With so many things to do in San Francisco, it's easy to miss the many fantastic art exhibits and shows that pass through smaller galleries, as opposed to big museum shows. While it's nearly impossible for even the most ardent art lover to see it all, we've once again curated a collection of must see exhibits currently (or soon to be) gracing the walls of San Francisco's finest art spaces. Plan accordingly.
Sally Mann: "Emmett, Jessie, and Virginia," Jenkins Johnson Gallery
Time magazine named Sally Mann the country's best photographer in 2001, so her first solo exhibition is a thrill indeed. Lucky for us, Mann is bringing this show to San Francisco. The exhibition's focus is on Mann's three children, Emmett, Jessie and Virginia, whom Mann cheekily describes as her "artistic accomplices." May 5 through July 9, Jenkins Johnson Gallery, 464 Sutter Street, SF
Ai Weiwei: "Overrated," Haines Gallery
World-renowned Chinese activist and artist Ai Weiwei is no stranger to San Francisco. His stunning exhibit throughout Alcatraz took the city by storm last year. Weiwei's controversial art returns to the city this month in an important exhibit that explores history, abuses of power and challenging authority (as per usual). Through July 2, Haines Gallery, 49 Geary Street, SF
Val Britton: "Transmissions," Gallery Wendi Norris
Who doesn't love to check out the latest works for local artists? Bay Arean Val Britton returns to Gallery Wendi Norris with painted collages, paper columns and her first ever free-standing sculptural work. Fans of bold color will be especially interested in catching the latest from Britton, who goes BIG when it comes to her artwork. Through July 5, Gallery Wendi Norris, 161 Jessie Street, SF
Inyoung Seoung: "He-li-o-trop-ic," The Midway
"Meticulous" and "pristine" are adjectives often used to describe the ink drawings of Korean-born artist Inyong Seoung. While we're certainly excited to see Seoung's first solo show in San Francisco, we're especially anxious to check out the artist's site-specific mural made with black electrical tape. Through June 30, The Midway, 900 Marin Street, SF
Christian Marclay: "Six New Animations," Fraenkel Gallery
For this show's worldwide debut right here in San Francisco, London-based artist Christian Marclay photographed thousands of images of garbage on the street and then edited his stills into a series of short videos. Think old-school flip-books meets... litter. These six short sequences take street photography to a really interesting place. Through June 25, Fraenkel Gallery, 49 Geary Street, SF
"Safe at Home: A Short Survey of Baseball Art," Bedford Gallery
Who says sports fans can't be into fine art? Not us! Baseball comes alive in this game-changing exhibit featuring historic and contemporary art all centered around America's favorite pastime. In addition to baseball-themed works from dozens of artists, expect to see memorabilia from Joe DiMaggio's estate, as well as fascinating photos from the vintage series "Linedrives and Lipstick: The Untold Story of Women’s Baseball." Through June 12, Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek