Artists’ Reception: Daniel Weber & Elaine Maute

Meet Bay Area artists Dan Weber and Elaine Maute, founding members of Manna Gallery in Oakland’s Uptown arts district, presenting their first collaborative exhibition, aliens probes illumination. This show brings together Weber’s otherworldly, internally lit acrylic sculptures and Maute’s vibrant, whimsical paintings, creating a surreal visual experience. Inspired by a decade-old trip to a Chinese circus and the bold, irreverent spirit of the 80’s Italian Memphis design group, the artists explore the intersection of abstract forms, extraterrestrial themes, and vivid colors. Weber’s sculptures evoke lunar and Mars probes, while Maute’s paintings draw from her Circus series, seamlessly merging their creative visions. This exhibition invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world where circus meets cosmos, and where whimsy and wonder take center stage.

September 14 – October 26 , 2024
Artists’ Reception: Saturday, September 21, 2-4 pm
Open First Friday: Oct 4, 5-8 pm
Gallery Hours: Saturdays, 12-5 pm & First Fridays, 5-8 pm

Artist Bios:

Daniel Weber (he/his) is a multimedia artist and founding member of Manna Gallery, located in Oakland, California’s Uptown arts district. He began his artistic journey as a playwright, with his works produced in West Coast cities such as Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. After two decades in the theater, Daniel transitioned to the visual arts, where he began creating sculptural pieces and conceptual events influenced by his experience with theatrical set and sound design. His recent work includes a series of sci-fi-inspired acrylic sculptures and lighting, set to debut at Manna Gallery in September 2024.

Elaine Maute (she/her) is a multimedia artist and a founding member of Manna Gallery in Oakland, California’s Uptown arts district. With a background rooted in a family of theoretical scientists, Maute has always been drawn to the abstract in art. Her work delves into the subtle nuances that abstraction can reveal, moving beyond the boundaries of everyday reality. She has a particular affinity for primal shapes, iconic forms, and the intricacies of geometry. Throughout her artistic journey, Maute has explored a variety of mediums, including painting, collage, encaustic, and three-dimensional work. Her recent series of paintings is inspired by the movement and beauty of circus performers, abstracting their vibrant colors and forms to capture their daring and grace in her most playful, abstract, and large-scale works to date.

Manna Gallery, established in 2010, is an art space in Oakland’s Uptown Arts District, dedicated to showcasing the work of local and regional artists. We aim to create a vibrant and supportive community for artists and art lovers alike, and seek to provide diverse and engaging exhibitions that inspire and enrich our community.