It's A BANner Year

Comments (0) By Hiya Swanhuyser Wednesday, Jul 9 2008

At "Bay Area Now 5" — arguably the most important San Francisco art exhibit since the last one in '05 — the big names aren't the draw. Instead, it's the little guys that pack the place. For those of us with one eye trained on the local art scene, of course, there are no little guys, just talented people who are underexposed. Misako Inaoka, for example: We've seen her work many times, and our favorite was her solo show at Steven Wirtz Gallery, with its many, many meticulously whitened animatronic motion-sensor mutants. Oh, except we also loved her contribution to a group show at Queen's Nails Annex, the one that forced everyone to climb up a ladder and poke their heads through a hole in the ceiling to see a lush green landscape with surprises in it. She's only one of 22 incredible contributors to this giant show, which encompasses not only most of the vast YBCA galleries and grounds, but also extends to walking tours around town and a satellite show at Queen's Nails.

More About

The exhibit's opening night party involves an interactive sound installation by cellist Joan Jeanrenaud and artist Alessandro Moruzzi, musical performances by T.I.T.S. and Port O'Brien, and really good people-watching. It starts at 8 p.m.
July 19-Nov. 16, 2008