On the first Thursday of every month hundreds of people head to Pioneer Square to view the latest art shows. Seattle’s oldest neighborhood is home to dozens of galleries and first Thursday is when they often showcase new exhibitions and artists from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Parking is free for artwalk visitors at Frye Garage (117 3rd Ave S) Butler Garage (114 James Street) 450 Alaskan (450 Alaskan Way - entrance on King Street). Here are a few shows you may want to check out on Jan. 3.
“Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India” at Seattle Art Museum
“Peacock in the Desert” is an opulent and impressive show from start to finish. The exhibit sprawls across two floors at Seattle Art Museum. Approximately 250 works of art from India are displayed. They include paintings, sculptures, jewelry and weaponry.
From the gallery: “Established in the 15th century, the kingdom of Marwar-Jodhpur in the northwestern state of Rajasthan continues to innovate support for the arts into the 21st century. Highlights of the lavish exhibition include a re-creation of a royal wedding procession featuring majestically adorned life-size elephant and horse mannequins; a rare and elaborate 17th-century tent; dozens of intricate Rajput and Mughal-era paintings; and a splendid 18th-century carved-wood and glass palanquin, known as the Mahadol, used to transport the maharaja and queens.”
“Peacock” is a collaboration between the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Mehrangarh Museum Trust of Jodhpur. The show wraps up at the end of January then moves on the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. Read our write-up of the exhibition, "Seattle Art Museum exhibition ‘Peacock in the Desert’ offers an immersive experience of South Asian art and life" before you head to SAM.
WHAT: “Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India”
WHEN: Runs until Jan. 21, 2019, tickets are half price on First Thursday
WHERE: Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave., Seattle
“Escapism from LA” at SOIL gallery
For decades Californians have left the Golden State for the wet climate of the Pacific Northwest. While transplants may draw the ire of locals, that hasn’t stopped droves of people from relocating. “Escapism from LA” is a group exhibition exploring the flight to Seattle, Portland and other areas.
From the gallery: “Aside from job and housing opportunities, these places are also perceived as a haven for counter-cultures, independent thought and are more connected to lush, expansive nature. Longtime Seattleites complain about the increased congestion caused by rampant urbanization and corporatization, plus a rise in homelessness and drug use. ‘Escapism from LA’ presents artists from these two cities who explore a broad notion of escape. For some it is an opportunity for personal growth and spiritual revolution, but for others it can be a vortex that can swallow body, mind and soul via drugs, cults, depression and other side effects of the search for the American Dream.”
Participating artists: Nola Avienne, Seann Brackin, Jane Callister, Sijia Chen, Emily Counts, Alex Couwenberg, Tom Dunn, Roni Feldman, David French, Elizabeth Gahan, Yvette Gellis, Jimi Gleason, Cable Griffith, Ben Jackel, Jeffry Mitchell, Steven Wolkoff
WHAT: “Escapism from LA”
WHEN: Opens First Thursday 6 – 8 p.m., runs until Feb. 2
WHERE: SOIL gallery, 112 Third Ave. S., Seattle
“Wallflower” and “70 Years On” at Shift Gallery
“Wallflower” from Kara Mia Fenoglietto is a conceptual fashion installation challenging the traditional tropes of femininity. “70 Years On” showcases photography from Liz Patterson.
From the gallery: “Designer Kara Mia Fenoglietto’s hand-sewn garments explore feelings of anxiety and entrapment using patterns and themes associated with homemaking accessories mass marketed to women. It’s a world where the prosaic becomes oppressive — in one piece, a vintage nightgown becomes a symbol of limitation. Though fashion isn’t often immediately thought of as a form of protest art, Fenoglietto hopes these pieces will provoke conversation about gender stereotypes and the liberation of breaking them.”
Liz Patterson statement: “Seventy years ago, Eleanor Roosevelt chaired the United Nations committee that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In celebration of this historic landmark in time, the Paris-based non-profit organization, Poster For Tomorrow, culls new work from world renowned graphic designers, prompting them to shine new light on human rights.”
WHAT: “Wallflower” and “70 Years On”
WHEN: Opens First Thursday 5– 8 p.m., runs until Jan. 26
WHERE: Shift Gallery, 312 S Washington St., Seattle
Lisa Edge is a Staff Reporter covering arts, culture and equity. Have a story idea? She can be reached at lisae (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Follow Lisa on Twitter @NewsfromtheEdge
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