Esoteric Survey

Spitting in the Wind: Art from the End of the Line  celebrates long-standing friendships of artists Richard Allen Morris (b. 1933), John Baldessari (b. 1931), Bob Matheny (b. 1929) and Russell Baldwin (1933-2008), and highlights the astonishing range of work they created while living and working in San Diego. Curated by Dave Hampton. Left to right on opening night: Richard Allen Morris, John Baldessari, Bob Matheny and Dave Hampton.  Check out Hampton's canvas tie by Richard Allen Morris.   John Baldessari quote from Welton Jone's article "Tiny Southwestern had huge impact on 60's San Diego," San Diego Union Tribune, 1994 via Spitting in the Wind by Dave Hampton (More on Southwestern College- here ) "There is still no real room for art here. The attitude is anti-art. The art potential of this area is tremendous, but nothing is done about it, and the top people tend to leave."  - Richard Allen Morris, 1965 via   Spitting in the Wind by Dave H...

Bring On the Ides of March Ceremony and press conference to signal "change of command" at Art Disposal Service to be held at 12pm on Friday, March 15th at Bread & Salt San Diego, CA – Dave Hampton will assume the leadership of Art Disposal Service this month, taking the reins from Bob Matheny in a ceremony to be held on the Ides of March. Hampton is serious about problems of crowding and overpopulation that stem from the creative impulse. "I mean, look around you," he says, leaning forward in his chair. "Art is all over. Museums are full, galleries and collectors are overwhelmed... who's going to clean up the mess?" Hampton plans to begin where Matheny, an artist and former art instructor at Southwestern College, left off. In 1969 Matheny entered into a contract to operate a San Diego franchise of the Art Disposal Service with artist John Manno, who founded the service in Los Angeles. Manno is said to have parked his van, adorned with...

The venue was set. The crowd gathered  at high noon on the Ides of March. The sound system and commentators were ready. A specially commissioned piece called Fanfare For Paperwork , by composer Chris Fulford-Brown, made its public debut. The ceremony will signify a  momentous  change at the Art Disposal Service.   With the signing of these documents Dave Hampton has now become the new head of the ADS.   Bob Matheny will serve as  Director Emeritus .  A notary public was on hand to authenticate the signing of the contract. After his 40 year reign, Matheny prepares for his final act as director. Is that Athena he's holding?  Don't do it Bob! After  Athena  was spared, Bob  lamented on his struggles at the Art Disposal Service.  He explained how he couldn't keep up. " The art just kept coming! " The torch and coat have officially been passed. Hampton w...