Urs Fischer was born in 1973, in Zurich, Switzerland.

Artist Statement (via Whitney Biennial 2006):

Urs Fischer’s artistic practice is founded on a consideration of the nature of substances, the act of making, and the unpredictable processes that can result from combining the two. With an extraordinarily wide range of materials—Styrofoam, clay, mirrors, fruit, wax, wood, glass, paint, sawdust, and silicone, to name a few—he resuscitates art historical genres such as still lifes, nudes, portraits, and landscapes in potent sculptures that reflect the complexity, wonder, and banality of everyday life. His works reverberate with material transformation and decay as well as with poetic internal collisions and contradictions that cause his sculptures to oscillate between seeming beautiful or ugly, elegant or awkward, graceful or burdened.

See more of Fischer’s work here and here

“Noisette” – mixed medium, 2009

“A Place Called Novosibirsk” – aluminum/epoxy resin, 2007

“Terminus” – acrylic, spray paint & pencil on canvas, 45.5 x 36.75″

From the artist statement that accompanies Clark Goolsby‘s latest show STRANGE/LOVE which is on display through March 12 at the POVevolving Gallery:

In addition to the opaque geometric forms of his previous work, he has added a wide range of figurative elements including human forms, animals, and structures ~ all of which bare the clear identity of being created by the artists hand. While much of the paint used is acrylic, the range of materials in these recent works varies widely, including pens, pencils, markers, and spray paints. In many cases the materials now speak as direct reference to the physicality of the objects they are depicting. All around, the new work is a wonderful progression from his first show with us in 2009.

STRANGE/LOVE will be comprised of a mix of new sculptures and paintings, and for the centerpiece of the exhibition, Clark has constructed an 18ft. long skeletal figure from wood and foam that is suspended by hundreds of colored strings. This piece is the artists’ most significant work to date.

When asked about the conceptual basis for the show, Clark emailed us this as a point of departure for viewing the work: “Overall the whole show is about death and the fragility of life. I am specifically interested in how we maintain optimism in a world that is so full of potentially life ending situations. I have been using the Dead Hand (a doomsday device the Russians built during the Cold War), and many other symbols as metaphors for reflecting on these ideas…”

“Untitled” – mixed media on linen over panel, 18 x 18″

“Trophy” – acrylic, spray paint & pencil on canvas, 45 x 35.5″

See more of Goolsby’s work here

According to OHWOW:

A homecoming of sorts for the California native, “Into Darkness” will feature Neck Face at his nastiest – meaning of course, at his best. Following up 2009′s now legendary performance-cum-exhibition in Miami, the artist sets his sights on Hollywood and brings with him the same energy and originality that has made him a cult favorite. Lock your windows and close your doors. He’s on the loose and there’s no telling what surprises he’ll have in store this Halloween.

Neck Face is an artist who manages to imbue humor into violence, locate amusement in fear, and takes pleasure in rattling nerves. His work is simultaneously sinister and grim, genuine and playful. He toys with the sacrilegious, antagonizes phobias, and triggers insecurities, all with a measure of ambivalence. His distinctive style straddles the line between reckless and deliberate, yet the work maintains a sense of immediacy, and is always provocative. Neck Face posits nightmares, prompts anxiety, and conjures the devil. In doing so, he champions the urge to laugh, rather than retract, at the discomfort felt from the true absurdity of horror. Los Angelenos beware, the artist is (now) present.

Opening reception Sunday, October 31, 2010 7pm.

Niklas Roy‘s workshop is located in an old storefront with a big window facing the street. In an attempt to create more privacy inside, he decided to install a small but technologically savvy curtain to block people’s view. Although the curtain is smaller than the window, with the help of a surveillance camera and software system the curtain recognizes the pedestrians and with a motor attached positions itself exactly where the pedestrians move.

