An Autobiography of the San Francisco Bay Area

Exhibiting projects that were created or begun by artists while living in the Bay Area, The Future Lasts Forever features artists working at the intersection of art and history, and explores ways in which these artists document their lives and the lives of others, address specific events, and engage with the Bay Area landscape. Featuring more than 30 artists, over 125 works, and organized in three sections, the works exhibited in The Future Lasts Forever all reflect the passage of time in various ways. Some works shine a light on important historical events that still have an impact on our current lives, and others highlight archival work that is being revitalized. The exhibition also features important ongoing projects that span the decades and continue on into the future, as well as newly commissioned projects by artists whose work involves a merging of histories. Cumulatively the galleries in The Future Lasts Forever form a portrait in motion—similar to work that is never quite finished, or historical issues that continue to be relevant. Additionally important to the exhibition’s tone are accompanying text panels—in each artist’s voice—that emphasize the autobiographical focus of the exhibition and offer audiences a more in-depth background on the images.

Major newly commissioned works will be debuted by artists Anne Walsh & Chris Kubick, working under the name ARCHIVE, and by Cause Collective, an artists’ collaborative that includes Ryan Alexiev, Jessica Ingram, Bayeté Ross Smith, Jorge Sanchez, and Hank Willis Thomas. Combined, a cast of internationally recognized artists, as well as emerging artists, from the Bay Area and beyond will come together to celebrate SF Camerawork’s anniversary in Part II of this historical exhibition, marking 35 years of Bay Area-influenced photographic arts.

January 7—April 17, 2010
Opening Reception: January 7, 5 - 8 pm

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• Image credits top to bottom: Mike Light, Anne Collier, Lynn Hershman Leeson