I am in two simultaneous exhibitions at Arc Gallery this month. "Transformation" is this year's theme for the Arc Studio Artists' exhibition and my two 40x30 inch paintings are based on kitsune (fox) transformations and bewitchments. The works are the beginning of a series of paintings loosely based on Japanese fox lore.

I am continuing the kitsune theme for the 2023 Collage-a-Rama show, "Cut to the Chase." Collaging comes so much easier because I've been working in this medium consistently year after year. At the monthly Collage-a-Rama sessions I become completely immersed in the work at hand and forget to socialize.

The opening reception on April 15 (7-9 pm) for both shows will include sangria, empanandas and churros so please drop by to chat and nibble!

Arc Gallery

1246 Folsom Street, San Francisco

Opening reception April 15 7-9 pm

Exhibition April 15 - May 6

Left: "Serenade," 40 x 30 inches, mixed media painting

Arc Project Gallery

1246 Folsom Street, San Francisco

Opening reception April 15 7-9 pm

Exhibition April 15 - May 6

May 13 World Collage Day Zoom Artist Talk May 13, 11am - 12 pm. Register in advance here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkcuGorTstE9TRwXAbcpYjHJEGADxcKec7 

Right: "Carry My Heart Around," 6x6 inches

My entire collection of Kitsune collages can be viewed here: http://www.mrpotani.com/kitsune.html

This is a 10x8 inch piece I just finished using an image lift of a World War II-era photograph. This tableau could be viewed as exotic Orientalia but in fact, it is a portrait of Eurasian prisoners of war in Java. The girls are made to dress in kimono and pose in celebration of a Japanese festival. Among the sea of smiles, a few girls turn their defiant, unsmiling faces directly towards the camera.