Currently on display at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Hollywood is Charles Binger – “A Pulp Life, Steven Dailey – “Covenant,” Howard Hallis – “The Picture of Everything,” and Tammi Otis – “A Fertile Madness.” The opening reception on Friday, January 7th, attracted swarms of Los Angeles art lovers who dedicated their Saturday night to mingling with talented artists.
2010 was a tremendous year for art. Take a look at the Top 10 Artists of 2010 (in no particular order) according to painter, pencil pusher, photographer, and Coilhouse Magazine co-founder Zoetica Ebb.
Monday nights are not the popular night out, unless it’s grabbing a quick Happy Hour special or seeing a flick with a friend, but even then getting people motivated is such a daunting task. For a weeknight that doesn’t receive much action, Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club steps it up by transforming ordinary Monday nights into a world of sexy burlesque accompanied by drink specials and live music – a night they affectionately refer to as “Hey Hey Monday’s.”
The Smashbox Face Off annual photo contest celebrated its fifteenth year last week with an opening bash held at Smashbox Studios – West Hollywood. The competition was originally conceived as a creative outlet for photo-assistants, but has morphed into a springboard for young photographers from all over. This year, a new “Motion” category was introduced, as well, with videos now being allowed into Face Off. This year’s entries’ technique and presentation were as diverse as the subject matter.
So & So is Amie Miriello, Brandon Rogers, Bana Haffar, Adam Hanson, and Jay Dmuchowski – who prefers to be called Raisin Higgins. The band came together when Amie, an established singer in the Los Angeles area, and childhood friend Jay teamed up with producer Rob Wells to form the ultimate songwriting team. It wasn’t long after that the duo sought out the perfect partners in crime and the project matured into a full-fledged band. With the addition of American Idol Season six contestant and soulful singer Brandon, Adam on drums, and bassist Bana, So & So came to fruition in September 2010. The feisty five and I sat down for some laughs as they discussed their new album on the horizon and big tour plans for 2011. In between interview questions and technically off the record, the band and I bonded over intimate descriptions of their colons and jokes they have painfully refrained from saying in front of Mormon audiences.
Last Thursday, Gallery 1988 in Hollywood hosted the reception for The Ghost of Delilah and Other Stories – an unprecedented group show curated by NYC’s Travis Louie. Travis, known for his sepia-toned, photo-realistic depictions of monsters and fantasy creatures, invited artists to collaborate with him on a series of drawings, featured in the show alongside his paintings.
Sanrio’s 50th anniversary celebration culminated last week with an 80s-style prom, aptly titled, “Kitty in Pink”. As if LA’s Hello Kitty fans needed another excuse to wear pouffy dresses and tease their hair! They got creative anyhow, some going with far out 80s prom style and others choosing assorted New Waveisms. Cascades of lace, taffeta, all manner of metallic fabrics, and, of course, spandex filled the Barker hangar, which was decked accordingly in pink bows, balloons and sparkly streamers.
We know to expect impossible cuteness and limitless merchandizing ideas from Sanrio, but what happens when they decide to throw a really big birthday party? A nationwide furor, of course, with parties in Miami and LA, where the Small Gift art show and events spectacular are held! The celebration kicked off with a private VIP event, held at Santa Monica’s Barker airplane hangar.
Last year, members of the California wheat pasting community attempted to throw together an art exhibition in a Los Angeles warehouse. The local law enforcement, however, was not as receptive to this idea, as wheat pasting is a form of graffiti and is technically illegal. With much disappointment, the exhibit was shut down and frustrated artists gave up on this dream. This was until Hold Up Art owner/curator Brian Lee decided to team up with wheat pasting mastermind Cryptik, and with the help of fellow curator Toks Shoyoye, was able to bring “Marxist Glue” to downtown Los Angeles.
Last Saturday, La Luz De Jesus gallery drew crowds to marvel at the newest creations of Chicago-based artist Jessica Joslin. Joslin has been astonishing fans for years with her whimsical, intricate sculptures of brass and bone and found objects galore. At the reception, wine flowed, gallery-goers oohed, ahhed and lavished praise. The sculptures were artfully lit – last-minute the night before the show, according to gallery director Matt Kennedy, but you’d have never known from the looks of things. In fact, the ornate shadows cast on the walls by mischievous cat-monkeys, fish-birds and other mystery pets seemed very much part of the exhibit.
