"Color of Money" On View at huZ Galleries

"Color of Money" is currently having a successful run at huZ Galleries in San Pedro. Attracting much attention, the solo exhibition by artist Huss Hardan is the second exhibit of a three-part trilogy named “Anguish and Obsession” which he began in 2016. Hardan is an advocate of women. He is moved by the tragic plight of females who are abused and abducted as part of human trafficking. 

  "Insurrection of the Innocent" 35mm film, 12 by 18 matted/framed to 20 by 28 silver halide print.

His first of the three-part series “An American Love Story” dealt with fetishistic obsession that many have with firearms in a shocking but pointed way. Last year, it garnered much acclaim at both his shows at HuZ Galleries and the international photo fair photo l.a. where he was a featured artist. “It is the second installment, said Hardan. “The third “Mother Earth” has already been shot and will be shown in 2018.”

In his exhibition, "Color of Money," the photos were shot on film to bring about awareness of the issue. The exhibition combines a stylized technique with a jarring and yet emotional touch. The artist chooses to look at the situation with a renewed hope of change. “I want my viewers to feel the emotion that not all is lost, that shouting out and fighting back can change the outcome.”

Hardan said that the trilogy took a few months for him to finalize on paper, and the actual shooting time was about three days. “What took longest was creating a concept that worked. I would brainstorm while exercising, I find that that gets my creative juices flowing for some reason! Perhaps due to the increased flow of oxygen to the brain.” He created story boards to help speed up the process.

Also on view is the solo exhibition entitled "Urban Dilemmas” featuring the work Randi Matushevitz.

It's A Gas, 2017, charcoal, pastel, spray paint, acrylic on canvas, 54" x 64"

The artist strives to illustrate how each individual’s point of view impacts his or her everyday experience. “I explore uncertainty, reflecting the reactive mania or calm surrounding political polarization, and the realities of our changing natural environment as they are reflected in the indifference or involvement of the populous.”

huZ Galleries will host a closing reception on Saturday January 27th from 3-6pm, with an artist talk at 4pm. huZ Galleries is located at 341 West 7th St San Pedro;  Visit the website at https://www.huzgalleries.com/

Find out more about the artists on their websites - http://husshardan.com/   https://www.randimatushevitz.com

Harrison Love Featured at the Upper West November 19th, 2017!

On Sunday, November 19, 2017...Santa Monica restaurant, the Upper West celebrates the art of Harrison Love. The opening reception for his solo exhibition will take place from 4- 7pm.    

  

As a frequent diner of the restaurant, Love said he is excited to see his paintings exhibited on the walls. “The Upper West is definitely a cut above other restaurants. It has beautiful décor and a classy ambience. As far as the food… everything coming out of that kitchen is delicious.”

Love will exhibit approximately sixteen paintings. The exhibition will feature works from two series. His Calligraffiti series offers a combination of traditional calligraphy and ‪American graffiti styles. His other series includes original illustrations from his upcoming book, The Hidden Way, which is a fiction inspired by Amazonian Myths and Folklore, generated from his own personal research into Amazonian Tribal Cultures.

A graduate of The Rhode Island School of Design, Harrison Love, is a painter and author of illustrated books. Born in New York but having spent his childhood in Brussels Belgium; Harrison started his arts education early in European schools as well as under the tutelage of his family; who are all artists.

Love is a well-traveled person. As a young adult he lived and worked in New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, Peru, Colombia, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Harrison has created murals for Google, The City of Detroit, and for The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. His work has been shown around the world and a good portion of his art is currently in the collection of The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Artist's Gallery. He currently works out of his studio at the Brewery Arts Complex in downtown Los Angeles.

Stop by the Upper West Restaurant on Sunday, November 19, 2017...and make a toast to Harrison Love. The artist will be in attendance. The opening reception runs from 4-7pm. Visit the artist’s Instagram at @harrisonlove and @brightfuturism, as well as his website at BrightFuturism.com

Don’t miss this fantastic opening at Upper West Restaurant in Santa Monica on Sunday, November 19, 2017, from 4-7pm.  http://www.theupperwest.com/

SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS Hosts its Fall Auction, November 18th & 19th, 2017

It’s time for the fall edition annual SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS.  Due to popular demand, the event will be held on two days…Saturday, November 18^th and Sunday November 19^th where art lovers and collectors gather for exceptional deals.

Robert Berman; Photo by RBilow Photography

Owner Robert Berman has a longstanding reputation as an established art dealer. SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS was founded in 1984 offering the general public unlimited access to fine art in all media such as paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, drawings, etc.

