PUBLICATIONS
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ALL KNOWN METAL BANDS | Dan Nelson "This volume contains the names of over fifty thousand metal bands. If one presumes that each of these bands had an average of four members, and multiplies that by the bands,
one might figure that at least a quarter of a million humans have pledged allegiance to one of these groups of wandering beasts. Never has a music relegated to the underground
of a civilization had so many devotees; no radio need transmit the power of this music, for it is sought fiercely and freely by the doomed and the dispossessed, whose ears are never
touched by songs of love and weakness. These names are invisible tokens to be spoken aloud, each representing a human quest for superhuman spectacle: shaking floorboards and quivering walls, split ears leaking blood,
with faces painted and ornaments pointy, voices uttering eternal truths shunned by woman and man alike." Book by Dan Nelson (2008), published by McSweeney's, limited edition now available at Swarm I've read as much as I could find online about this book, and haven't discovered anything that has captured the real-live experience of Dan Nelson's latest creation, "All Known Metal Bands."
During a reception at Swarm, I held the book and flipped its silky black pages, perusing the alphabetized columns of silver text. What you'll see is exactly what the title leads you to expect.
However, while in plain view, you can't really believe such a thing exists. It's like seeing a sign for "Unicorn Rides" and then actually riding one. The most compelling effect of this
book is - like riding a unicorn (probably) - its fantastical magic would be unnerving if it weren't so darn entertaining. Come see for yourself -- Books available at Swarm Gallery, $22. SCARECROW | John Casey John Casey, Scarecrow, Published by Rowan Morrison Publishing We're happy to see a new book on the shelves! Gallery artist John Casey created all new work for his first book, "Scarecrow." The book is 64 pages
and includes an introductory essay by Jim Kaufman. Made entirely in Oakland, CA. Limited 1st Edition of 500, signed and numbered by the artist, $20 FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT | Jessica Serran Jessica Serran, Project: Fake it until you make it, assembled by the artist Limited Edition, made by the artist, $25 RECENT INSTALLATION WORKS | Taro Hattori Taro Hattori, Recent InstallationWorks Recent installation works by Swarm Gallery artist Taro Hattori. Self-published by the artist, $20. 10 BIRDS WITH 1 STONE | Merritt Sher Merritt Sher, 10 Birds With 1 Stone, Published by Pollinator Press Philosophical snippets that rock by real estate visionary and Swarm partner, Merritt Sher. Available at the gallery, $15 hardback, $10 softback GRASSROUTES TRAVEL: OAKLAND | Serena Bartlett
Serena Bartlett, Oakland: The Soul of the City Next Door, Published by GrassRoutes Travel "The Soul of the City Next Door" travel guide to Oakland. New edition arriving soon! Available at the gallery, $16.95 |