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Esao Andrews | Nowhere @ Thinkspace

Stephanie — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:10:36 +0000

Esao Andrews | Nowhere

Currently on display at Thinkspace is the latest body of work by Esao Andrews entitled “Nowhere”. The new series of paintings continue Andrews’ haunted landscapes, portraits and scenes that combine the surreal and real world with inanimate objects and animals. Many of these paintings are meant to stand alone, but they all suggest a changing of seasons and the anticipation of new beginnings. “Nowhere” refers to a desolate place that stands as a seemingly bleak starting point where time has been passing by unnoticed. These images show signs of hope; that fleeting moment where the subjects have resolved their wait and emerge for their first steps towards a new life.

Show runs until Saturday, January 28th at Thinkspace Gallery.

Vivian Maier | A Life Discovered @ Merry Karnowsky Gallery

Stephanie — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:48:18 +0000

Vivian Maier | Self Portrait

On display at Merry Karnowsky Gallery is an exhibition by photographer Vivian Maier entitled ‘Vivian Maier : A Life Discovered – Photographs from the Maloof Collection’. Unearthed by John Maloof in 2007 at a local auction house in Chicago, Maier is only now beginning to be recognized as an iconic street photographer from the 40’s, through the 70’s.

Invested in her bird’s eye view of the people who made industrious cities thrive and pulse, Maier captures gentle and poignant moments between parents and children, the disenfranchised and forgotten, in a country on the verge of social and political upheaval. Maier recorded historic landmarks and their demolition as developments were built to replace them over decades.

Maier’s ability to grab the right frame at exactly the right moment, with elements of lighting, movement and essence all aligning, is revealed in the remarkable fact that she seldom shot more than one picture of the same moment in time. An intensely private person who kept most of her work hidden, Maier also created a series of homemade documentary films and audio recordings that have yet to be released to the public. Vivian Maier died in 2009 at the age of 83, before the extent of her legacy had been fully understood or revealed.

Exhibit runs until Saturday, January 28th at Merry Karnowsky. Be sure to check out the works in person.

Sneak Peek: Hush @ 941 Geary

Stephanie — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:45:29 +0000

Hush

Opening tonight (January 21st) at 941 Geary is a new solo exhibition by UK artist Hush. The new works by Hush continues the artist’s unique mixed-media style, recognizable through its focus on geisha-like women set within backgrounds filled with an expressionist’s freedom of layering and color. The serene balance of traditional Eastern art is combined with a messier passion, influenced by Western traditions of action painting and graffiti.

Expect to see works ranging from small to large, a heavy installation and possibly a mural. The exhibit promises to continue the concept of Hush‘s 2010 sold-out solo show at Shooting Gallery, ‘Passing Through’, on a grander scale.

Saturday, January 21st 6-9pm
941 Geary
941 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA
941geary.com

Hush

‘Round the Hood: Dabs Myla Christmas Mural 2011

Stephanie — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:04:36 +0000

Dabs Myla (Christmas Mural 2011) from Carlos Gonzalez on Vimeo.

The artist duo known as Dabs Myla paint one of their most ambitious walls up to date in Culver City, California during Christmas 2011, but we get an inside glimpse into the process, what the wall means for them, and how it relates to a tradition very close to their hearts.

Many thanks to Dabs Myla & Carlos Gonzales for the video.

‘Femme Fatale’ coming up in February @ Cella Gallery

Stephanie — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:44:52 +0000

Gail Potocki

On February 25th, Cella Gallery will present a group exibition curated by Nicole Bruckman & Stephanie Chefas entitled ‘Femme Fatale’. The show features some of the most powerful contemporary artists whose inherent aesthetic is heavily influenced by the beauty of the female figure. With over 35 innovative artists participating, ‘Femme Fatale’ explores how individual perceptions of feminine allure can be expressed through each artist’s specific genre.

Artists include: Aaron Nagel, Apricot Mantle, Anna Chung, Aunia Kahn, Casey Weldon, Cate Rangel, Charles Ketcham, Chris Peters, Christopher Umana, Cristina Natsuko Paulos, Crystal Chan, David Bray, Dave MacDowell, Delphia, Douglas Alvarez, Edith Lebeau, Gail Potocki (shown above), Jason Rudulph Pena, JAW Cooper, Jeff Ramirez, Jessica Ward, JoKa, Jose Carabes, Ken Garduno, Korin Faught, Kris Moore, L.Croskey, Lily Mae Martin, Linnea Strid, Morgan Slade, Nicole Bruckman, Nom Kinnear King, Paul Chatem, Roman Cho, Sara Haase, Sarah Folkman, Stella Im Hultberg, Ted von Heiland and THH70.

‘Femme Fatale’ opens Saturday, February 25^th from 7-11pm, at Cella Gallery. To request a VIP preview, please email stephanie@platinumcheese.com.

