A NEW MEMORY...

While cruising the Juxtapoz site a few days ago, I found a post about the upcoming show at the Andenken Gallery in Denver. Being new to Denver and still discovering the art scene here, I checked out their line up for the next year and it is phenomenal - Big Foot, Antonio Diaz and David P. Madson, Scott LeFavor, Kill Pixie, Ben Eine, Rich Jacobs, Tim Kerr, Lindsey Kuhn, Buff Monster, Mark Mothersbaugh... just to name a few. I knew immediately that I had to go check out this space. I emailed the owner/curator, Tom Horne, and told him that I was interested in seeing the gallery. He emailed back, we set up a time for yesterday, and I spent more than 2 hours with him talking about art, the gallery, his goals with the space, artists we like, the art scene... and of course, the latest with Brad and Angelina.

Far off the usual Denver art walk of Santa Fe St., the gallery is located in the upper Larimer neighborhood. After getting the grand tour of the facilities (gallery, 4 studios, permanent collection, etc...), I have to say that this is the greatest art space I have ever visited. It is also the largest space I have seen of its kind. It is designed to allow artists the freedom to create what they want, without the confines of the average, sterile 4 white walls. There is even a loft bedroom for visiting artists to stay while they work. The interior design is the brain child of co-owner and artist, Hyland Mather. Hyland designed each of the living spaces and the very welcoming common spaces... industrial edges of large welded steel meet the clean lines of modern design.

Andenken is a German word that loosely translates to memory, but not a memory. It is the action of memory. Tom and Hyland used the example of a wedding ring. The ring alone means nothing, but it triggers the action of thinking of a loved one. That is andenken.

Here are some photos from my visit. Enjoy.


The massive exterior of the Andenken Gallery.










Loft studio space for visiting artists.



The art of Hyland Mather.



These 2 pieces were my favorite.



Buff Monster installation (and porn box).



Permanent mural.






Pieces from the collection upstairs. Not sure of artist on the left. Cody Hudson on the right.




Two great pieces from Dave Kinsey.



Mike Giant original skateboard art... note the rubylith still on the piece. So rad.



Pieces from the current show in the gallery, Big Foot.








Various pieces of wood used are from a ranch... a great detail to the design.


The next opening is Get it Threw Your Thick Skull with artists Antonio Diaz and David P. Madson on Thursday, April 3rd. Madson (a.k.a Odd Nosdam of anticon records) will be spinning at the opening.

Tom has some big plans for 2008, so keep your eye on the Andenken Gallery and their blog.

Tom also has a site set up to help his brother fight his battle with leukemia. On the site you can purchase some great art to help with the costs of his treatment. Please check it out.