PRESS RELEASE:
"Good Coffee, Bad News": Elizabeth Sher’s Latest Art Exhibition Explores The Climate Crisis Through Beauty and Wit
Oakland, CA. Aug. 22, 2023 – Renowned artist Elizabeth Sher seamlessly merges her personal anxieties and the pulse of the current era in her latest exhibition, "Good Coffee, Bad News." Through her captivating artwork, Sher presents a unique avenue for viewers to engage with the complexities of modern times, employing a dash of humor and beauty to make grappling with challenging news more palatable.
The exhibition will be displayed at Mercury 20 Gallery, 472-25th St., Oakland from Oct. 20 to November 25th, 2023. The gallery is open Fridays and Saturdays from 12-5pm and by appointment. The closing reception will be Nov 18th from 3-5pm. Light refreshments will be served.
In "Good Coffee, Bad News," Sher presents "Morning Joe," a vast wall mural measuring 6.5 by 11.5 feet. This mural encapsulates the tranquil elegance of daybreaks as observed from her window, artfully contrasted with a surrounding border of news headlines that highlight the pressing apprehensions regarding climate change. Initially exuding a sense of joy, the artwork's impact gradually evolves as the border of headlines serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-looming climate crisis, evoking a subtle undercurrent of unease and concern.
Within this solo exhibition, you'll also find "Plenty for Some," a reflective video that delves into the complex topic of food insecurity. This video interweaves stunning visuals of abundant, overflowing produce contrasted with statistics shedding light on the stark reality of inadequate access to nourishment.
In addition, Sher presents twelve abstract watercolors from her series, "It Dawned on Me." And "Three Bags Full,” drawings on paper incorporating hand-drawn headlines spotlighting fires, floods, and storms. These images build upon her fascination with the interplay between written words and visual art, an exploration she initiated in her previous solo showcase, "Mark My Words," hosted at Mercury 20 Gallery in 2022.
Elizabeth Sher's ability to navigate the delicate balance between personal introspection and the pressing issues of our time is a testament to her artistic prowess. "Good Coffee, Bad News" stands as a poignant reminder that art possesses the power to enlighten, challenge, and ultimately transform our understanding of the world around us.
In addition, artists Pantea Karimi and Sara Litch will also be having solo exhibitions at Mercury 20.
About Elizabeth Sher:
Elizabeth Sher is a long-time Bay Area artist and filmmaker and is Professor of Art Emeritus at California College of Art. As a visionary creative, she possesses the ability to seamlessly integrate contemporary concerns into visually captivating artworks. Sher follows a series-based approach, drawing a parallel with musicians who create thematically different albums. With a touch of humor and a keen eye for the interplay of words and visuals, exhibitions have consistently pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally and is in the permanent collections of SFMOMA, BAMPGFA, The Museum of California, Fine Arts Museum, De Saisset Museum, and many private collections.
Website: elizabethsherart.com
Social Media: instagram.com/elizabethsher_artandfilm