallery is open Wed- Saturday from 12-5pm and by appointment. Favianna Rodriguez is an internationally renowned print maker, a new media artist, and an agitator hailing from Oakland, California. Best known for her political posters and prints, she uses her art as a tool for social change and addresses issues such as racial justice, migrant and immigration rights, and gender and sexual politics in her vibrant and abstract imagery. “Her work not only brings new audiences into the art world by refocusing the cultural lens on the struggle and the celebration of everyday people, it demands that we investigate or own willingness to address our privilege, however small or large, in society whether it be that of a citizen, a student, or an architect,” says gallery owner Anyka Barber. Art Is A Hammer highlights Rodriguez’ radical posters and abstract works dealing with political and women’s themes and brings the artists new creative direction to the fore front through larger than life woodblock prints and mono prints created over several months in residence in Montreal, Canada and at the Anderson Ranch in Snowmass Village, Colorado. Rodriguez describes these newer works as “an experiment in emotional authenticity “ and an “exploration of a playful approach” to art making. In these monumental woodblock prints, some measuring over 6 ft high, thick cut black lines flow over layers of color, patterns and shapes in a loose figurative style. Less confined, these works reflect the artists movement towards a more fluid and freestyle approach. From the artist, “in my work, I explore the full spectrum of artist engagement, from working in collaboration with social movements around the country, to working on personal pieces that reflect my own experiences.” Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a well-sought after educator and lecturer and is the recipient of numerous awards and artist-in-residence appointments. She has shown extensively in museums, cultural centers, and galleries throughout the world including, San Francisco, Mexico City, Toyoko, Mumbai, and London to name a very few. _____________________________________________ In Felt by emerging painter Deirdre Baugh, color reigns supreme. Baugh’s work represents an immediate departure from reality in its depiction, with the artist intentionally abandoning form and structure for large scale abstract expressionist works on canvas. A play on the emotive qualities of color and language, quick gestural strokes move fast across the canvas and handwritten words appear on the surface. Loosely stacked lines float horizontally and vertically over layers of brightly colored backgrounds - evoking a sense of excitement and intensity. Deirdre Baugh is based in Boston, Massachusetts. Honing her painting skills while studying fine art at Clark Atlanta University, the artist works primarily in large scale abstraction and is currently exploring her love for installation. From the artist - “Abstract is the ultimate stimuli of the art world. It evokes feeling, it makes one think and see beyond a photo, painting, or sculpture. This is what I try to accomplish through color, texture, and wording…a feeling. Whatever those thoughts and feelings are can make the art substantial to the viewer. The brighter and richer the color the rawer the feeling it can evoke.” Betti Ono (www.bettiono.com) 1804 Telegraph Avenue Oakland, CA 94612 www.bettiono.com
Art Is Hammer Illusion of Color by Favianna Rodriguez, Betti Ono Gallery