CURRENTLY SHOWING
data world
Francisco Sánchez
SERENDIPITY AND SYNCHRONICITIES IN A QUEST TO FIND THE DIVINE MANIFESTING IN THE MUNDANE.
VENUS & VICTORY IS EXCITED TO BRING YOU THE WORK OF ARTIST FRANCISCO SÁNCHEZ.
FRANCISCO SÁNCHEZ (B. 1988 LEÓN GTO MX)
STUDIED VISUAL ARTS IN UNIVERSIDAD DE GUANAJUATO. HIS WORK HAS BEEN SHOWN IN MEXICO, SPAIN AND USA.
ORIGINALLY INSPIRED BY TELEVISION HIS WORK IS ABOUT THE WAYS A CONCEPT CAN BE SHAPED AND BROUGHT TO LIFE.
USING A SPECTATOR LIKE PERSPECTIVE, HE APPROACHES HIS PRODUCTION MORE LIKE A EXPLORER RATHER THAN A COMPLETELY AGENTIC CREATOR.
THIS IS SPECIALLY TRUE IN HIS PHOTOGRAPHY, WHERE HE USES SERENDIPITY AND SYNCHRONICITIES IN A QUEST TO FIND THE DIVINE MANIFESTING IN THE MUNDANE.
FOR HIS PAINTINGS, HE REGARDS THEM AS EMANATIONS FROM TELEMISA, A FICTIONAL TV STATION. THESE IMAGES DERIVE FROM SPONTANEOUS VISIONS AND DAYDREAMING, AS WELL AS MASS MEDIA REFERENCES.
ABOUT DATA WORLD
DATA WORLD IS THE FIRST TIME HE BRINGS TOGETHER PHOTOGRAPHY AND PAINTING INTO ONE SINGLE SHOW.
THESE TWO LINES OF PRODUCTION ARE THE LAST EMBODIMENT (AND ONLY SURVIVORS) OF AN EXERCISE THAT INVOLVED THE CREATION OF SEVERAL ALTER EGOS WITH THE INTENT TO PROBLEMATIZE THE IDEA OF AUTHOR AND DISRUPT THE ASSOCIATIONS THAT THE TYING OF AN ARTIST WITH THEIR OEUVRE IMPLIES.
CURRENT PHASE OF HIS CREATIVE PROCESS IS GOVERNED BY THE CONCEPT OF PARACOSM WHICH ALLOWS PREVIOUS FRAGMENTATION TO REUNITE AND ADD TO A NEW IMPULSE FOR BLURRING THE LINES BETWEEN APPARENTLY OPPOSITE NOTIONS SUCH AS FAITH/ RATIONALITY, FICTION/REALITY OR DESTINY/FREE WILL.
THIS SHOW AIMS TO SHOWCASE THE TWO BODIES OF WORK INTERCONNECTING AND INFORMING EACH OTHER: SOME SERIOUSNESS HAS BEEN INFUSED TO THE NORMALLY SPONTANEOUS, GOOFY NATURE OF THE PAINTINGS WHILE THE TITLE FOR THE EXHIBIT, SOMEWHAT PLAYFUL AND WITH SCIENCE FICTION ECHOES, PROVIDES AN UNUSUAL FRAME TO THE SPIRITUAL, OMINOUS THEMES OF THE PHOTOS.
A VIDEO PIECE WITH SOME OF THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE FACES OF DEVELOPERS AND PHILOSOPHERS OF AI SUMMARIZES THE INTENTION OF THE SHOW, INVITING TO REFLECT ON THE HISTORIC MOMENT WE ARE IN, FUELED WITH THE UNCERTAINTY OF A FUTURE WE KNOW WE ARE APPROACHING BUT JUST CAN'T TELL WHEN.
OPENING SHOW DATE THURSDAY JULY 3 (FIRST THURSDAY ART WALK) 5 - 9pm
SHOW CLOSES JULY 31
COLLAPSE
Gage Olson
COME WATCH GAGE COLLAPSE GOD
Venus & Victory is excited to bring you Artist in Residence Gage Olesen.
Gage is an Oakland-based symbolist painter and illustrator whose work reinterprets classical form through a contemporary lens. Drawing from religious iconography, myth, and archetypal symbolism, his paintings explore the layered relationship between spiritual inquiry and visual storytelling.
