Tag: archive

In early 2005 the Anti-Advertising Agency recorded hours of interviews and conversations with people on the street as well as selected individuals in advertising, conservation, and social criticism. Drawing from these interviews, Agency members Sara Dierck, Michael Dodge, and Steve Lambert compiled short clips designed to inspire thoughtful consideration on the role of advertising in our everyday life. The resulting clips raise many questions about the effect advertising has in our culture and vary in tone from humorous to serious, silly to chilling, and the simply stated to the profound.

How do you think advertising influences your daily life?

What would you like to see instead of advertising? 

For more information, visit: http://antiadvertisingagency.com

Portraits and studies from the museum. Charcoal, conte, sauce, china ink, coffee, beet juice.

Artist Statement: Sometimes I feel I want to be an artist, although sometimes I do not. Sometimes I think I do not express feelings, but it would be wrong to deny it. Because when I’m separated from them I know they belong to me. It’s a part of me. If I did not draw, it would not come out. It could be good or bad, but it is me. I ask myself, why am I doing art? I do not have the answer. I just can not stop.

Ken explores the life and achievements of one basketball hero nicknamed
“Yellow Fever” (because his game was sick) in a series of farcical biographical
videos. His video addresses how race and gender interact with urban and
pop-culture identities. In a completely un-politically correct way Ken exaggerates social stereotypes to both hilarious and socially poignant ends. At times you unsure if you should let out the laughter, shield your eyes in judgment, or start up a discussion with the person next to you about how we still live in a racist culture.

“Not long ago, the marketing of Michael Jordan –in his ability to “transcend”
color– established the standard for assimilation into the dominant culture. “Crossover appeal” became a euphemism for whitewashing. Basketball culture these days, however, being heavily influenced by the hip-hop atmosphere impermeating it, adopts an incredibly contrary attitude. Ethnicity, and everything else, runs pronounced and uncompromised. In presenting the new embodiments of masculinity, and assimilation, the accessible, confrontational stance, and self-aggrandizement of hip-hop proves seductive. These days, everyone wants to be a baller or a rapper.” – Ken Lo

Components of the exhibition:

Widow Installation Site:
The full length video from the Rice Balla Chronicles will be on display
in the window as well as some large scale poster “promoting” the video.

Podcast:
Excerpts from Rice Balla Chronicles will be available for viewing &
downloading on-line at www.atasite.org/podcast.

Public TV Broadcast:
Excerpts from Rice Balla Chronicles will be aired on SF Public TV Station
29, on January 13 at 10pm.

Reception-night interactive Installation:
On the night of the opening in the main space, Ken will exhibit, an
electronic, orientalized, gigantic basketball hoop for audiences to
practice their jumpshot on. Participants will be given 60 seconds to
score as many baskets as possible, at the end of which, a fortune will be
dispensed in correspondence with their promise and ability as a
basketball star.