This past Saturday Alhambra’s decidedly happening Gallery Nucleus hosted an opening party for their Poster Peepshow exhibition, which features lots of luscious pin up art from the past and present. Cheesecake and erotic artist Olivia De Berardinis, whose work has been prominently featured in the pages of Playboy, signed copies of her books for a seemingly never-ending line of fans, and Suicide Girls Sash and Milloux modeled for a packed live figure drawing session. Original Catwoman Julie Newmar, L.A. glamour gal Lenora Claire, and Runaways producer Kim Fowley were also in attendance.

The exhibition, which will run thru February 28th, features rare vintage originals from pin up masters Art Frahm, Rolf Armstrong, K.O. Munson, Al Moore and Al Buell, alongside contemporary works from Olivia De Berardinis, Craig Elliott, Lawrence Noble, Jim, Silke, Stuntkid, and Dean Yeagle, among others.

“Our goal for Poster Peepshow was in part to showcase the evolution of the pin up girl from her classic archetypal roots in the 1950’s with artists such as Rolf Armstrong and Art Frahm to now,” says the gallery’s Assistant Curator, Jasmine Helm. “We wanted to feature contemporary artists who retain the classic cheesecake style and there is no one better than Olivia De Berardinis. Her paintings appear effortless. With watercolor paint she manages to paint sensual textures unlike any other contemporary artist in the pin up field.”

“Since the pin up girl has changed over time we wanted to show a variety of interpretations and decided to reach out to other artists such Rockin’ Jelly Bean who creates sexy voluptuous women inspired by grindhouse films as well as industry artists such as Dean Yeagle, Robh Ruppel, and Marcelo Daldoce,” says Helm. “It was a challenge to put this exhibit together because people underestimate how difficult it is to paint a beautiful woman with sensitivity that embodies desire and playfulness, yet I believe we have selected artists who have done so with grace.”

Words by Nicole Pajer

Poster Peepshow: The Art of The Pin @ Gallery Nucleus,

210 East Main Street, Alhambra, CA 91801

February 5th thru 28th

626-458-7482 / 626-458-7477

www.GalleryNucleus.com

On Thursday , July 30 Club Social in Hollywood opened its doors to some of the most outrageous fashionistas around.  The occasion was Gold Vs. Petker: a runway fashion mash-up show created by designer Jared Gold and artist Joshua Petker and a monster of an event surrounding it – with everyone from Lenora Claire and Tarina Tarantino to Clint Catalyst and Selene Luna hosting, DJing and adding fluffy clouds of charm to the already-glittery atmosphere.  There was even a portrait studio hosted by Austin Young where everyone got to put their best face forward.  The show was spectacular to be sure but the real fun was throughout the numerous rooms of Club Social.  I photo-sniped the night away amidst towering models, sharp gents and enough wigs to stuff several mascot costumes.

Words and photos by Zoetica Ebb

Saturday night marked the opening of Bettie Page: Heaven Bound – an all-star art extravaganza curated by Lenora Claire held at the World of Wonder Gallery in Hollywood. This exhibit, dedicated to the late pinup legend, features iconic portraits of Bettie by Olivia and tribute photos by Austin Young among others. The carefree smile and electric attitude that left an impact on an entire generation grace the gallery walls, captured in a variety of mediums from watercolor to acrylic sculpture. In usual World of Wonder reception style, the party drew a colorful crowd – drag queens, fashion butterflies, booze enthusiasts and Hollywood culture favorites were out on full force to salute the unforgettable, the one and only – Bettie Page.

Words and Photos by Zoetica Ebb

World of Wonder Gallery 650 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA‎ – (323) 603-6300‎