Final Oscar Results

The broadcast is now over and the parties are about to start. The 2008 Academy Awards are now history, but not without two major surprises.

The Shadow's predictions earlier tonight came to pass with the exception of Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.

In the first major surprise of the evening, Tilden Swinton beat out favorite Cate Blanchett for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a lawyer in the movie "Michael Clayton".

In what was perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening, French actress Marion Cotillard beat out favorite Julie Christie for her role as singer Edith Pilaf in the movie "La Vie en Rose". To Ms. Cotillard's credit, this award was definitely well-deserved even with the fact that La Vie en Rose did not play to wide distribution.

So to summarize the winners:

• Best Picture -- No Country for Old Men
• Best Actor -- Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood)
• Best Actress -- Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose)
• Best Supporting Actor -- Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men)
• Best Supporting Actress -- Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton)
• Best Director -- Joel Cohen and Ethan Cohen (No Country for Old Men)
• Best Original Score -- Atonement
• Best Original Song -- "Falling Slowly" (Once)

So until next year!

And The Oscar Goes To....

Yes folks it is that time of year again.

With the Writers Strike now settled, everyone is now preparing for the Academy Awards Ceremony.

Again, as a public service, The Shadow will give you his predictions for tonight for the major categories. Follow along!

• Best Picture -- No Country for Old Men
• Best Actor -- Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood)
• Best Actress -- Julie Christie (Away From Her)
• Best Supporting Actor -- Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men)
• Best Supporting Actress -- Cate Blanchett (I'm Not There)
• Best Director -- The Coen Brothers (No Country for Old Men)
• Best Original Score -- Atonement
• Best Original Song -- "Falling Slowly" (Once)

Enjoy the show tonight!

Voodoo Cabaret at Otis Lounge March 11, 2008

The Shadow recently received the following communication from Gisela Tangui of Voodoo Cabaret:

A Musical Journey Around the World: The Otis Lounge Presents the Voodoo Cabaret

The Voodoo Cabaret’s unique ritualistic, shamanistic musical experience is brought to you by an underground ensemble of deep-root San Francisco artists with the promise of an intimate evening of live exotic dancers, soulful vocals and hot West African rhythms taking place at the sophisticated Otis Lounge on 25 Maiden Lane on Tuesday, March 11th at 9pm.

The Artists are Gisela Tangui, KQWST DJ, Mohamed Kouyate, Anita Lalwani, Micah Patri, Edgar San Gabriel, George The Wizard, Bast, Lady M and Amanda Rose LoveLand and Special Guest, The Genie.

Anita Lalwani and Gisela Tangui of Voodoo Cabaret

For more information you can check out Voodoo Cabaret's Myspace Page or The Genie's website.

The Shadow will see you there!!

The Shadow Meets David Regan

Now recovering from the excitement of One Night Stand, The Shadow visited Otis Lounge in downtown San Francisco to view the artwork of artist David Regan.

Artist David Regan at the Otis Lounge reception

David does lots of scenery using tons of colors and that just fit very well together.

One of David's works on display at Otis

David describes his work as follows:

Having spent most of my life in an urban to sub-urban environment I have a deep appreciation of nature and it is at the core of my inspiration as a painter. Throughout the bodies of work that I have developed there is a consistency in trying to capture that ineffable, emotional response one has while feeling connected to his or her environment. This connection, I feel, cannot be captured through realistic interpretation but rather through emulating the cycles, struggles, and harmonious conflicts ever present in the natural world through paint and composition.

Top: Another work on display at Otis
Bottom: The artist with friends at Otis

This exhibit will be up through February 27, 2008 at Otis Lounge, 55 Maiden Lane, in downtown San Francisco.

More pictures from the reception are here.

The Shadow Celebrates My Sucky Valentine

Valentine's Day is a wonderful day for lovers. But for those of us who are not with that "special someone" on this holy day for lovers, there is the "anti-Valentine's Day Party", also known as "My Sucky Valentine".

The stage area for My Sucky Valentine

My Sucky Valentine, presented in conjunction with ARTWorkSF's One Night Stand Show, are erotic readings from authors giving their take on Valentine's Day. Readers included:

• Thomas Roche
• Carol Queen
• Julia Serrano
• Sherilyn Connelly
• Thea Hillman
• mi blue
• Simon Sheppard

Carol Queen gives her insights of love

This was a pretty laid back evening with proceeds for the evening going to the Women's Community Clinic and Saint James Infirmary. The erotica read that night included something for everyone's taste.