Olesen’s compositions often juxtapose sculptural, figurative forms with abrupt shifts in texture and technique—balancing delicate rendering with bold impressionist brushwork and collaged elements. This stylistic interplay creates tension and resonance within each piece, challenging traditional boundaries while honoring their foundations.
Working from his studio in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood, Olesen continues to develop a visual language rooted in metaphor, intuition, and the search for meaning.
Collapse
The reduction of superposition of meanings within a symbol into a single, definite idea—through decision, observation, and perspective.
Collapse is an exploration of the dynamic between perception and meaning—an evolving dialogue between creator and viewer.
Throughout June, Olesen will translate archetypal foundations into succinct metaphors, carving symbols from a 10-foot sheet of canvas as if from marble. This search for meaning forms part of his broader inquiry into the spiritual architecture of existence. His large-scale, immersive work juxtaposes soft, classical figures against a jagged, high-contrast backdrop, merging figurative traditions with raw impressionist mark-making and visual metaphor.
By the end, Olesen will have revealed what he sees as the symbols at the root of the soul. The only question remains: How will you collapse them?
You will be able to observe Gage working in live sessions on Saturdays and Sundays from 12–6 PM.
The final artwork (mural) will be for sale (64" x 108"). You will have an opportunity to place a bid at Venus & Victory once we set the starting price point.
PREVIOUS SHOWS
COLLAPSE
Gage Olesen
COME WATCH GAGE COLLAPSE GOD
Venus & Victory is excited to bring you Artist in Residence Gage Olesen.
Gage is an Oakland-based symbolist painter and illustrator whose work reinterprets classical form through a contemporary lens. Drawing from religious iconography, myth, and archetypal symbolism, his paintings explore the layered relationship between spiritual inquiry and visual storytelling.
Olesen’s compositions often juxtapose sculptural, figurative forms with abrupt shifts in texture and technique—balancing delicate rendering with bold impressionist brushwork and collaged elements. This stylistic interplay creates tension and resonance within each piece, challenging traditional boundaries while honoring their foundations.
Working from his studio in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood, Olesen continues to develop a visual language rooted in metaphor, intuition, and the search for meaning.
Collapse
The reduction of superposition of meanings within a symbol into a single, definite idea—through decision, observation, and perspective.
Collapse is an exploration of the dynamic between perception and meaning—an evolving dialogue between creator and viewer.
Throughout June, Olesen will translate archetypal foundations into succinct metaphors, carving symbols from a 10-foot sheet of canvas as if from marble. This search for meaning forms part of his broader inquiry into the spiritual architecture of existence. His large-scale, immersive work juxtaposes soft, classical figures against a jagged, high-contrast backdrop, merging figurative traditions with raw impressionist mark-making and visual metaphor.
By the end, Olesen will have revealed what he sees as the symbols at the root of the soul. The only question remains: How will you collapse them?
You will be able to observe Gage working in live sessions on Saturdays and Sundays from 12–6 PM.
The final artwork (mural) will be for sale (64" x 108"). You will have an opportunity to place a bid at Venus & Victory once we set the starting price point.
heART work
KAYL JOHNSON
Skate, Paint, Create—Kayl Johnson’s World of Contrast and Collaboration
Venus & Victory is excited to bring you a solo art show entitled "heART work" from the creative mind of Kayl Johnson.
Kayl is a San Francisco-based visual artist, collaborator, and intuitive designer. His ethos is rooted in skate, paint, create + collaboration.
His art embodies the fusion of diverse influences, reflecting the beauty found in the synergy of chaos and creativity, echoing the resilience and freedom that define his creative journey.
Kayl uses different materials like acrylic, spray paint, oil pastels, paint pens, and collage techniques in his art. Each stroke tells a story of his experiences and feelings, blending them together to create a mix of influences that show the beauty of contrast.
There is more to the story, so please drop into Venus & Victory and catch all the vibes.
Opening show date: Thursday, April 3rd (First Thursday Art Walk), 5–9 PM.
Show runs through the end of May.
Kayl's hand-painted vintage fashion fits will be available for purchase in the gift shop.
