By the Numbers

While the master painters of the past are often romanticized for their singular virtuosity, many great artists throughout the course of history created their masterpieces with help and a clear delegation of tasks. In today’s day and age, this structure has changed, but originality and technical skill are still polemic topics. As an experiment, lOAKal has invited Kelly Allen, D Young V, Nite Owl, Lisa Pisa, Reggie Warlock, Onedr, and Chris Micro to design pieces for our upcoming exhibition, “By the Numbers,” opening February 1 during Oakland Art Murmur.

What is the role of the artist in the creative process? Conceiver or craftsman, architect or laborer or all of the above? The pieces will be hung as simple, black and white line drawings with color codes (much like a paint by numbers.) At the opening reception the public will be invited to complete the works, transforming the traditional role or artist/viewer into one of co-creators. The gallery will supply all the necessary materials for visitors to carry out the execution of the artists designs. The results of the exhibition will hinge on spontaneous public participation and will encourage a dialogue about originality and authorship.

Savor Oakland Food Tours (http://savoroaklandfoodtours.com/) is collaborating with lOAKal for this opening and will be present along with Sugar Knife Marshmallows and Muffin Revolution to give food samples and sell tickets to their events. We’ll also be sampling beer from Third Shift and Batch 19 at 9pm.