This event offers a timely feature. A good percentage of the work being auctioned is by artists who fall under the jurisdiction of the Getty Museum's initiative Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA. The initiative explores Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles. Artists include: Carlos Alfonzo, Richard Duardo, Elsa Flores, Diane Gamboa, Margaret Garcia, Gilbert “Magu” Lujan, Frank Romero, Robert Graham, Manuel Ocampo, GRONK, Salomon Huerta, Luis Jimenez,  Leo Limon, Los Carpinteros, Los Four, and Vik Muniz.

Hawaiian Nocturne, a work by Carlos Almaraz painted in 1983 is one of the works up for auction. This timeless pastel on paper is currently on view at the prestigious LA County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Carlos Almaraz (NOW on view at LACMA), Hawaiian Nocturne, 1983, Pastel on paper, Signed and dated on recto, 18.75 x 24.5 inches, Provenance: Acquired directly from the Artist by present owner; Currently on view/on exhibit at LACMA’s Playing with Fire; Illustrated: Playing with Fire, Paintings by Carlos Almaraz, p. 37 - Estimate: $25,000/$30,000

Other works garnering attention include: The American Way II, by Ed Kienholz, Llyn Foulkes’ Return Here, Robert Graham’s Lori and works by additional renowned artists such as Peter Alexander, John Baldessari, Banksy, Jean Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, David Hockney, Mike Kelley, Patrick Nagel, Andy Warhol, and more.

New art collectors and pros come from all over...don’t miss the chance to purchase rare and fine collectible art at unbelievable prices. Consumers are encouraged to stop by prior to the auction and ask questions.The staff at SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS will answer questions to help enlighten new collectors about the ins and outs of collecting art.

Andy Warhol, Flowers, 1970, Silkscreen, From the numbered edition of 250, Signed in ballpoint pen on verso, stamped on verso, Sheet: 36 x 36 inches; Framed: 36.5 x 36.5 inches Provenance: Acquired from Ronnie Greenburg Gallery by Frank Jacobs ca. 1975 - Estimate: $20,000/$25,000

 

The auction preview is currently on view now at the A-5 & B-7 galleries at Bergamot Station (Tues-Fri 11-6pm) and will remain on view through Friday, November 17^th 2017, until 8:00pm.
 

The SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS event will take place across two days… Saturday, November 18th, 6:00 p.m. and Sunday November 19th, at 1:00 p.m. at the ROBERT BERMAN GALLERY (B-7), Bergamot Station at 2525 Michigan Avenue in Santa Monica. For additional info call 310 315-1937 or email the gallery at  info@smauctions.com. View all works on  www.smauctions.com.

November 18th, 2017, “Mirrors of the Mind 6” opens at Art Share LA!

Created out of a love for the arts and psychology, the annual exhibition “Mirrors of the Mind” was co-founded by colleagues Pamela McCrory, PhD, and Terry Marks-Tarlow PhD.

The event is sponsored by the Community Outreach Committee (COC) of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association (LACPA), and has attracted talented artists working within the psychology community. 

Natalia Boucher, LMFT, The wind, 

(Metallic Paper + Acrylic 15x20), 

Navajo Point, Arizona

Natalia Boucher, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Originally from Uruguay, she first fell in love with photography about ten years ago. “During my work at a private school as a teacher and a videographer of events, my mother-in-law bought me my first camera. I used to capture the special moments during school events, such as the nurturing of a mother or the different developmental stages.” This will be her third time exhibiting for Mirrors of the Mind.

https://nataliaphotography.smugmug.com/

Milla Zeltzer, PsyD, has been working as a psychotherapist for the past six years. 

Milla Zeltzer, PsyD, Untitled 1 
oil on canvas, board
16 x 20
 

“I was born in former Soviet Union to a family who endured multiple generational traumas, losses and  illness. Throughout much emotional, situational, and political turmoil, through multiple migrations, I had always been able to carve out a safe haven from reality, by filtering it all through the lens of my dreams projected onto the canvas. I have processed my experiences and seen the psychological aspects of daily life as a natural source of inspiration. I am fascinated by the human nature. I am feeling respectful of individual processes explored in my practice and through art."

Zeltzer has exhibited at multiple galleries throughout Los Angeles as well as the Tel Aviv Museum in Israel. She has also illustrated numerous books and participated in Anifest International Film Festival with her short animated film City-e-Scape.
MillaZeltzerArt.com

Lolita Sapriel, LCSW, has been a psychotherapist for forty years and has been creating art since she was seventeen years old. “A friend took me to an art studio in West Hollywood in the 1960’s run by an artist called Vito…I started working in clay. I’ve been hooked ever since.” In the 1980’s she started experimenting with stone carving, first with alabaster and then moving to marble. “I’ve been mostly carving marble ever since.” She will be exhibiting two sculptures in the Mirrors of the Mind exhibition…one marble and one alabaster. 