Saturday, February 25th 7-11pm
Cella Gallery
11135 Weddington St.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
cellagallery.com

Rebus Book Signing with James Jean @ Gallery Nucleus

Stephanie — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:27:25 +0000

James Jean

On Saturday, January 14th, Gallery Nucleus welcomes acclaimed artist James Jean as he greets fans and signs copies of his books including the most recent, REBUS. The artist has been showcased in galleries across the globe, awarded eight Eisners for his DC comic cover illustrations, and has garnered an international following of fans and collectors. REBUS compiles Jean’s latest work, rare glimpses from his sketchbook, notable illustrations, as well as work done for Prada.

This event also marks the official release of a new “Year of the Rabbit” print edition (pictured below).

Saturday, January 14th 6-9pm
Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main St,
Alhambra CA 91801
gallerynucleus.com

Year of the Rabbit

Looking forward to: Natalia Fabia’s ‘Punk Rock Rainbow Sparkle’

Stephanie — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:21:49 +0000

Natalia Fabia

On January 14th, Natalia Fabia will present her first New York solo exhibit at Jonathan Levine Gallery. Inspired by people and places with a punk rock sensibility, ‘Punk Rock Rainbow Sparkle’ features fantasy narratives and actual moments captured from the artist’s vibrant life, her passion for ornate fashion, nightlife and glamour with a punk rock edge.

“Punk rock is one of my true loves. Punk to me is an attitude, a lifestyle. Punk is a middle finger, punk is do-it-yourself, do what you want. It’s a kind of freedom. I’m attracted to my subjects for having that quality. This attitude is what I wanted to convey in this series. My models (many of which are friends) are all tough, independent, strong, fun, hard working, talented, tattooed and stylishly dressed. I look at punk rock as being dirty and rough, yet sparkly and enticing at the same time, and that’s the theme of my paintings.” ~ Natalia Fabia

Saturday, January 14th 7-9pm
Jonathan LeVine Gallery
529 West 20th Street
9th Floor
New York, New York 10010
jonathanlevinegallery.com

Natalia Fabia

Sneak Peek: Preview 2012 @ LeBasse Projects

Stephanie — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:19:00 +0000

Seonna Hong

On January 7th, LeBasse Projects will open the year with a group show highlighting some of the artists that will exhibit in 2012. Participating artists include Herakut, Mike Stilkey, Joshua Petker, Seonna Hong, Jim Houser, Tobias Keene, Katrin Fridriks, Nate Frizzell, Yoskay Yamamoto, Andrew Hem, Matt Haber and Melissa Haslam. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect in the upcoming year. 2012 is looking good!

Saturday, January 7th 6-8pm
LeBasse Projects :: Culver City
Preview 2012
For more info, visit lebasseprojects.com

Spotlight On: Sam Graham’s ‘Fallopian Ballroom’

Stephanie — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:09:17 +0000

If you ever thumbed through the ‘Pop Life’ section of a Juxtapoz Magazine or viewed opening night photos on an art blog, chances are you’ve seen the photography of Sam Graham. But this photog is more than just a fixture on the LA art scene, Sam’s also an artist in his own right. Recently we came across Sam’s latest creative endeavor titled ”Fallopian Ballroom” and were strangely drawn to the surreal journey of an arm less being named Bart. The colorful panels of the comic takes the reader on a topsy turvy ride through the artist’s subconcious as told via a dreamlike narrative.

Here’s a little peek of “Fallopian Ballroom” below. The comic is available at famous Meltdown comics in Hollywood, CA or can be purchased online at magcloud.com. To learn more about Sam Graham and his artwork, visit museumofsam.com.

The First Annual Supersonic Electronic Invitational @ Spoke Art

Stephanie — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:35:54 +0000

João Ruas

Tonight (Jan. 5th), Spoke Art Gallery presents The First Annual Supersonic Electronic Invitational, a group exhibition of new works by sixteen established and emerging artists curated by Zach Tutor. Though diverse in their visions and mediums, this group of artists collectively embodies the spirit and urgency of today’s most imaginative creators. Curator and Founder of Supersonic Electronic, Zach Tutor describes the set as “sixteen beacons of true, unfiltered light for the future of the art world, giving promise to the wonderful idea that the world is on the brink of another Golden Age”.

Participating artists include:
Barnaby Ward, Angie Wang, Tatiana Suarez, Joao Ruas, Conrad Roset, James Jirat Patradoon, Mike Mitchell, Rik Lee, Steve Kim, Erik Jones, Allan Innman, Michael C. Hsiung, Cam Floyd, Jeremy Enecio, Sam Wolfe Connelly, and Scott C.

The First Annual Supersonic Electronic Invitational
Opens Thursday, January 5th 6-10pm
On view until January 26th

Spoke Art Gallery
816 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94109

Mike Mitchell

Michael C. Hsiung