“Split Milk”

Artist Statement:
My ‘Little People Project’ started in 2006. It involves the remodeling and painting of miniature model train set characters, which I then place and leave on the street. It is both a street art installation project and a photography project. The street-based side of my work plays with the notion of surprise and I aim to encourage city-dwellers to be more aware of their surroundings. The scenes I set up, more evident through the photography, and the titles I give these scenes aim to reflect the loneliness and melancholy of living in a big city, almost being lost and overwhelmed. But underneath this, there is always some humor. I want people to be able to empathize with the tiny people in my works.

“They’re not pets, Susan” – Primrose Hill, London, 2007

“Overpowered”

“Relics”

See more of Slinkachu’s work here

We are doing the roundup a little differently this week, we are using our new calendar system to track art events. So, please click This Link to View the Art Roundup

• Art On The Clock
The Lawrence Percolator (940 New Hampshire in Lawrence, KS)
Friday, September 24, 5-8pm

From the organizers:
Work. It’s something we can’t escape. Whether it’s the search for it, muddling through it, or the elusive act of enjoying it, the Lawrence Percolator is looking for work about Work. “art on the clock” is a show dedicated to that buzzing activity we do on a daily basis. Post-it doo…dles, MS Paint artwork to pass the time, fully-realized sketches on the backs of receipt paper, sculptures or collages made from the detritus of your job, or even work made off the clock that is concerned with the topic of your job, or lack therof. Wage slaves! Corporate climbers! The recently unemployed! Show us your creative outlet from the hours not your own, or too much your own. Curated remotely by Jill Ensley.

There will be a space in the exhibition for those wishing to contribute their work art, doodles, post-its, etc. We’ll have cubicle walls and push pins for you to add your piece to the show! You can contribute on Opening Reception night, Linked Reception Night, or any time the Percolator is open (Sat/Sun 12-6pm).

This show is being held in conjunction with a juried photography show in New Orleans entitled, “WoRK” at the New Orleans Photo Alliance. Both shows will have additional receptions on October 23 and be linked via web-cam. More info on the New Orleans Photo Alliance here: http://neworleansphotoalliance.org/

Update: Be a part of a Percolator performance piece and group photo from 5-6pm. Show up at the Percolator, 5pm, and we’ll give you directions. The first 24 participants get a free t-shirt and a free beer!

Banksy hits England’s Brighton Pier with a “reconditioned dolphin ride with crude oil and a tuna net.”

Click here to see it in action.

Click here to see more of Banksy’s new work.

FRIDAY AUGUST 27

• Final Fridays in Downtown Lawrence, Kansas
Downtown Lawrence (Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS)
Friday, August 27, 5-8pm

Lawrence’s first Final Fridays, a monthly celebration of the arts. Final Fridays will be presented by the Downtown Lawrence Arts District.

The gallery walk will include 15 commercial galleries as well as a number of local merchants who will take part in Final Fridays by hosting live music or displaying art. A few empty retail spaces will become “flash galleries” filled with temporary exhibits by local artists. Look for the bright yellow flags that signify a venue’s participation.

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Art event locations and participants for this month include:

739 Massachusetts Street
Flash Space, formerly Maurices
Group show presented by B.A.L.M (ongoing through September 17 by appointment)
From the organizers:
Opening reception for b.a.l.m. TRANS•parent TRANS•lucent. This is a group show exploring the idea of translucency and transparency curated by Darin M. White. Featuring works by Leah Busch, Jon Cowan, Christina Dostaier, TR Ericsson, Matthew Farley, Tyson Gough, Rex Hausmann, Vincent Leandro, Keith Lemley, David Parker, Andy Norquist, Debra Seeger, Linnea Spransy Shannon White, and Marc Wiegand.

1109 Gallery (Lawrence Art Guild)
1109 Massachusetts
According to the 1109 Gallery Facebook page, they will have “wine and cheese, great art and fun” as well as a “use your mom’s grocery bag for a book” art making activity from 5-8pm, $3 including all materials. Not sure what this all entails, but we do like, wine, cheese, art, and fun! Lawrence Art Guild’s Member Show of over 40 members work is currently on display through August 29.

