BEAVER BAUER
From Stage to Street, A Fifty-Year Retrospective.
This retrospective exhibition surveys the career of Debra “Beaver” Bauer - the beloved and irreverent artist and costume designer that spans more than fifty years of creative work. The exhibition includes original renderings, performance photography, video clips and elements from costumes drawn from her expansive work. Bauer developed her reputation first as a member of the experimental Angels of Light Free Theater [working alongside celebrated performers such as: Hibiscus, Rodney Price and Martin Wong], which flourished for ten years before its cast was impacted by AIDS. Their visual extravagance became her signature style. Bauer then transitioned to work in costume design, becoming one of the Bay Area’s most respected and celebrated designers. She designed for major theaters including American Conservatory Theatre (A.C.T.) and Berkeley Rep, as well as experimental companies: First Voice, and Theater of Yugen. She also worked with the circus ensemble Teatro ZinZanni, all while maintaining an approach based in drawing and a lifelong inspiration from the Angels of Light. The exhibition includes original renderings, performance photography, film and video clips, elements from costumes drawn from her expansive work and an original mural honoring the Angels of Light. Also included are drawings from her collection entitled: THE BUS QUEEN’S GAZETTE - MUNI PORTRAITS SERIES. Everyone was encouraged to come in inappropriate dress for the opening. Welcome to the World of Beaver Bauer.
