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Wes Anderson "Bad Dads" Exhibit Is All About Loving the Filmmaker -- And Not Much Else

Jessica Hilo Nov 15, 2011 10:00 AM

Cate Rangel
Margot
What better way to celebrate the season surrounding Halloween -- a day made for flaunting daddy issues in thigh-high pleather -- than spending it at Spoke Art gallery honoring the man who made father issues occult?

The second annual "Bad Dads" art show, a tribute to the films of Wes Anderson, is an acorn off the tree from whence it came -- a whimsical and earnest gathering of fans, fan art, and homage. Like last year's showing, "Bad Dads" is a funny and at times overwhelmingly affectionate collection of baubles.

But what's lacking amidst this sea of indulgence, are distinct artistic voices with clear artistic statements used to challenge and subvert Anderson's commercial success: the obvious lure of the show. Most artists fell prey to regurgitation -- not uncommon for an exhibit of this nature, but an ill-advised strategy nonetheless.

The gallery brims with altars to Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) or the watery Margot Tenenbaum (Gweny Paltrow), the nautical Leo Bloom and the holy mother of withering talent respectively. Idol after pathetic idol proved it was easy to get lost at sea.