Russell Brand, Dave Chappelle, Steve Martin: Dan Dion's April Foolers

Dan Dion

​Among our local artists who've managed to get themselves all internationally recognized and stuff is photographer Dan Dion, the "Richard Avedon of comedy." A new show features big, beautiful prints of classic Dion: comedian portraiture.

Dan Dion

​Comedian portraiture means that each piece here is familiar -- the face is familiar -- but the photographer's twin superpowers of skill and sensitivity mean the image is never familiar. Dion seems to have caught all these people with their game face off for once. To employ a near-cliché, the wild animals seem to trust him -- you can tell by the look in their eyes. The trust is returned through the lens, and the results are not only pretty to look at but fascinating and likely to churn up your ideas about celebrity a little bit. "The Art of Comedians and Satiristas" opens tonight at 6 with music by rock piano player DJ Lebowitz (and the show continues through May 21) at the Madrone Art Bar.

Dan Dion

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