Slightly off of University Avenue in North Park, 4 Walls Galleries hosted February’s installment of Sight and Sound, an eclectic mix of art exhibits, progressive fashion, independent bands and live acts. More like a house party on acid than a show, Sight and Sound kicked off the event with free drinks to early gallery-goers.
Upon entering the gallery, all five senses were seduced with complimentary homemade baked goods by Big Kitchen Café; edgy, eclectic DJs; charcoal sketches that begged to be touched; live painting; and the sweet scent of $3 beers in the air.
The event was an interesting collection of San Diego’s skilled and underground, while the unique setting only served to further enhance the intimate feel of the art and performances. In what seemed to be a small two-bedroom apartment turned art gallery, 4 Walls Galleries filled every square inch with live performances, artists or exhibits.
The first room introduced you to the Platt Brothers – three young men dressed in modified superman costumes who boast a song and dance routine that is unbeatable in the West Coast. Hailing originally from Las Vegas, the Platt Brothers combine street dancing, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation, off-the-wall humor and cross-dressing to keep the audience entertained and laughing.
Past the entrance, a small hallway featured tacked-up sketches of scientific principles, including electric clouds and other Newtonian masterpieces. The pieces were clearly physics-inspired, almost resembling a complicated quiz on thermodynamics than art. At the end of the hallway, guests could grab a brew or two at the kitchen counter, which featured pickled dolls in jars above the fridge.
Outside in the back yard, painters Sean Deitrich and Mofo added a diverse slice of live art. The back alley venue also staged one of the most revered local bands in San Diego, Swim Party. The four-person band combined guitar, bass and drums with a surprising violin element, adding to the unexpected, yet mesmerizing vibe of the overall event.
In what appeared to be the woodshop room, a small table sandwiched between power tools and work tables served as stage for Cheryl the Contortionists and her team of young phenomenons. The teenage gymnasts were hypnotic as they effortlessly defied the laws of flexibility. Later, actors from Chronos Theatre performed melodramatic sketches, serving to intrigue passersby.
In the last room, Sight and Sound suckered guests into one-of-a-kind merchandise, including stunning hand-made jewelry. Earrings that featured vintage slides of pin-up dolls and necklaces with unique pendants catered to women who crave sui generis pieces. A rack of t-shirts and men’s dress ties featured hauntingly beautiful characters created by a local artist. A curtain-offered corner featured fun with fantasy chroma-key photography with Marc Kitaen by placing guests in front of a green screen and transforming them into science-fiction heroes. Simply adding to the eclectic vibe, DJ Johnny Tran flawlessly spun a multifarious mix of Death Cab, new wave, rap, dance and 80s.
The brainchild of Adam Rosen and Jon Block, Sight and Sound began as homage to devoted artists. Tired of stuffy exhibits, Rosen and Block vowed to make their events a “kick in the ass to conventional socializing.” They began their partnership after meeting at an Offspring concert, which has blossomed into a twelve-year collaboration to bring awareness to the underground art scene.
Rosen and Block are also the masterminds behind “Art Around Adams,” an art festival held in June 2008 that drew in more than 75 participating artists. Sight and Sound is a monthly event, typically held on the last Saturday of the month at 4 Walls Galleries. Proceeds from Sight and Sound benefit the Autism Research Institute.
The March installment of Sight and Sound marks the event’s one year anniversary. It will be held at 4 Walls Gallery on Saturday, March 28 from 7:00 pm to midnight.