Aimee’s Café & Coffeehouse
1025 Massachusetts
Paintings by Steve Swaggert, reception presented by South Massachusetts Art Guild

photo by Jeffrey Stephens

Bourgeois Pig
6 E 9th Street
Baby Heads 02 by Wayne Propst
From the organizers:
FREE HOT DOGS!

Twisty Bracelet by Makenna Bartel

Diane’s Artisan Gallery
4 E 7th Street
From the organizers:
Trunk show of jewelry by Makenna Bartel

Eccentricities
716 Massachusetts
Paintings by David Gross, Barbara Cleary, Hooshang Khorasani, and Shelly Bedsaul.

The Eldridge Hotel
701 Massachusetts
Artists displaying in the Crystal Ballroom include Stan Herd, Clare Doveton, Zac Barnes, John Stephen Howard, Louis Copt and Donna Dennis. A trio from The Lawrence Chamber Orchestra to perform in the lobby along with specials in the Jayhawker and TEN Restaurant.

The Etc. Shop
928 Massachusetts
Frank Lloyd Wright Collection items on display and for sale

Global Cafe
820 Massachusetts
Paintings by stained-glass artist Vivian Faulkner

Hobbs Taylor Lofts
730 New Hampshire
Installation by Zaguar (Zach Hangauer), owner of Rangelife Records

Invisible Hand Gallery
801 1/2 Massachusetts
Closing reception of Mask-Portraits by Jeromy Morris

It’s About Time
816 Massachusetts
Going out of business sale, 40% off metal works for your yard and home

by Jennifer Jarnot

Lawrence Arts Center
840 New Hampshire
Stan Herd and Simon Cardova photographs (ongoing through September 26)
From the organizers:
Stan Herd will exhibit photos and materials connected with the creation of the earthwork piece, “Countryside” while Simon Cardova will show photographs of the making of the film Earthwork.
Jennifer Jarnot, Reconstructing the Paint-by-Number
From the organizers: My recent paintings take their cue from my fascination for the nostalgia of popular culture, particularly those items that were influential, i.e., the stuff of one’s childhood, toys, books, and games.

Lawrence Percolator
Alley behind LAC at 840 New Hampshire
You Can’t Scare Me, I’m a Teacher! opening reception. Featuring artwork by art teachers from USD 497.

Lawrence Public Library
707 Vermont
Paintings by Dian Hauser in the main gallery
Insect Art by Katie Van Blaricum in the entrances
Jewelery by Rachael Sudlow in the library cases
Pencil, charcoal and pastel sketches by Stephanie Barrows in the lower level
All shows are ongoing through August 30

Love Garden Sounds
822 Massachusetts
I’m OK, Art Quilts by Hannah T Johnson (ongoing through September 2)

Mirth Cafe
745 New Hampshire
Photography by Matt Needham

Pachamamas Restaurant
800 New Hampshire
Acrylic paintings by Liberty Hollis

People’s Optical
737 Massachusetts
Paintings by Marilyn Horsch

Phoenix Gallery
919 Massachusetts
Highlighting local artists represented by the gallery

Signs of Life Gallery
722 Massachusetts
Through the Artists’ Eyes: Landscape Interpreted, paintings by Rodney Troth, Elizabeth Rowley and Deb Schroer

Through A Glass Productions
1009 New Hampshire, Suite A
Screening of Cigar By Car by local filmmaker Marlo Angell.
From the organizers: The sleepy day of a cigar attendant is disrupted when he follows a young shoplifter through a mystical cow pasture.  When the cows break free of the fence that binds them, Genius Grass finds the spirit to reclaim his youth and wake up to life.

