Gallery Show has Bohemian Charm: Opening of "Erotica 2008" at MOCA DC

[rrebold]

Friday night's (Mar 7th) opening "Erotica 2008" at the MOCA DC Gallery in Georgetown proved to be an event beyond most static art openings.  In a single evening, guests were treated to two on-location nude photography demonstrations, witnessed two body paintings, and got to see a variety of erotic art on the walls including paintings, photography, drawings, mixed media, sculpture, and textiles.  The gallery is right off the canal tow path in an area that is vaguely reminiscent of Amsterdam; this seems appropriate since the current show has a touch of that city's bohemian charm. 



This is not a show for the kids; some of the art goes beyond nudity to real or implied sexual acts.  It is a show for any adult with a libido: men, women, gays, and straights should be able to find something of interest here for their sensual content and their artistry. From MOCA DC's website, its clear that they are a venue for emerging artists, so it fits that the art runs the gamut from advanced beginner to polished professional. 



The show makes good use of the none too large gallery's space with most of the show on the walls of the main room, some in a front reception area and the more explicit pieces behind a curtain off the main gallery.  The body painting took place in another curtained alcove off the main gallery.  This is where makeup artist Kawanna painted two models in very different styles.




Several of the exhibiting artists were talkative about their art and their experiences.  Joel Fassler, a serious amateur photographer based in Washington, DC, mentioned that he's been taking pictures since the 1950's.  In recent years, he has concentrated on the Figurative Arts.  He noted the model in one of his hanging pieces was a former Penthouse Pet.



A corner of the gallery was taken up with bondage paintings by Richard Takeuchi, a long time friend of the gallery, who recently passed away. 



In addition to conducting the nude photo demos, pro-photographer Jerry Harke had a number of photographs in the show; some of which were in the "back room."



Another pro-photographer collaborating with Harke at the opening; John Korb had half a wall of female nude photographs and a few in the back room as well.  He's all but given up on ink jet prints and thinks Costco's prints are a better deal, higher quality, and more archival.



Besides being an attentive host, gallery director David Quammen seems to foster the positive open environment that allows experimentation and creativity.  A figure model himself, Quammen certainly created a buzz with the mostly female models, however the large turn out was only slightly more than half men.   It was also a surprisingly mature demographic of people in there late 30's to early 60's with a scattering of twenty somethings.  As they were coming in, a group of three mature women asked "would there be any more nude male models tonight?" 



Among the three female models, there seemed to be a variety of comfort levels with photography: one said no photos, that she was only doing this for the experience, another was ok with a few well-planned shots, while a third exclaimed that "I love to be photographed in the nude...I'm an exhibitionist!"

ARTDC was represented by the gallery director, FigureArtist, some of Raju Singh's photographs, and this reviewer.



"Erotica 2008" runs from March 8 to April 5; with a repeat performance of the body painting at the gallery on March 21 from 6:00 - 9:00 or later.  For additional info:
 
MOCA DC
1054 31st Street NW
In Canal Square
Georgetown - Washington, DC  20007
http://www.mocadc.org/index.html
202.342.6230



End.

A more recent exhibit at the MOCA DC Gallery is reviewed here:
http://artdc.org/forum/index.php?topic=12354.0

[Jesse]

Great review.  MOCA  DC plays an important roll in DC's cultural tapestry!  I'm happy to see artdc.org members in the show, and glad to see you there to write about it!  MOCA DC has open arms towards the DC community, and even provides an environment for shows that might not happen elsewhere.  They add a bit of spice to it all.

[Lights_Shadows]

Thanks for mentioning me and posting my images !!!!
Unfortunately, I could not make it for the opening.
Seems to ahve been great !
Cheers

Raju

[BarryS]

Excellent review Rhett!  This is the kind of coverage that you wouldn't see anywhere else and you gave a great feel for the opening event and the show.  Super editorial photography to illustrate the piece as well.  Keep em coming!

[rrebold]

Thanks Barry,

Tough duty, but someone has to do it.

Cheers!

[a-Ibañez]

Great review, enhance every one participation. Congratulations 

[JRFassler]

I appreciate the review but the comment that I have a thriving wedding and portrait photography business is in error.  I do not have and have never had such a business - pehaps someone else made that comment.

[rrebold]

Sorry about that and many thanks for the correction, I have updated the review.

[Jesse]

artdc.org Get's noted in the Wonkette:
http://wonkette.com/406768/erotic-art-show-to-officially-finally-get-dc-laid

Cool.

[rrebold]

Nice publicity and write up in Wonkette!  Have to say I'm a little more fond of my picts...

[Jesse]

The world is reading your writing Rhett!  That's wonderful. 
I do see some real traffic coming in from the link.