In his curatorial debut for the San Antonio Museum of Art, David Rubin, the Brown Foundation Curator of Contemporary Art, has regaled us with Chocolate: A Photography Exhibition, featuring images by Frederic Lebain (France), Priscilla Monge (Costa Rica), Vik Muniz (Brazil-USA), and Chuck Ramirez (San Antonio).

San Antonio Museum of Art. Main entrance.

David Rubin, Brown Foundation Curator of Contemporary Art.

Since his arrival in San Antonio two years ago, David has proved himself to be a dynamic presence in San Antonio’s arts scene. He is an involved and enthusiastic promoter of local artists; ubiquitous at exhibit openings, always fostering discussions, and tirelessly drumming up support for contemporary art in San Antonio.

David Rubin’s curatorial statement:
Chocolate: A Photography Exhibition brings together the work of four contemporary artists from different parts of the world, each of whom has used chocolate as a resource in making their photographs. The first to do so was Brazilian-born Vik Muniz, who conceived of the idea in the late 1990s. In his “Pictures of Chocolate” series, Muniz simulates familiar images using chocolate syrup as a medium for drawing or painting. In 2002, San Antonio-based Chuck Ramirez began work on his “Candy Tray” series, photographs of empty chocolate boxes. In 2006, French artist Frederic Lebain introduced “Freddie and the Chocolate Factory” a series of photos of obsolete chocolate-covered technological objects. In 2007 Priscilla Monge, who is from Costa Rica, created photographs of sculpted chocolate that she molded with traditional religious images. Collectively, the works of these artists reflect a currently widespread artistic practice of finding metaphoric meanings through the use of unconventional and innovative materials.

Featured artist, Chuck Ramirez.

Partial view of the exhibit, with a series of Chuck Ramirez’s images.

Partial view of the exhibit, with a Chuck Ramirez image on the right and Frederic Lebain images on the left.

Partial view of the exhibit. Frederic Lebain images on the right, Vik Muniz images on the left.

Partial view of the exhibit. Vik Muniz images in foreground. Priscilla Monge image at rear left.

Series of images by Priscilla Monge.

Detail of Chuck Ramirez’s images.

Detail of an image by Frederic Lebain.

Detail of an image by Vik Muniz.

Image detail of Priscilla Monge’s work.

Partial view of the exhibit from the rear of the gallery.

A Conversation With Chuck Ramirez, a corollary event to the Chocolate exhibit, and part of a series of talks organized and conducted by David Rubin.

Closer view of the conversation with Chuck Ramirez conducted by David Rubin.

Another view of A Conversation With Chuck Ramirez, in the Museum auditorium.

Due to a severe bout of flu, David Rubin had to postpone his September 23 lecture, Vik Muniz: Master Of Invention. The lecture was finally presented on October 21, not without drama: In the haste of last minute preparations for his presentation, David managed to slash a finger with a cutting blade. Stanching a copious flow of blood from the wound, and reassuring David that death was not imminent, became the pre-lecture to-do assignments for those of us who arrived early. In the end, all was fine and David proceeded to regale us with yet another one of his magisterial, informative and entertaining lectures.

Henry Rayburn provides first aid and emotional support for David Rubin and his wounded finger.

David Rubin receiving not much sympathy from Nancy Fullerton.

Aspect of David Rubin’s lecture. Vik Muniz: Master Of Invention. Notice the injured finger.

David discussing a Vik Muniz piece that is in SAMA’s collection.

A hearty applause from the lecture attendees.

David Rubin recuperating after his lecture in the Zen-like emptiness of the SAMA auditorium.