Kayl Johnson, a San Francisco-based visual artist, was nurtured amidst the serene landscapes of San Luis Obispo, nestled between the beaches and mountains. Raised amidst the challenges of Section 8 and Social Services. Kayl navigated life's hurdles with a resilient spirit, fueled by his heart and unwavering passion. Skateboarding and art emerged as his sanctuary—a gateway to liberation.
At 17, he embarked on a journey to San Francisco, forging his unique path guided by peace, love, anarchy, and boundless creativity.With an ethos rooted in "Skate, Paint, Create, Collaborate," He continues to carve his narrative through the vibrant tapestry of urban artistry.His art embodies the fusion of diverse influences, reflecting the beauty found in the synergy of chaos and creativity, echoing the resilience and freedom that define his artistic journey.
Kayl uses different materials like Acrylic, Spray paint, oil pastels, paint pens, and collage techniques in his art. Each stroke tells a story of his experiences and feelings, blending them together to create a mix of influences that show the beauty of contrast.
TITLE
Artist Title
QUOTE
After 10 years of having their darkroom in storage, artist Dillon Jo accumulated 75 rolls of undeveloped film. Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of ever processing it all Venus & Victory offered a 3 month residency to fulfill the dream and create what became The Process. The condition and contents of the film have been a mystery box from many eras of this life, clean, dirty, dark, psychedelic, beautiful, painful, brittle, colorful, and raw. Over the months the show evolved with new batches of images from hand processed B/W to color negative film.
"The longer I spend time with the film and each individual frame, the more I rediscover layers of nostalgia I’ve missed since the dawning of my iPhone photo scroll review habits. From the anticipation of developing negatives, to selecting and printing an individual picture, to creating test prints and capturing the right balance of light - lost emotions are unlocked. Senses and processes hidden in the mind like a time capsule venture deeper into the liminal space beyond the visual realm of an image."
Dillon Jo
LET IT OUT
MARCH 6 - MARCH 31
We invite you to the activation known as: “LET IT OUT”
Express yourself through words + color onto a giant canvas.
You are the artist + activist.
We believe this cathartic act of expressing your voice is a powerful healing tool in a world of chaos.
Experience Prompt + Response A special appearance by Non-Archival Prompt Queen.
The time is now to say whatever is on your mind, express yourself.
ECHOS OF IMAGINATION
AUDREY KRAL
VENUS & VICTORY x GROUNDFLOOR SF
We are thrilled to have launched our exciting partnership with GroundFloor SF in 2025.
Our first show, featuring Audrey Kral, was a vibrant celebration of art and community. Audrey showcased her stunning paintings, which were inspired by the natural beauty of the Bay Area, and also shared a selection of poems to accompany the artwork.
The event included a live music performance by Breno (Floresta Queimada), who captivated the audience with an ambient nature set, creating a soothing and immersive atmosphere.
Colombia based, Bosque, curated the background sounds, providing a carefully selected mix of ambient lofi tunes from his personal collection.
Attendees were invited to connect and express their creativity at the interactive art table, where they could create their own pieces.
GroundFloor SF, located in the heart of the vibrant Mission District, was the perfect backdrop for this wonderful gathering of art lovers. We are grateful for the opportunity to curate such a special event in this welcoming social space.
HIGHWAYS LESS TRAVELED
NICK NEUMANN
"As the departure date approached worries crept in Could we handle life on the road? How will so called Trump's America treat a dude from San Francisco and an immigrant from Brazil? Will we be safe living in a van down by the river? Are we crazy to hit the road during the pandemic and in this political climate?
We were about to find out..."
A VAN JOURNEY ACROSS AMERICA
In Highways Less Traveled, Nick Neumann captures an intimate portrait of America, mapped out across the landscape of a five month van journey across the country. Each pin on the accompanying map marks a place where travelers Nick and Thaís slept, Together, the photos and map tell the story of a journey without a fixed plan, tracing a route led by curiosity, openness, and the search for common ground.
This journey in a 2003 Dodge Caravan—its back seats replaced by a simple plywood bed—was an effort to get off the screen and onto the road, discovering America in its rawest form. From dispersed camping on public lands to connecting with strangers in remote towns, Nick’s photography offers a look at a nation shaped by its people, landscapes, and stories that lie off the beaten path.
