I’m so thankful for artists everywhere. Art is one of the fundamental facets of interesting travel for me. Whether I’m admiring architecture, murals or spending time in a gallery, the people in this world who take the time to create beautiful things truly do enhance it. And so with that, I share with you the news that Barry McGee currently has an exhibit running at the Berkeley Art Museum that seems worth checking out if you’re in the area. Laughing Squid wrote about the exhibit and stated that McGee will be displaying artwork created as long ago as the 1980s. From painted bottles to a recreated bodega, this exhibit appeals to all senses. The Berkeley Art Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday in Berkeley, California.
Artists make childhood dreams a reality with an interactive land submarine
While this submarine may not go underwater, it certainly has a lot of features. Five Ton Crane, a San Francisco Bay Area collective arts group, has created a life-sized vessel called The Nautilus in West Oakland, California, that not only has built-in iPad technology, a library, GPS navigation, hydraulic drive controls, a night vision periscope, and a full bar, but also the ability to defend against enemies with a Harpoon gun water cannon that shoots up to 13 gallons per minute.
The retro-futuristic art installation was built in line with the idea of steampunk, meaning that the submarine is a design of the past with the future in mind. Alan Rorie, one of the Five Ton Crane artists who also happens to have a Ph.D in Neuroscience from Stanford University, explains it perfectly by saying, “Let’s imagine that technology was a little bit more advanced in the Victorian and Edwardian time. What would that be like?”
While there is an emphasis on technology, the artists also make sure to focus on craftsmanship, creating a look that appears hand-built (because it is) instead of machine-made.
This isn’t the first big kid’s toy that Five Ton Crane has created. Other pieces include a gigantic tree house and the Raygun Gothic Rocketship, which is currently on display along San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront. If you dreamed about it as a child, chances are Five Ton Crane will make it a tangible reality.
For a better idea of the project, check out this video:
The Nautilus submarine from Oakland North on Vimeo.
New record-inspired art exhibit in the airport of San Francisco, California
Those who find themselves traveling through San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from October 8, 2011- March 12, 2012, will be happy to hear they will be able to take in some art and culture while waiting for their flight. Located beyond security screening at Terminal 2 you can find Revolutions per Minute: The Evolution of the Record, which illustrates the evolution of the record as well as displays a variety of album artwork from different musical genres. See wind-up phonographs, old record players, and designs from artists like Andy Warhol and Jim Flora. Viewing of the exhibit is free.
Art is nothing new to SFO, which houses the SFO Museum. This museum was established in 1980 by the Airport Commission in order to educate the public as well as humanize the airport and display the unique culture of San Francisco. What makes it really special is that it is the only accredited airport museum to date. In fact, you can find about 20 different galleries throughout the San Francisco International Airport, all with rotating exhibits.