Sherilyn Connelly wows the crowd with her readings

All in all, great readings and a great ending to the three days of ARTWorkSF's One Night Stand.

Top: Thomas Roche closes out the evening with a reading
Center: Some of the crowd at My Sucky Valentine
Bottom: Artist Deborah Tash with one of her works in the One Night Stand exhibit before the My Sucky Valentine Show

More pictures from the evening are available here.

Voodoo Cabaret Is Back

The Shadow recently received the following communication from Voodoo Cabaret:

Who: The Voodoo Cabaret
When: March 1, 2008 and Every First Saturday After
Where: El Rincon, 2700 16th Street @ Harrison Street
Phone: 415-437-9240

Sultry, Soulful First Saturdays with the Voodoo Cabaret

Voodoo Cabaret hosts a Ritualistic, Shamanistic Dance Party with live World Band, Belly Dancers, Mermaids and Chanteuse celebrating the African Spiritual Tradition.

Come experience the synergistic musical expression of West African drums, percussion, bass, keyboard and voice with exotic dancers. A truly fun time!!!

This performance of the Voodoo Cabaret will be featured in a documentary to be presented at the Cannes Film Festival by La Hitz Media, a distributor of African Diaspora films.

The Ensemble:
DJ KWST
Mohammed Kouyate
Anita Lalwani
Micah Patri
Edgar San Gabriel
Gisela Tangui
George The Wizard
Bast
Lady M

Anita Lalwani and Gisela Tangui of Voodoo Cabaret

The Shadow will see you there!

The Shadow At One Night Stand

Well folks, if you were not there, you missed out!

A Shadow Dancer at One Night Stand

First the standard warning: IF YOU ARE NOT OVER THE AGE OF 18 OR NUDITY OFFENDS YOU, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER!!














Now with that out of the way -- ARTWorkSF held their premiere art exhibit One Night Stand on Saturday, February 9, 2008.

One of the works of art at One Night Stand

Think of a night of not just good erotic art but BDSM demonstrations, nude models, a model serving as a food serving tray, shadow dancers, paint wrestling -- and you have the makings of One Night Stand.

Human fruit bar at One Night Stand (courtesy of OneTaste Urban Retreat)

Featured artists at One Night Stand are:

• Laura La Foret Lengyel (in Gallery One)
• Andrew Ogus
• AnneKarin Glass
• Arlene Diehl
• Big Al
• Bill Dominguez
• Catherine Merrill
• Chris Lawrence
• Crystal Sylver
• Dannell Powell
• Debbie Cain
• Deborah Tash
• Dorian Katz
• Elena Anaya
• Eric Stampfli
• Erika Von Zoog
• Genea Barnes
• Greta and manu Schnetzler
• Jan Small
• Jeffery Blankfort
• Johnny Davis
• Kelly Page
• Lisa Levine
• Lola Gets!
• M.A. Matthews
• Maria Martola Mejia
• Monica Merlitti
• Rolando Rosler
• Sebastian McIntyre
• Sherri Cavan
• Will Bullas
• William Ulrich
• Yaffa Talcott
• Tim Roseborough (Video Room)
  
• Mike Brag (Video Room)
  

Another work from the exhibit

But there was not only the artwork, but several models who agreed to pose nude for artists and photographers....

Various models during the show

....... a very erotic dancer ......

Bast shows why she is the best when it comes to sensual dancing

.... and let's not forget the paint wrestlers ...

Male and female paint wrestlers close out the evening

One Night Stand was a benefit for the Center for Sex and Culture and the San Francisco Artists Resource Center.

