But with gorgeous and diverse people milling about!
Favorite BeachGrit contributor and podcast host David Lee Scales went to the Kelly Slater art show Apolitical Process last night in Venice, California because I could not be bothered. God bless him. If you do not listen to his Surf Splendor then you are an asshole. And without further ado…
Interesting night. I still have no idea what Kelly’s involvement was. He didn’t produce any of the art. The people were stunningly beautiful and the party was very well attended. I’m glad I went, but I got my fill in 10 minutes.
The vast majority of the exhibit was Bruce Reynolds’ work; which was very uninteresting to me. It’s an attempt at a political statement, a commentary on the absurdity of the 2016 presidential campaign in the US. The works are essentially sculptures, made of found items with a lot cultural touchstones and corporate brand references. I don’t get it. I wasn’t provoked. It just simply didn’t compel me.
Bruce’s most interesting pieces were the gun sculptures; utilizing essentially the same process as mentioned above, but with all the found items affixed to a wood canvas for display on a wall.
Kevin Ancell’s Orca Boards were the highlight for me. Each board is dedicated to a friend of Kelly’s who has died. Kevin Ancell used a paint pen to write that person’s name in repetition on the board in black and white ink to mimic the color pattern of an orca whale. Kelly’s ridden each of the boards (some famously). Several are broken. Each board is fascinating to stare at, but displayed as a single installation makes the statement even more powerful. The fact that the boards have been ridden, by Kelly no less, adds even more gravity. Love that display.
Todd Glaser had a few images that were printed on some sort of metallic canvas. I love Todd and his work. These images were beautiful, but I’m not sure how they fit into the exhibit. Nevertheless, I was glad he was there.
Kelly arrived midway through the evening and was swarmed with fans trying to get iPhone photos. His silly shoes were the highlight of the evening for me, although I don’t think anyone else noticed (more on this coming right up!). He spent most of time being interviewed by Vice and other outlets.
The people in attendance were so beautiful and such a diverse bunch. Everyone was very kind and happy. All in all, a great turn out and a great event. The exhibit on the other hand, unfocused and unless you happen to be in Venice, not too exciting.
In your last podcast that you did with Scott Bass you read a letter send in by a Bob! He nailed the problem with surfing in the olympics perfectly! Take a bow Bob!
Yeah, besides an actual Trump supporter, the person I might be least interested in seeing “politically inspired” art curated by is Kelly “jet fuel can’t melt steel beams” Slater.
That said, I’d love to check out those orca boards. Other than Sion and Todd Chesser, who are the names on them?
I don’t know if just me but cant tolerate jeans/pants whatever with the white shoe – just smacks of fashion dyslexia.
I often think those wearing socks with any form of sandal are retarded as well and often try to engage in conversation just to see if my theory is correct – its 50/50 with retards and euro backpackers
KELLY SLATER SHOULD PAINT HIS HEAD LIKE A GIANT PENIS.
Kolohe will say “I spy.. something …?” In their next heat together.
“Don’t look now, but behind you is that creepy guy I saw taking a photo of Kellys feet”
Sure seems we spend a lot of time reading/writing and talking about Kelly. Starting to wonder if he deserves that much of my time? I know the answer to my own question.
For this reason alone is why I don’t tell people i’m a surfer. Cringeworthy. All of it. Peter Beard they are not.
Ke11y must have snuck into Chas’ shoe closet and stolen those kicks… The Champ has no fashion sense, only a fashion company.