More than two years after the start of the coronavirus shutdowns, the Bay Area’s visual art scene has not only rebounded from pandemic delays, but also has pushed forward with exciting new developments.
In addition to promising exhibitions this fall looking at local icons (artists Joan Brown and Bernice Bing, activist Angela Davis), big themes (incarceration, family dynamics, the Holocaust) and even a major celebrity curator (music legend Elton John), the season will also see the opening of the new Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco. Clear your schedules — there’s an abundance of beauty awaiting.
California College of the Arts Wattis Institute
A new three-part exhibition, “Drum Listens to Heart,” delves into concepts of physical and sociopolitical percussion.
It kicks off its first chapter with works by sculptor Milford Graves, video works by Marcos Ávila Forero and an immersive installation by Em’kal Eyongakpa.
The exhibition is curated by Wattis director and chief curator Anthony Huberman, with companion performances curated by Diego Villalobos on-site and at the Lab in the Mission District.
“Drum Listens to Heart”: Noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Chapter one, Sept. 1-Oct. 15; Chapter two, Nov. 9-Dec. 17. Free. 360 Kansas St., S.F. 415-355-9670. www.wattis.org