Nov 21, 2009-Jan 10, 2010; Tropical Vulture; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts November 21, 2009

Tropical Vulture
by George Kuchar and Miguel Calderón
Tropical Vulture is a cross-generational project which highlights the artistic influences between Bay Area artist George Kuchar, a Bay Area legend of independent filmmaking, and Mexican artist Miguel Calderón. The exhibition features an experimental narrative video titled Conversations with a Tropical Vulture. The exhibition features a preview of the feature length film Conversations with a Tropical Vulture which will premiere at YBCA in the Fall of 2010. The film, scripted by both artists with Calderón as the director and Kuchar in the role of lead actor, blends Hollywood glamour and drama with an all too real-life approach, which creates and inspires a counterpoint of unattainable desire against unbearable actuality. Shot on location in Acapulco, the film utilizes a "low-fi" aesthetic and playful use of non-professional actors. Photographs and sculptures related to this commissioned project and earlier videos made by each artist will also be on view including the US premiere of Calderón’s latest video Best Seller and the world premiere of Kuchar’s Burrito Bay, a video diary about the making of Tropical Vulture.

While George Kuchar is in residence at YBCA, a series of artist talks and video tapings are planned during the first two weeks. The artist talks are with parapsychology writers and local filmmakers including Academy-Award nominated filmmaker Sam Green. The video tappings offer gallery visitors the opportunity to read from scripts in progress and participate in a new video project by George Kuchar and film students from The San Francisco Art Institute. All Tropical Vulture public programs are free with gallery admission.

Sam Green Lecture
Sat, November 21: 2 pm to 4 pm
As part of Miguel Caldéron and George Kuchar's Tropical Vulture lecture series, join Academy Award nominated film maker Sam Green as he lectures and performs several personal key moments—based in film and visual and performance art that relate to influences within his own film practice.

Secrets of the Shadow World
Sat, November 28: 2 pm to 4 pm
A conversation with George Kuchar and screening of the Secrets of the Shadow World, a video based on the recently deceased ufologist, John Keel, which features his theories about paranormal musings. The screening is a tribute and a rare opportunity for those interested in this subject and author to see and hear him expound his views on film.

Live Video Taping
Thur, December 3: 6pm to 8pm and Sat, December 5: 2 pm to 4 pm
As part of Miguel Caldéron and George Kuchar's Tropical Vulture, join live video tapings that offer gallery visitors the opportunity to perform from scripts in progress and participate in a new video project by George Kuchar and film students from The San Francisco Art Institute.

Official Website: http://www.ybca.org