Top: Some of the crowd at One Night Stand
Center: The Shadow enjoys an erotic feeding from OneTaste Urban Retreat
Bottom: A model is tied up during a BDSM demonstration

If you missed this, you missed it. But you have one more chance to enjoy the festivities. On Valentine's Day, Thursday, February 14, join ARTWorkSF for "My Sucky Valentine XII" which benefits the Women's Community Clinic and Saint James Infirmary. "Sour Grapes and bitter chocolates, Good writers on bad sex and tainted love..." MC - Thomas Roche, Carol Queen, Julia Serrano, Sherilyn Connelly, Thea Hillman, Michelle Tea, mi blue, Simon Sheppard will make appearances. Tickets are $15-$25 sliding scale -- no one will be turned away. Doors will open at 7 p.m. to view the artwork with the show beginning at 8 p.m. You can purchase tickets here. See you there!

More pictures from One Night Stand are available here. Again -- IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 OR NUDITY OFFENDS YOU, DO NOT CLICK ON THE PICTURE LINK.

The Shadow Visits Deborah Tash

Just before One Night Stand on February 9, 2008, The Shadow went to call upon an old friend, artist Deborah Tash during her open studio at her place in Potrero Hill in San Francisco.

Artist Deborah Tash at her studio

The Shadow and Deborah were having a reunion of sorts -- the last time Deborah appeared in this blog was about 2 years ago. But her work is still something to behold.

One of Deborah's works

Deborah uses several mediums, including paints, sculpture, and fabrics. Her two hands -- an example pictured above -- is a common theme in her works.

Two of Deborah's works

Deborah has priced all of the work in her studio for immediate sale. If you wish to contact her directly, you can email her at inherimage@artlover.com. Deborah is also currently showing at ARTWorkSF's show One Night Stand.

More pictures are available here.

The Shadow is Drawn Together

The Shadow has been busy as of late. But not too busy to keep you abreast of the comings and goings of the art world in San Francisco.

On February 5, The Shadow visited the Hotel Triton for ARTWorkSF's newest exhibit there, "Drawn Together".

A work from the exhibit from artist Monica Merlitti

Artists featured in this exhibit are:

• Cheryl McDonald
• Monica Merlitti
• AnneKarin Glass
• Pauline Crowther Scott
• Atelier Kehai
• William Ulrich
• Rebecca Jacobson

Featured artists at Drawn Together include:
(Top) Monica Merlitti
(Center) Pauline Crowther Scott
(Bottom) William Ulrich

Each of the works in this exhibit are drawn sketches on paper in pencil and ink. In fact, if you look at some of the work close enough, they look amazingly like photographs.

Works by Rebecca Jacobson (top) and Cheryl McDonald (bottom) at the exhibit

You can view this show at the Hotel Triton, 342 Grant Avenue (at Bush) in Downtown San Francisco through February 20, 2008. Viewing hours are 24/7. And, of course, all work in this exhibit is available for sale or rent.

Scene from the reception

More pictures are available here.

ONE NIGHT STAND BEGINS!!

Before we continue, The Shadow must warn you that if you are not over 18, do not read this entry any further.



Last night, The Shadow visited ARTWorkSF to view One Night Stand. Quite a good time was had by all!

One of the works at the exhibit

This entry will give you a "teaser" showing why you should come to ARTWorkSF's One Night Stand show Saturday night.

An artist (far left) is painting a nude male figure (not shown)

There are 2 shows in the gallery. In Gallery One is a solo exhibition by artist Laura La Foret Lengyel in an exhibit called "Naked Truth".

Top: One of the works of Laura La Foret Lengyl
Bottom: The artist with 2 of her works

In speaking with Laura last night, The Shadow learned she has an interesting technique. She paints her models (literally) and then has the models press themselves against the canvas surface. Her works are very good!!

Gallery Two and Three contains the main group show. The Shadow will get into more detail about these works next time.

More works from the group show

On Saturday, February 9, the Tenth Annual One Night Stand show will take place at the ARTWorkSF Gallery, 49 Geary Street, suite 249. This promises to be a fun night and you don't want to miss it. Tickets are $15-25 (sliding scale) and can be purchased here. Be sure to buy your tickets early.

Top: Scenes from the reception
Bottom: ARTWorkSF Founder/President Johnny Davis and Chief Curator Matt McKinley

More pictures from the reception are available here. Again -- there is mature content on this link -- DO NOT CLICK ON IT IF YOU ARE UNDER 18.

ONE NIGHT STAND RETURNS!!!

Yes San Francisco, you asked for it, and it has returned!

