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7/6/26, 6:46 AM
Sesow Made in China
this page:
Matt Sesow paints in China during july 2008
"Made in China"
show at Longview Gallery DC
August/September 2008
"DC Examiner": published September 4, 2008 (daily print edition and online):
https://www.sesow.com/press/2k8/china/china.htm
1/14
116126, 6:46 AM
Sesow Made in China
dcexaminercom — “ERs Baminet
[Print] [Email
Made in China: Travelogue, uncensored
By Robin Tierney
‘Special to The Examiner 9/4/08
WASHINGTON - "Where in the world is Matt Sesow?" would make an amusing game.
One day, the D.C.-based extremo expressionist is in North Carolina, painting spontaneously,
side-stage, to a live opera performance of “Don Giovanni.”
‘Soon, he's jetting to Sen Francisco to peint the set for a play, “All
You Can Eat.
ost of July, he painted his way through China with his parents
‘and fellow artist Dana Ellyn. They found supplies along the viay, 2s
wall as inspirations from acrobats to “all kinds of communists.”
“E really enjoy being with my parents, so taking time away from
them to paint was very difficult,” Sesow said. “I rectified this,
situation by sketching some of my paintings using pen and ink
hile hanging out witn them in bars and on the deck of ships, in
buses. ... Dana and I had to forgo sleep and food sometimes just,
s0 we coulé work on the paintings."
Selections from the duo's visual travelogue now fill Long View
Gallery. Sesow’s graphic accounts erupt with frenzy, distress,
‘Nade In china" Is one Matt issent, incredulity. There are rope-walks between exhilaration and
‘Sesow paintng from the Madain hysteria, observations conscious and subconscious of a vast
CChina exhibtion at Long View ‘morass of myriad traditions colliding with breakneck
Gallary in washington, modernization,
(courtesy Proto ‘Sesow interprets the painting, "Made in China”: “I bought some
playing cards with (various images) of Mao ... 1 noticed the
Prominence of his wave, his hand.”
‘Sesow then imagined how his own painting hand might have been figuratively severed had he lived
in China. The bunny rabbits at the bottom represent the innocent, marginalized Chinese people
who've endured lifslong struggles.
“When you ride alone, you ride with Mao” — is a self-portrait as “the American tourist riding through
Tiananmen Square on a chicken with a panda hat.”
Chickens and hats are among Sesow metaphorica
“It is the way we falt (there) when people would ask to take our pictures. Some of the people had
traveled from rural villages and never seen ‘westemers’” Ne sald. The tite nods toa WWII
propaganda poster that likened gas-wasting solo automobile trips to ‘riding with Hitler”
‘Sesow flash-freezes the shock of events through his raw figures’ facial expressions and body
language. Bright colors ané large, animated forms both hulking and diminutive render even primal
scream scenes approachable; the Matt-osphere is tumultuous, but not forbidding,
‘Sesow's making good on his goal to have painted in every continent.
“Tonly have Antarctica to go,” he said.
(if you go: Made in China; Through Sept. 20; Long View Gallery; 1302 9th St. NW, Washington;
Tree; 202-232-4788; jongviewgalleny.com)
baups:/www.sesow.com/press/2k8i/china/china htm
[page 2 machine-read (OCR) from the image]
116126, 6:46 AM
Sesow Made in China
Contact: Drew Porterfield
Along view gallery BP ammuarti
Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow
“Made in China”
August 16, 2008 - September 20, 2008
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 16, 6pm to 9pm.
eran. Aencor Canvas, 12 ‘Chie Nan sexe ant mec obama in China, 912
Washington. D.C. [July 29, 2008] ~ The Long View Gallery is pleased to announce ¢ new exhibiton of work
by D.C. artists Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow,
Ching is in the news @ lot these days. While gameting fewer reports of ite widespreed human rights vielations
and envienmental woes, it is mostly making headlines with heartwarming stories anticipating the 2008,
Olympic Games in the capital city of Beijing. With tensions high and the excitement building for the Olympics,
Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow packed up and headed to China for 3 weeks, documenting thelr journey on
canvas and paper,
Dana Ellyn’s work demonstrates a riek-taking vision, etreng content and a colerful eitique of social morality —
perfect for traversing the complicated culture of China. Her paintings are often inspired by news stories and
current evenis which allow for an immediate connection to her work. Ellyn's “Made in China” pieces un the
{gamut of Chinese figures, from street vendors to heads of state; even Mao couldn't escape her brush!