Lolita Sapriel, LCSW,

Marble,10x14, 

Winged Seated Figure, 

Black Belgian marble base

Don’t miss "Mirrors of the Mind 6" on Saturday, November 18, 2017 from 5-10pm at Art Share LA, 801 E 4th Place, LA, 90013.  There is a $10 admission charge $5 for students and LACPA members. Gallery Hours Wed-Sat 1- 6pm. Enjoy poetry, dance and musical performances. The exhibition runs from November 15 – 26, 2017. Gallery Hours Wed-Sat 1- 6pm. For additional info, visit the FB Page. http://artsharela.org/  http://www.lapsych.org/

Saturday, October 14th, 2017, the 13th LA Burning Man Decompression Art & Music Festival is Back!

On Saturday, October 14th, 2017, the 13th Los Angeles Burning Man Decompression Art & Music Festival returns to the newly renovated LA State Historic Park downtown. The event runs from 1:00pm to 11:00 pm, and will be a one of a kind spectacle…not to be missed.

This annual event gathers “Burners” (artists who have attended the famed Burning Man event), each year to "decompress"....and celebrate the creativity shared out on the desert with their local friends and the general public. For many who cannot attend the event in Nevada, it has become an exciting opportunity to be a part of this legendary experience.  

Producer and founding Board Member of the Los Angeles League of Arts that sponsors the event, Esquire Jauchem stated that he is excited to see the event back in full swing. Due to the complete reconstruction of the park near Chinatown, "Decom" (as it is known) was put on hold for a few years. “It is the first time in three years that we can return to the State Park and they have spent 13 million dollars making it more fabulous than ever and we are thrilled to be back.”

The event is set to be bigger and even more fantastic…a sparkling, sparking hunk of the famed desert festival dropped right in the middle of downtown Los Angeles, featuring art, music, theme camps, and fire performances. All of Los Angeles is invited. “The event will feature the best of the Burning Man spirit of creativity, artistic freedom, and excitement,” continued Jauchem.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 14, 1:00pm to 11:00 pm, at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St. 90012 Los Angeles, CA, US 

There will be NO advance sales with admission at $20 per person (cash only). However, ATMs will be set up at the gate. No re-entry after 6 pm. Children under 12 are free. Enjoy a cash bar, food trucks, performances on four stages.

 
Attendees are encouraged to take the Metro since it is next to the Chinatown Metro Stop. There will be paid parking on the site for about 1000 cars for $10. Ride sharing and mobile car services are encouraged.

Visit the LA Decompression 2017 FB Page for the most updated information. 

See the 2017 Decom website at http://www.ladecom.com. 

Find out about the newly renovated venue the LA State Historic Park FB Page

August 20, 2017: FAB-gallery Presents "End of Summer Show"

Sunday, July 30th, Artist Bobbie Rich Set to Exhibit at Upper West Restaurant!

“Wanderlust," a solo exhibition by Bobbie Rich opens on Sunday, July 30th at Upper West Restaurant in Santa Monica. The artist reception will be held from 4-7pm.

As most foodies know, Upper West Restaurant features the most amazing cuisine. In addition to many special events such as tasting evenings featuring brand ambassadors and food pairings, the restaurant is known for its incredible happy hour. However not everyone knows about the art events that take place throughout the year. Every few months Upper West welcomes a new artist and hosts an opening reception…this has been taking place since the restaurant opened in 2010.

Bobbie Rich is a talented artist who will be returning to the restaurant to show new work. Not only has the artist been featured in a solo exhibition at the restaurant back in 2015, she has hosted several benefits at Upper West for various charitable organizations that she donates her time to.

A frequent diner at the restaurant, Rich said she recently enjoyed a cocktail named the Paloma - "very refreshing with just the right amount of zing for summertime. One of the reasons I love Upper West though, is that there are so many wonderful cocktails to choose from…and the whiskey flights. Oh my!"

    Bobbie Rich paints live at Resonate Church; photo by Michelle Goering


Rich's previous paintings are known for their whimsical people. She currently uses oil paint with other media layered in - acrylic, paper, metal leaf, moon paint, etc.  She will be displaying over twenty new paintings, including abstract waves, exotic animals and a mixture of people inspired by travel, fashion, nature and personal relationships. Some of her work leans towards portraiture and a few of the characters in her paintings are adorned with angel wings. 