Van Go Mobile Arts
Flash Space, formerly Arensburgs Shoe Store at 825 Massachusetts
Live mural painting from 5-8pm by students and teachers from Van Go

WheatFields Bakery and Café
904 Vermont
Paintings by Barbara Reid

White Chocolate Skateboards & More
933 Massachusetts
Photography by J. C. Cirese (ongoing through August 30)

by Sighn

Wonder Fair Art Gallery
803 1/2 Massachusetts
No One Knows How Deep This Goes, featuring the work of Sighn (Matthew Hoffman), text-based object installation

Update: New Art Space Opens Its Doors
Quintessential Gallery
512 East 9th Street, Lawrence, Kansas
“Quintessential Gallery” opens its doors for the first time to help ring in the inaugural Final Friday event in Lawrence, Kansas.  Founded August 1, 2010, Quintessential Gallery will be showcasing work by the gallery’s founding artists and Fresh Produce Art Collective members. Traditional and new, the works included are an eclectic mix of mediums from fabric, paint, photography and more.

Exhibiting Artists:
Brent Teufel – Bobbie Powell – Erok Johanssen – Leo Hayden – Rachel Herring –
Fresh Produce Art Collective
Exhibition curator(s):   Leo Hayden, Erok Johanssen and Bobbi Powell

Quintessential Gallery is comprised of five local artists who believe in sharing art with the community.  Located in a shared space with Anam Cara – A Healing Resource Center, Quintessential Gallery is devoted to the continuing creation and exhibition of new work.

FRIDAY AUGUST 20

Voler Aerial Artists

• Lawrence Busker Festival
Downtown Lawrence (Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS)
Friday, August 20, 12-9pm (Ongoing until August 22nd)
Street performers will invade downtown Lawrence to delight young and old throughout the weekend. Performances include fire dancing, juggling, sword swallowing, magic, aerial dance, fire eating, music, acrobatics, hula hoop dance, belly dance, living statues, puppets, chalk art, face painting, and balloon art. www.lawrencebuskerfest.com

“Who Created Yo Ass?” Brass, Aluminum, and Rhinestones by Dylan Mortimer

• Peace Be With Yo Asses
KU Art and Design Gallery (1467 Jayhawk Boulevard in Lawrence, KS)
Friday, August 20, All Day (Ongoing through September 10)
From the organizers: A collection of Dylan Mortimer’s work from the last 3 years. Dylan’s work explores how private faith functions in the public sphere. It investigates the role of private faith outside of the self. www.dylanmortimer.com

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FRIDAY AUGUST 27

• Final Fridays in Downtown Lawrence, Kansas
Downtown Lawrence (Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS)
Friday, August 27, 5-8pm

From the organizers:
Lawrence’s first Final Fridays, a monthly celebration of the arts. Final Fridays will be presented by the Downtown Lawrence Arts District.

The gallery walk will include 15 commercial galleries as well as a number of local merchants who will take part in Final Fridays by hosting live music or displaying art. A few empty retail spaces will become “flash galleries” filled with temporary exhibits by local artists.

Art event locations and participants include:
Peoples Optical (Marilyn Horsch, paintings)
Love Garden Sounds (Hannah T. Johnson, art quilts)
WheatFields Bakery and Café
Teller’s Restaurant and Bar
Pachamamas Restaurant
Mirth Cafe
Global Cafe
The Eldridge Hotel
Aimee’s Café
715 Restaurant
Van Go Mobile Arts
Through A Glass Productions
Signs of Life Gallery (Rodney Troth, Elizabeth Rowley and Deb Schroer, landscapes)
Phoenix Gallery
Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Percolator
Lawrence Arts Center (Stan Herd and Simon Cardova, photography)
Framewoods Gallery
Diane’s Artisan Gallery (Makenna Bartel, jewlery)
Wonder Fair Art Gallery and How! (Matthew Hoffman, text-based object installation)
739 Massachusetts Street – Flash Space, formerly Maurices (Group show presented by B.A.L.M)

Much more information about Final Fridays in Downtown Lawrence to come!