Matt Sesow. one of D.C’s premiere outsider arlisis, ie a master partrayer of conflict. His work demands a
reaction; his expressionist style comes across frantic, though Nis pieces feel resolved. Like Ellyn, Sesow's
work for he “Made in China” chew focuses on figures he encountered while traveling around China, with the
occasional chicken thrown ia ~ a regular visitor in his work.
baups:/www.sesow.com/press/2k8i/china/china htm
[page 3 machine-read (OCR) from the image]
MATT SESOW
jesow Made in China
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WNP Ren TN
rey
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RECEPTION
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com/pi
[page 4 machine-read (OCR) from the image]
Sesow Made in China
ARTS & EVENTS
"Made in China
At Long View Gallery to September 20
Mauaa Ju
‘With the Olympic athl
was when local atti
sin July to create the works in “Made in
ina.” And because the pair tooka state-sponsored tour
‘with other Westerners, thelr view of the country often
es the sterilized images we saw winile watt
Olympies—happy acrobats, pandas, posters of a wai
Chairman Mao, smiling schoolchildren. A few of the
paintings hint at darker themes, though, such as Ellyn's
China Trendy, which shows four gisls wearing fashionable
alr-quallty masks, or her sd¢explanatory Puppies tn the
Pantry. Theshow, which includes paintings and collage
WOrKS, also eaplures Ule arusts’reacuons to Weir Wp WIth
humor and a critical eye, Sesow’s Mlustrated journal has
snippets from the plane ride: “The pilot said we would be
the North Pole. Santa?” while Ellyn’s
-than-enthusiastic
‘e Home, «tall portrait ofa pained lo
American ina Dorothy costume, clutching a MeDonald’s cup and a Chinese fan,
surrounded by fascinated C chooldhildren. The two artists’ styles contrast
especially in how they, as Westemers, portray the eyes of their Chinese subjects—Sesow’s are cartoonishly
round, anxious, and expressionistic, while Ellyn's are sunken and dark. Their China, while politeand
n'tlack for color or intrigue. “MADE IN CHINA" IS ON VIEW FROM 21 A.M. 107 P.M.
SALLERY, 1302 gTH ST. NW.
,ww sesow com/press/2k8ichina/china htm
[page 5 machine-read (OCR) from the image]
116126, 6:46 AM Sesow Made in China
APUBLICATION OF Ghe Washington Post | PLAN YOUR NIGHT AT WWW.EXPRESSNIGHTOUT.COM
THURSDAY | 08.28.2008 | EXPRESS | E
nt! WeekendPass
A Taste of China
Has the world recovered from its China-
mania? That's adefinitive no, because
though the Olympics are over, Long View
Gallery is still showing “Made in China,”
featuring drawings, paintingsand
video by localartists Dana Ellyn
and Matt Sesow based on
alengthy tripto the coun-
try. Sports, art—what's
next? Oh, yeah—world
domination. (ke)
> Long View Gallery,
1302 9th St. NW; through
Sept. 20: 202-232-4788,
(Mt. Vernon Square)
ps
baups:/www.sesow.com/press/2k8i/china/china htm ons
[page 6 machine-read (OCR) from the image]
Sesow Made in China
Washington Post
The Washington Post
Style on the Go
This Week&Next
The District
Today
[EXHIBIT } A Chinese
Holiday, Caught on
(Canvas Two local artists,
Dana Ellyn and Natt Se
som, did what many of us
wish we could do and took
off fora three-week jaunt
‘through China just before
the Olympics kicked off in
Bejing. But it was a work
ing holiday: Political paint.
er Elyn and expressionist
‘Sesow painted and drew
what they saw there, end
ing up with documentary-
style works that capture
factory workers, daily ie
and even an impression
let by Mao. A show of
ome of the resulting
works opened at Long
View Gallery this month.
Free. Wednesday-Sunday
11. am-7 p.m. through Sept. 20. Long View Gallery, 13
Ninth St. NW. 202-232-4788.
baups:/www.sesow.com/press/2k8i/china/china htm
[page 7 machine-read (OCR) from the image]
7/6/26, 6:46 AM
Sesow Made in China
"Northwest Current":
Paintings completed in China and for the "made in china" show at longview gallery... by matt sesow:
"China Time"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
"Water buffalo"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
*SOLD
"Long March"
China Travel Journal
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on paper
10" x 7"
36 pages
"Factory Worker"
acrylic/oil on unstretched canvas
33" x 45"
(began in China July 2008)
hong kong
*SOLD
"red Hand"
"Downward Slide"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
https://www.sesow.com/press/2k8/china/china.htm
acrylic/oil/mixed on DC street banner
and handmade paper from china
30" x 60"
(paper and collage collected from
Panjiayuan Market
in Beijing China 2008)
CLICK for detail...
