On View: “Tired Hands” Group Show at Goodmother Gallery

Chris Blackstock. Photo courtesy of the artist.

The Bay Area is in constant change and, as many people know, San Francisco’s art scene is filled with stories of fleeing artists and depressingly high rents. It’s not all bad news, though. This past weekend, a new gallery opened its doors in Oakland to a packed house full of young new artists and veteran gallery-goers alike. Good Mother Gallery debuted with a tremendously diverse group show titled “Tired Hands,” proving once again that there’s still room for new art spaces to open, even in a troubling economic climate.

“Tired Hands” boasts a jam-packed line-up featuring the likes of Mission school painter Alicia McCarthy, street artists Apex and Brett Flanigan, and illustrator Jason Jagel. The exhibition was a bold first step for this DIY space. Alongside the more established artists were some new faces, like the recent San Francisco Art Institute grad Mario Ayala and Oakland based printmaker Ryan Whelan. Curated by its three owners, Calvin Wong, Jared Jethmal, and Ian Jethmal, “Tired Hands” presented a varied display of painting, photography and illustration from over 50 skilled artists. Spanning multiple styles and aesthetics, the exhibition showcased prominent work from most every contemporary facet, resulting in a wide creative spectrum.

All photos taken by the author exclusively for Hi-Fructose except where otherwise noted.

John Wentz