“Travelin’ Man” Solo Art Exhibition by Optimist Williams (SF)

RVCA Gallery, San Francisco, and the Artist Network Program is pleased to announce a new solo exhibition by Optimist Williams, “Travelin’ Man,” a 50-piece series of 25 paintings and 25 drawings focused on the decay of San Francisco, the value of human connection, and new definitions of home in a changing world. The opening reception for “Travelin’ Man,” is Friday, September 1st from 7-11pm at RVCA Gallery on Haight Street, where the artist will be in attendance. The exhibition will be on view daily from 11am-7pm until October 1st, 2023.

San Francisco-based urban contemporary artist, Optimist Williams, presents his latest body of work with “Travelin’ Man,” a visual testament to the power of travel and the boundless inspiration that lies within the realm of exploration as a response to the downfall of a cultural stronghold: “I’m taking a break from the bay. It’s time for me to finally let go of San Francisco. I gotta pick somewhere else to exist as an artist and survive in peace. This is gonna be my last show, a farewell to Frisco.” – Williams about the current state of life in SF. The artist’s decision to relocate serves as a wake-up call, shedding light on the urgent need for addressing the rising crime rates, affordable housing crisis, and drug abuse problem that is taking over the area. The story Optimist portrays in the visual narratives of his work directly reflects the struggles many Bay Area creatives face, forcing them to leave in search of survival in a more nurturing environment.

“Travelin’ Man ,” is a sequel exhibition, concluding the narrative Optimist began with his Ticket To Ride exhibition in 2021 which championed legends of San Francisco, telling their story through paintings of giant MUNI transfers, names, and accompanying essays. The new paintings and works on paper in this show are blown-up, reimagined, vibrant designs of airport baggage claim tags from cities around the world, layered with the portraits of people Optimist Williams encountered at each location. His technique juxtaposes intimate human faces against the backdrop of globalization, while simultaneously creating an emphasis on the importance of travel by playing with the magnitude of size. The resulting effect opens a dialogue about the significance of personal connections, cultural experience, the invaluable evolution of self through travel, and the yearning for new horizons.

Also featured in this exhibition is Optimist Williams’ new book, “Travelin’ Man,” with its’ first print release available on opening night. “The bag transforms into a different version of itself every time you zip it. A melting pot of your experiences. An anchor. The only piece of home you carry in the world.” – Optimist in “Travelin’ Man.”

Williams invites viewers to reflect on their own desires for escape, adventure, and hopes for optimism in the world. With his extraordinary visual and textural grit of storytelling, a seemingly hopeless place deserves one last love letter to San Francisco. “Where we going, man?, I don‘t know but we gotta go.”—Jack Kerouak, On The Road.