CLICK for full view...
"When You Ride Alone, You Ride with
Mao"
acrylic/oil on unstretched canvas
33" x 45"
*SOLD
China Travel Journal
"Made in China"
30" x 40"
acrylic/house paint on stretched
canvas
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on paper
10" x 7"
36 pages
8/14
7/6/26, 6:46 AM
"Fixed Income"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
"Commie"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
Sesow Made in China
"Democracy"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
*SOLD
"Terra Cotta Soldiers"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
*SOLD
"The Army and the People are All
One Family"
"Be Prepared"
"Pong"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
"Opening Ceremony"
"Tour Guide Look Away"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
"Kung Foo High School"
"Cup O' Bunny"
"Lucky Pandas"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
while traveling through 3 gorges
damn
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
"A Bad Element is publicly criticized"
"Guaridan Angel in China"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
"Two Fingers
(with american missle)"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
while traveling on yangtze in china
"Work is Struggling"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
while traveling through 3 gorges
damn
*SOLD
"best Guarantee"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
*SOLD
"It Takes a Worried Man,
to Sing a Worried Song"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
https://www.sesow.com/press/2k8/china/china.htm
"Paper Tiger"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
"Bombs Away"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
"Last Kiss"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
while traveling through 3 gorges
damn
"Study Hard, Make Progress Every
Day"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
"Ten Thousand Buddhas"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
*SOLD
"Soldiers and Members of the Party"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
"Party Girl"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
11" x 14"
9/14
7/6/26, 6:46 AM
Sesow Made in China
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
(created in China July 2008)
hong kong
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
*SOLD
"China Man"
"Mao in Henan
"Joker"
"Yangtze Smoke"
"Blues Lute China"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Colonialism"
"Ideal"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
while traveling on yangtze in china
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
while traveling on yangtze in china
"Punch Panda"
"h5n1 (chicken fight back)"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Dream to be Shanghai Acrobat"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Eastern-style Squat"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
while traveling through 3 garges
dam locks in china
SEE photos from Matt Sesow in China
by CLICKING here...
"Mao"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Young Girls on Bike"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
*SOLD
"Zhan Zhan rides a Bike"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
SEE photos from Matt Sesow in China
by CLICKING here...
*SOLD
*SOLD
"American Buddha"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Sounds Familiar"
"Affection"
"Broken"
"Scottie"
"Abacus"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Undercover"
"Sesow in China"
"Meat"
"Just Visiting"
"Imperial"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
https://www.sesow.com/press/2k8/china/china.htm
10/14
7/6/26, 6:46 AM
Sesow Made in China
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
*SOLD
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Conservative"
"Mao Pong"
"Single Child Twin Policy"
"Mao in Beijing"
"Burning Hearts"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Pals."
"Six Party"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
inspired by 'China Daily'
newspaper
original picture attached on back
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
inspired by 'China Daily' newspaper
original picture attached on back
"half American"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
inspired by 'China Daily' newspaper
original picture attached on back
*SOLD
"Party Elite"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
inspired by 'China Daily' newspaper
original picture attached on back
"Subcontinent Development"
"Smiles"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
inspired by 'China Daily' newspaper
original picture attached on back
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
inspired by 'China Daily' newspaper
original picture attached on back
"Mainland Tourist"
Paintings from China 2008
journal sample.. not done, in
progress
9"x12"
(created in China July 2008)
sample of journal in progresspage1
sample of journal in progresspage2
sample of journal in progresspage3
sample of journal in progresspage4
"Ready to Serve"
*SOLD
"Cocoa"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
inspired by 'China Daily' newspaper
original picture attached on back
"Toast"
"Out Jezebel"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
inspired by 'China Daily'
newspaper
original picture attached on back
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
inspired by 'China Daily' newspaper
original picture attached on back
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
inspired by 'China Daily' newspaper
original picture attached on back
"Shanghi Trendy"
"Loudmouth"
"Acrobat Waiting"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Made in China"
"Bicyclist"
"Kitty"
Paintings from China 2008
(created in China July 2008)
"Disappointment"
"Friendship"
https://www.sesow.com/press/2k8/china/china.htm
11/14
7/6/26, 6:46 AM
Sesow Made in China
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
inspired by 'China Daily' newspaper
original picture attached on back
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
*SOLD
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
*SOLD
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"One Child Policy"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
*SOLD
"Maoist"
"Handicraft"
"Factory"
"Condolences"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
SEE photos from Matt Sesow in China
by CLICKING here...