As an artist born and raised in downtown San Francisco, inspired by the adventures of Tintin, Kerouac and Bourdain, Nick’s work is driven by a desire to push beyond stereotypes and fear. Highways Less Traveled captures moments of vulnerability and wonder—offering a fresh perspective on van life, the open road, and the spirit of exploration. This exhibit invites viewers to reflect on what it means to hit the road, to confront the unknown, and to find connection across America’s forgotten towns and wild landscapes.
ROAM ON MY FRIENDS
Art Drop
David Reposar
"Live to love art."
A collection of work that covers an array of TIME + TEXTURE + TECHNIQUE. This work travels through SPACE + LOCATION + EMOTIONS, often driven by the environment and the daily mantras.
THE PROCESS
Dillon Jo
"from many eras of this life...clean, dirty, dark, psychedelic, beautiful, painful, brittle, colorful, and raw..."
After 10 years of having their darkroom in storage, artist Dillon Jo accumulated 75 rolls of undeveloped film. Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of ever processing it all Venus & Victory offered a 3 month residency to fulfill the dream and create what became The Process. The condition and contents of the film have been a mystery box from many eras of this life, clean, dirty, dark, psychedelic, beautiful, painful, brittle, colorful, and raw. Over the months the show evolved with new batches of images from hand processed B/W to color negative film.
"The longer I spend time with the film and each individual frame, the more I rediscover layers of nostalgia I’ve missed since the dawning of my iPhone photo scroll review habits. From the anticipation of developing negatives, to selecting and printing an individual picture, to creating test prints and capturing the right balance of light - lost emotions are unlocked. Senses and processes hidden in the mind like a time capsule venture deeper into the liminal space beyond the visual realm of an image."
Dillon Jo
SILVERSTRUCK
noun
The feeling when someone makes you feel completely seen, heard, and understood. Like you are the only person in the room.
9 years ago...
I met Silver Lucy - fashion icon, designer, Pantone color librarian, empath, selfless creative, and highly adorned creature who ignited the fire of inspiration that unleased this body of work I call SILVERSTUCK. The word represents the feeling she created in our collaborative friendship. To be completely seen and heard, she made everyone around her feel incredibly special.
I had no idea where our work would go, but we would always show up and make ART... It was spontaneous and visionary in it's shape and form. We just had to make and produce art in our lives.
Over the six years that felt like a life time of profound creation, Silver continues to inspire beyond the thin veil and I have no doubt she is watching and participating in every way because energy never dies.
"LOVE IS THE ANSWER"
'I am simply a conduit, a steward to keeping Silver's spirit circulating in the creative realm in time and space.' - David Reposar
What I make comes from a state where conscious thoughts are lost, allowing a creative force to flow through.
A known origin of inspiration is unclear, and I enjoy the serendipitous journey where formless ideas take shape through clay and kiln.
Each piece is an ephemeral dance between the unseen and the material, a visual translation of the dialogue between the void and the crafted.
'Channeling' invites you to immerse in the enigma of creation, where the silent whispers of the unknown manifest into the tangible.
- Jennifer Alvarez
Patricia is a multidisciplinary artist of Scottish descent working in San Francisco, CA. She grew up in New Jersey in the post-punk 80's and received her B.A. in Art History and English Literature at Rutgers University. She's participated in workshops on street photography and artist books at the Tate Modern while living in London 2002-2006.
Since moving to California in 2006, she has studied photography, pottery and many paper-related disciplines. This multi-faceted show included works on paper (original and prints) of collage and monoprints.
PREHUMAN was the inaugural show at Venus & Victory's 824 Hyde St location. Inspired by the fascinating evolution of creatures that have survived and adapted over millions of years, enduring mass extinctions, yet now face new threats from the climate crisis and micro-plastic pollution. Ten percent of all sales proceeds were donated to the Clean Ocean Project.
Stay up to date on news, art, and merch
Our Beginning
Develop
Establish consistent styles for elements throughout your project.
Create
Save group of elements as components and reuse them.
Curate
Add animation to your designs to give them a more captivating look.
Launch
Add animation to your designs to give them a more captivating look.
