Tag: Art Openings

Yoshitomo Nara opening at Blum & Poe…

Yoshitomo Nara‘s big LA opening was last night over at Blum&Poe, and what a show it was. A great way to wrap up the year and the opening brought many regulars out to view the playful works of Nara. A nice lil’ mini family reunion of sorts before the holidays. In attendance were Mark Ryden, Marion Peck, Yoskay Yamamoto, Nate Frizzel, Gary Baseman, James Jean, Beau from Cerasoli : Le Basse Gallery, Steve and Marcus from Arrested Motion, CommandaX and so many more… a great night!

The main gallery hall featured a handful of beautiful new paintings on canvas, including the gem of the show shown above – “Agent Orange in the Milky Lake”. There was also a nice wall of tightly hung new large drawings (shown below)…

The below piece measured a good 6′ tall and greeted patrons as they entered the main hall (outside of the two main gallery spaces)…
As one left the main gallery, and prepared to enter the next gallery (which had been outfited with a special rounded and lowered opening – sorry, we didn’t get a good shot of the entry way), you noticed hanging above a large clear acrylic peace symbol that was packed full of hand-made Nara plush characters… a good 4′ round, it was a sight to behold and set the vibe for the fun that lay within Nara’s covered wagon…

Upon entering the 2nd gallery that housed the magnificent covered wagon studio installation, you were met with the below monster of a piece – “Lonely” – it had to have been at least 18-20 feet long and a good 8 feet high. Impressive in scope for sure.

But the true highlight of the show was the amazing covered wagon installation – “California Orange Covered Wagon” – from Nara’s YNG.

Every lil’ detail was thought through and executed with amazing skill… just a magical wagon that we wish we could have hitched up to our VW and drove home with…

Below was the entry to the back of the wagon, where one could see a small recreation of sorts of Nara’s working space. Included were many smaller works, works in progress, old mail, photographs, and various ephemera that might normally be found in his studio and in some way had an impact on the creation of the works that made up this show…. many great interior shots follow…

Below is a glimpse behind the scenes, at many smaller works most patrons probably didn’t get the chance to view. There were at least an additional dozen unframed smaller drawings on old, discarded envelopes, as well as two additional works on canvas that were just beautiful and a series of about 4 drawings based around The Ramones that were framed and hanging about… so tempting to have all laid out in front of you like that 🙂

New works from Yoshitomo Nara – on view at Blum & Poe through January 30th – don’t miss it. Blum & Poe is located at 2754 S. La Cienega Blvd. in Culver City.

Kelsey Brookes opening night at New Image…

Upon entering New Image, patrons were greeted by two circular works from Kelsey Brookes that were motorized and spinning about… creating an effect that was surreal. Definitely was hard to look at these for very long. After being struck by those wonders, patrons were greated by Kelsey’s impressive installation, complete with life-size skeletal sculpture…

Above is the view from the main gallery down the long hallway that leads to New Image’s project room and back area/office… at the end of the long hallway was Brookes’ yeti sculpture that was included in his recent show up in SF at White Walls…

Above is the entry way to New Image’s project room, which on this night was also taken up by Kelsey. He covered the entire room (floor, ceiling and walls) with oriental rugs and built out the opening with some nice touches too…

Below is the view from their long hallway looking out into the main gallery (notice the nice touches at the top of the hallway from Kelsey)…

As we left Aritchoke Heart Souffle’ started up their set… below, the foundation / base of his massive sculpture install… a must see show to say the least. Kelsey has raised his own bar and then some with this show. Don’t sleep.
Keep an eye on Kelsey via his site at: http://www.kelseybrookes.com/
For hours and further details, check out: http://www.newimageartgallery.com/

The Mosaic Tile House in Venice…

THE MOSAIC TILE HOUSE
Fall 2008 Studio Art Show & Sale
Sunday – October 26, 2008 From 12 – 5 PM
1116 Palms Blvd in Venice (between Lincoln Blvd & Penmar Ave)
(310) 399-1469
Artists Cheri Pann & Gonzalo Duran invite you to the Fall 2008 Pre-Christmas Glass work, Pottery & Painting Exhibit & Sale. We stumbled upon this wonder of a home many, many years back and always share it with visitors anytime we get over to Venice. Just amazing the amount of love and work that has gone into their home. Every square inch inside and outside their home is covered in mosaic tile. Cheri creates the tiles, and Gonzalo breaks ’em up and mosaics their yard, their porch, their lawn, their floor inside, their walls and ceiling inside, their fence surrounding their home, their awning, the outside walls of their home… everywhere. Really has to be seen to really appreciate the time that went into it. And still they find new places to expand onto each time we swing through… inspiring in so many ways.
Definitely worth a visit if in the area next Sunday.

Big benefit with big names next Sat at New Image Art…

Dear & Yonder Benefit
Sat, October 25th 6-10PM
New Image Art
7908 Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles
(323) 654-2192
On Sat, October 25th New Image Art is hosting a benefit for the upcoming surf film Dear & Yonder. Tiffany Campbell and Andria Lessler have been working on the film for over a year to authentically document women who inspire both in and out of the water. This benefit has been organized to raise funds for the remaining production costs of the film, which will help keep it on track for a Summer 2009 release. The filmmakers’ community has been integral to realizing the film, and is furthering its gracious support by donating artwork for the benefit.
This dynamic group of talent includes:
Clare Rojas, Thomas Campbell, Alex Kopps, Barry McGee, Spencer Tunik, Lori d., Andy Davis, Jo Jackson, Laura Flippen, Evan Hecox, Stefan Simikich, Johanna St. Clair, Amy Jo Diaz, Jeff Canham, Kyle Field, Erin Kunkel, Jay Nelson, Josh Lazcano, Serena Mitnik-Miller, Nathaniel Russel, Moses Berkson, Tiffany Campbell, Deanna Templeton, Chris Duncan, Liz Pepin, Rachel Kaye, Mason St. Peter, Nikki McClure, Rich Jacobs, Ed Templeton and more.
The exhibition space has been offered by Marsea Goldberg who is an avid surfer with 15 years of commitment to showing up and coming female artists, making New Image Art a perfect fit.