Tonight was the opening for the “Past Forward - The 25th Anniversary Exhibition” at The LAB, an institution in the San Francisco arts community.

The LAB is an interdisciplinary arts organization which supports the development and presentation of new visual, performing, media, sonic, and literary art. They assist artists in the creation of new work and showcase work of the highest quality by emerging and underrepresented experimental artists. Of particular interest is work which crosses boundaries, encourages evolving artistic and social dialogue between artists and audiences, and develops the culture and community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

For twenty-five years, The LAB has presented some of the most innovative and experimental interdisciplinary art in the Bay Area. The organization has fostered local, national, and international artists, and served as a springboard for many to reach further career heights. In celebration of this milestone, The LAB issued an open call for entries, inviting emerging artists to respond to the work of past exhibiting artists, including Scott Arford (2002), Lauren Davies (2001, 2006, 2009), Paul DiMarinis (1988), Taraneh Hemami (1995, 2008), Lynn Hershman Leeson (1986, 1987, 1995), Barry McGee (1996), Orlan (1993), Tony Oursler (2001), Trevor Paglen (2005), Rigo (1994, 1996), and Rex Ray (1994).

Above you can see JP Kelly’s homage to Trevor Paglen entitled “Depleted Uranium”- a video installation aiming to inform audiences about the policies around the usage and spread depleted Uranium.

Below is Andrew Wingler’s work entitled “New Mission Time 1” is in response to Barry McGee. The photographs deal with the effects of the dotcom and real estate boom in SF.