7/30 888 freaks, friends and family members

The Oakland Art Gallery’s been kinda dormant for the last few months No doubt cooking up some tasty visual treats for the Fall season, and if they’re newest show is any indication, the time in the kitchen was well spent. “888 Pieces of We: A Photo Memoir” is, just like the title suggests, 888 photos mounted onto wooden blocks using photographer Keba Konte’s own super secret process.

A well known Oakland photographer and visual artist (and co-owner of Berkeley’s Guerrilla Cafe) Konte’s been taking photos since he was 8 years old. This tidbit of personal info, along with his birthday on August 8, explain the name of the show, which the artist says features “images of protests and portraits, street movements and political movements, freaks, friends and family members” that have made up his life so far. The show officially opens on Wednesday but be sure to check out the opening reception on, appropriately enough, August 8.  Presents and choruses of “Happy Birthday” welcome.-kwan

RISD Northern California Alumni Biennial

Images left to right: Peter Belinger, Jeffrey Hantman, Vic De La Rosa

Exploring the full range of artistic expression, the RISD Northern California Alumni Biennial honors and celebrates the work of Rhode Island School of Design alumni who are now living and working in Northern California.  Juried by René de Guzman, the new senior curator of art at the Oakland Museum of California, the RISD Biennial features work by 36 alums representing several generations and styles.

Begun in 2006 and now held every two years, the Biennial offers a visual forum for RISD artists, and a chance to get together to catch up on old times, while the art lovers get a peak at the various disciplines and styles that have emerged from the famous design school, from architecture to furniture design.

The exhibit begins today and runs through March 29.