Went out to Ocean Beach last week to see Thom Ross' Indian installation. I really love this kind of art, thought-provoking and beautiful and just there for the sake of itself. Makes me happy when most of the current art these days is so self-important and regurgitative. Never underestimate the power of simplicity and surprise.
The whole installation was a recreation of the famous photo of Buffalo Bill Cody and his Wild West Show all lined up along Ocean Beach below the Cliff House (the first one) sometime around 1902.
The details were totally amazing, brass tacks and lines of fringe and feathers and no two figures the same. I can only imagine how long it all took to create.
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Its fairly obvious that I'm completely smitten by Thom Ross' creation. Though its not out there anymore, I overheard talk of certain pieces being set up as part of an exhibit at the Palace of Fine Arts (or maybe the Legion of Honor?) so keep your eyes peeled for any upcoming mention. It appears this isn't the first large scale installation he's done and I can only hope there'll be more in the making. Did I mention that Mr. Ross was out there at the beach in western hat and duster with a nicely pointed charcoal-colored beard?