Assume Vivid Astro Focus Opening with KCRW DJ Dan Wilcox

Assume Vivid Astro Focus (avaf) opening reception with a live set from KCRW DJ Dan Wilcox

“avalanches volcanoes asteroids floods”

Saturday, August 13, 5-8pm

Join the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara for the opening reception of “avalanches volcanoes asteroids floods,” a newly commissioned multi-sensory and site-specific installation by the vibrant New York/Berlin-based artist collective, Assume Vivid Astro Focus (avaf).

assume vivid astro focus used their avaf acronym–a play on words or “combo” as they call it– as avalanches volcanoes asteroids floods, a site-specific exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. The title refers to our collective anxiety around natural disasters (particularly sensitive in California and Brazil at the moment) and the general uncertainty of the times, politically, economically, and socially. In particular, this installation responds to the current climate (pun intended) around transgender issues, the gun lobby in the US, and the Orlando shootings.

Founded by Eli Sudbrack (born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1968) in New York City in 2001 and joined by Christophe Hamaide-Pierson (born in Paris, France in 1973) in 2005, assume vivid astro focus collaborates with musicians, designers, dancers, and other artists to produce paintings, sculptures, performances, installations, videos and other emerging art forms. avaf offers a sense of exuberance and optimism while critically exploring the politics of free speech, equal rights, and freedom of expression. Often large-scale, multi-sensory, and  immersive, Hamaide-Pierson characterizes this artistic approach, “Modifying our way of looking at art, the way we are interacting with it, has always been very important for us. Our all-encompassing installations were always meant to push a bit further the viewers’ expectations as to what art is or should be.” avaf brings a dynamic, expressive, and collaborative spirit to every aspect of their work exploring the politics of free speech, equal rights, and freedom of expression.

Special thanks to: The Goodland Hotel, Jensen Audio Video, The Outpost at the Goodland, Telegraph Brewery, The Bobcat Room, and Margerum Wine Company.

PARKING + PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center public garage is adjacent to MCASB. The first 75 minutes are free and the charge is $1.50 for each hour after. 75-and 90-minute street parking is available in the neighborhoods off of Chapala Street.