This show will feature the creations of the following artists working in different mediums: Kamal Al Mansour (assemblage), Terry Furry (figurative painting), Ross Kennedy (sculpture), Marty McCorkle (painting), Russ Osterweil (photography) and Fernando Reyes (charcoal drawings).

Since the dismantling of the old boys club, the cultural evolution in America has made it possible, if not socially acceptable, for men to take on careers their fathers would not have dared to consider. More than ever before, one can see men working as nurses, being stay-at-home dads, and even modeling underwear.

Despite this evolution and the broadening of male identities, the specific image of a nude man remains taboo in our society – especially when that image is in public view. For example, the penis of a nude male figure in The Ohlone Mural (Oakland, CA) has been vandalized on multiple occasions. And though the graffiti has been removed after each defacing, the penis is now permanently obscured.

Why do we Americans experience such visceral reactions to the nude image of man? And specifically what are men’s views of all this?

Struck by these questions, Oakland native Carl Wolf has invited six male artists to express this taboo for the show that he is curating at the Esteban Sabar Gallery. While certain works will explore America and it’s reaction to the male figure, others will gaze directly at the inner workings, the deeper aspects of the male psyche.

Opening reception on Saturday, 8 September from 5pm to 9pm.

Open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 11am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6pm.

Esteban Sabar Gallery
480 23rd Street (at Telegraph Ave)
Oakland, CA 94612

Tel.: 510.444.7411