Gallery 291 : Beth Moon - Savage Garden.

Review by R.W. Miller: Contradicting the expectation of nature as peaceful and healing, Beth Moon focuses on plants from the dark side. The Venus Fly Trap and comparably carnivorous plants capture insects and digest them rather than use them solely to pollinate other flowers. The stark images in black and white have an almost gothic intensity. We may enjoy going for a walk in the country or gardening, but what we see and use is what has survived. Evolution can be accepted emotionally by it's critics by pointing out that what we still see in the wild, despite all its magnificence of design, is not what was created, but rather what has survived.

Comment by AB: An unabashed unapologetic Karl Blossfeldt knock-off. The good news? The gallery directly overlooks Union Square and the official San Francisco Christmas tree lighting ceremony is going on below.

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The Luggage Store Gallery : Bobby Hutton Memorial Benefit.

Artists: Joe Brook, Jon Brumit, Monica Canilao, Cuba, Date Farmers, Emory Douglas, John Dwyer, Matt Gonzalez, Barry McGee, Jessie Michaels, Julio Cesar Morales, Shay Nowick, Shaun O'Dell, Nicole Okumu, Trevor Paglen, Kottie Paloma, Kamau Amu Patton, Hilary Pecis, Ricardo Richey, Rigo 23, Sham Saenz, Andrew Schoultz, Lucien Shaipiro, Swoon, Ana Teresa Fernandez, Tracy Timmins. Organized by Sham Saenz.

Comment by AB: Estimable selection of art is offered for sale to benefit the Bobby Hutton Memorial Foundation. Proceeds go to support artist fees to create a sculpture of Bobby Hutton for Oakland's De Fremery Park. Plus special added bonus-- there's a fascinating show of vintage Black Panther era images and memorabilia. Tonight's event is exceptionally well attended including artists, activists, aficionados, historians, and venerable Black Panther notables from back in the day.

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