ARTWorkSf will hold their annual "One Night Stand" erotic art show in three installments during the month of February. If you have never been to One Night Stand, you can view The Shadow's last entry on this from 2006 here.

This show promises to be great. In Gallery One at the 49 Geary Street Gallery, artist Laura La Foret Lengyel will do a solo show with sculpture and paintings.

The group show in Gallery Two and Three have the following confirmed artists:

• Andrew Ogus
• Annekarin Glass
• Arlene Diehl
• Big Al
• Bill Dominguez
• Catherine Merrill
• Chris Lawrence
• Crystal Sylver
• Dannell Powell
• Debbie Cain
• Deborah K. Tash
• Dorian Katz
• Elena anaya
• Eric Stampfli
• Erika Von Zoog
• Genea Barnes
• Greta and Manu Schnetzler
• Jan Small
• Jeffrey Blankfort
• Johnny Davis
• Kelly Page
• Lisa Levine
• Lola Gets!
• M.A. matthews
• Maria Bartola Mejia
• Monica Merlitti
• Rolando B. Rosler
• Sebastian McIntyre
• Sherri Cavan
• Will Bullas
• Willian Urich
• Yaffa Talcott
  

On February 7 -- which is First Thursday in San Francisco -- ARTWorkSF will hold a Curator Tour & Wine Tasting starting promptly at 5 p.m. Tickets for this are $5.00 at the door. At 5:30 p.m., there will be a "Preview and Teaser" which will feature special entertainment. A donation will be asked for at the door but no one will be turned away for lack of funds -- so come enjoy.

Saturday February 9 will be "One Night Stand" at ARTWorkSF. Doors will open at 6 p.m. to preview the artwork with fun and frolic from 7-11 p.m. This show will benefit the Center for Sex and Culture and The San Francisco Artist Resource. There will be a DJ, live nude models with artist drawing, paint wrestling, nude shadow performance, BDSM Performances, fil and video, photo studio, Bar and Erotic Food Feeding. Performers that night will be DJ Mermaid, Lady Monster, Raina Bird and the Black Widows, Jo Adell, Waldemar, Naked Andy, Ken Craig, Rocky Angel, Altomar. Tickets are $15-$25 sliding scale -- however no one will be turned away.

Finally, on Valentine's Day -- February 14 -- ARTWorkSF presents "My Sucky Valentine". This is a benefit for Women's Community Clinic and Saint James Infirmary. "Sour Grapes and bitter chocolates, Good writers on bad sex and tainted love..." MC's for the evening will be Thomas Roche, Carol Queen, Julia Serrano, Sherilyn Connelly, Thea Hillman, Michelle Tea, mi blue, Simon Sheppard. Tickets are $15-$25 sliding scale -- however no one will be turned away.

You can purchase tickets for the above here. And folks, even though they will not turn you away for lack of funds, if you can afford it -- buy a ticket. And for those of you who may be wondering -- yes, The Shadow has purchased tickets to both affairs.

We will see you there!!

The Shadow Views Simple Geometry

Continuing onward, on January 29, The Shadow took a trip to the historic Monadnock Building to view ARTWorkSF's newest show "Simple Geometry".

One of the works of artist Vibrata Chromodoris at the exhibit

Featured artists at this show are:

• Jorin Bukosky
• Vibrata Chromodoris
• Cindy Goldman

One of the works of Cindy Goldman at the exhibit

As you can probably tell from the above photos -- the theme of this exhibit is geometric shapes that form art. And very good art as well. ARTWorkSF's curators describe the show best:

Geometric abstraction draws upon discernable shapes and definitive borders to create a level of interpretive comfort for the viewer based on form recognition. These simple forms, once they are mutually understood as definitive forms by both artist and viewer, become the basis for exploring repetition and patterns, color interplay and figure/ground relationships.

One of the works of Jorin Bukosky at the exhibit

This exhibit will be show at the Historic Monadnock Building, 685 Market Street, in downtown San Francisco. Viewing hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The exhibit is on floors 3, 4 and 5 in the building -- you can't miss them.

As always, all works from this exhibit are available for sale or rental (3-month period). Contact ARTWorkSF at 415-673-3080 for details.

A scene from the reception

More pictures are available here.