"Piece"
"Made on the Yangtze"
"Outside the Restaurant"
"Buddha Bud"
"McGoo"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Perfect Catch"
"Party Priveleged"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Shipwreck"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
"Yangtze River Boat Commander"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
*SOLD
"Education"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
*SOLD
"Breadth of Mind"
"Member"
"Mao Wave"
"The Clap"
"Happy"
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained
while in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while
in China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
acrylic/mixed (media obtained while in
China)
on bristol paper
9" x 12"
(created in China July 2008)
Full text from above Washington Post article:
A Chinese Holiday, Caught on Canvas: Two local artists, Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow, did what many of us wish we could do and took off
for a three-week jaunt through China just before the Olympics kicked off in Beijing. But it was a working holiday: Political painter Ellyn and
expressionist Sesow painted and drew what they saw there, ending up with documentary-style works that capture factory workers, daily life
and even an impression left by Mao. A show of some of the resulting works opened at Long View Gallery this month. Free. WednesdaySunday 11am-7pm through Sept 20. Long View Gallery, 1302 Ninth Street, NW 202-23204788.
Full text from above City Paper article:
"Made in China"
At Long View Gallery to September 20
https://www.sesow.com/press/2k8/china/china.htm
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7/6/26, 6:46 AM
Sesow Made in China
By Maura Judkis
Posted: August 27, 2008
With the Olympic athletes gone, China is back to what it was when local artists Matt Sesow and Dana Ellyn visited for three weeks in July to
create the works in "Made in China." And because the pair took a state-sponsored tour with other Westerners, their view of the country often
evokes the sterilized images we saw while watching the Olympics„happy acrobats, pandas, posters of a waving Chairman Mao, smiling
schoolchildren. A few of the paintings hint at darker themes, though, such as Ellyn's China Trendy, which shows four girls wearing
fashionable air-quality masks, or her self-explanatory Puppies in the Pantry. The show, which includes paintings and collage works, also
captures the artists' reactions to their trip with humor and a critical eye. Sesow's illustrated journal has snippets from the plane ride: "The
pilot said we would be traveling over the North Pole. Santa?" while Ellyn's reaction to their less-than-enthusiastic tour group is No Place Like
Home, a tall portrait of a pained-looking American in a Dorothy costume, clutching a McDonald's cup and a Chinese fan, surrounded by
fascinated Chinese schoolchildren. The two artists' styles contrast especially in how they, as Westerners, portray the eyes of their Chinese
subjects„Sesow's are cartoonishly round, anxious, and expressionistic, while Ellyn's are sunken and dark. Their China, while polite and
stereotypical, doesn't lack for color or intrigue. "MADE IN CHINA" IS ON VIEW FROM 11 A.M. TO 7 P.M. WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY, TO
Saturday, SEPT. 20, AT LONG VIEW GALLERY, 1302 9TH ST. NW. FREE. (202) 232-4788. Aug. 29 - Sep. 4, 2008 (Vol. 28, #35)
Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Drew Porterfield
202.232.4788
Drew_Porterfield@longviewgallery.com
Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow
"Made in China" August 16 - September 20, 2008
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 16, 6 to 9pm
Washington, D.C. - [July 29, 2008] - The Long View Gallery is pleased to announce a new exhibition of work by D.C. artists Dana Ellyn and
Matt Sesow.
China is in the news a lot these days. While garnering fewer reports of its widespread human rights violations and environmental woes, it is
mostly making headlines with heartwarming stories anticipating the 2008 Olympic Games in the capital city of Beijing. With tensions high
and the excitement building for the Olympics, Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow packed up and headed to China for 3 weeks, documenting their
journey on canvas and paper.
Dana Ellyn's work demonstrates a risk-taking vision, strong content and a colorful critique of social morality - perfect for traversing the
complicated culture of China. Her paintings are often inspired by news stories and current events which allow for an immediate connection to
her work. Ellyn's "Made in China" pieces run the gamut of Chinese figures, from street vendors to heads of state; even Mao couldn't escape
her brush!
Matt Sesow, one of D.C.'s premiere outsider artists, is a master portrayer of conflict. His work demands a reaction; his expressionist style
comes across frantic, though his pieces feel resolved. Like Ellyn, Sesow's work for the "Made in China" show focuses on figures he
encountered while traveling around China, with the occasional chicken thrown in - a regular visitor in his work.
https://www.sesow.com/press/2k8/china/china.htm
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7/6/26, 6:46 AM
Sesow Made in China
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PAINTINGS...
https://www.sesow.com/press/2k8/china/china.htm
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