“Wanderlust” will spotlight works from several series. One work to be included in the exhibition is titled La-Keysha 2 and is from Rich’s Angels Among Us series. “One of my first paintings to gain significant gallery and television coverage, close to a decade ago, was my original La-Keysha. She now resides with one of my collectors in Redondo Beach. La-Keysha 2  incorporates new materials and detailing while, still utilizing the buttery quality of oil paint to create beautiful flesh tones.”

La-Keysha 2, 30x24 inches, mixed media

Rich painted a former student named Asia who posed for her on the steps in the yard of a previous residence. “The painting is not so much a realistic portrait, as it is the essence of Asia. She is young, fresh, hip and cool with a love for art, color and Japanese pop culture. Asia has a huge heart and is kind and gracious to others, earning her a pair of beautiful wings.”

The opening reception will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 4-7pm at Upper West located at 3321 Pico Boulevard. in Santa Monica. The exhibit runs through October. For more info about the artist, see www.BobbieRich.com  For more info on the restaurant, see http://www.theupperwest.com/  

Saturday June 24th, One Day Only Art Show Celebrates Ray Ford and Louise Marler!

On Saturday, June 24^th 2017, the work of two artists will open in a one day only art exhibition at LA Marler Gallery (3000 Airport Avenue, Studio B, in Santa Monica). The event runs from 1- 5pm and will feature works by Ray Ford and Louise Marler.

Ray Ford has pursued art his entire life. Now in his 90^th year, the artist is most known for his wooden sculptures…each piece carefully crafted and original.

Born the son of a poor sharecropper in the Texas Panhandle during the depression and dust bowl years, on his fifth birthday he received a pocket knife and started making his own toys from wood. He also did drawing. Years later, he discovered painting “I was in the countryside and there was such beauty all around me…I remember, this overwhelming feeling came over me. All I wanted to do was paint, so I went home and started painting.” However he found he much preferred to work with natural materials.

Throughout his life he invested his time in various art forms. “The art world has changed a lot”, said Ford. He started leather tooling, making belts, wallets and jewelry. ”It was really in”, said the artist. “But it was a short-lived fad.” After a number of jobs related to wood working, the artist struck out on his own and created hand carved birds that sold in galleries and stores all over California. Now retired, he has been creating for his own amusement.

Ford said he was looking forward to his art reception. He will be showing all original works…no two are the same. Hand carved, delicate and beautiful, non-functional bowls, plates, vases and goblets…exquisitely created art pieces. For additional info on Ray Ford and to see his work online, check out his website at http://hrayford.com/

Artist Louise Marler aka LA Marler is well known for her Vintage Typewriter, Retro Camera and KeyWord mixed media art, her work has been included in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Actor Tom Hanks is a fan of her work and sponsored a recent art project.

A photographic pop artist, Marler incorporates a variety of media into her work such as painting. She is constantly working on multiple series and often goes back and forth between them. She explains, “One idea leads to another and it doesn’t happen in a formal way.” 

For this exhibition she will be showing her “camERA” light boxes and mixed media, with the Keyword mixed media art. Her “camERA” works illuminate her works from behind offering art lovers a unique experience to viewing art.

Marler has exhibited her art nationally and it has been featured in film and TV shows, such as, Two and a Half Men, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Mentalist, Criminal Minds, Reba, Bernie Mac, Rules of Engagement, Hawthorne, The Newsroom, A to Z, upcoming in Nickelodeon, Friends with Benefits, and more. LA Marler and her studio were also included the documentary film, “The Typewriter in the 21st Century.” To find out more about the art of Louise Marler (LA Marler), see her website at http://www.lamarler.com/

Come celebrate two talented artists…Ray Ford and Louise Marler on Saturday, June 24^th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at LA Marler Gallery, 3000 Airport Avenue, Studio B Santa Monica, CA 90405; http://www.lamarler.com/

June 4th, 2017, SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS Offers Amazing Deals on Collectible Art!

On Sunday, June 4^th, SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS will host its annual June auction commencing at noon at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. 

For thirty-eight years the SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS had been offering a place for collectors and the general public to obtain exceptional deals on modern and contemporary art. Featuring both emerging and established artists, this exclusive secondary market auction has something for everyone…paintings, prints, multiples, photographs and sculpture. 

Lot 48
Chuck Close

(born 1940)
Self Portrait (Yellow Raincoat), 2013
Archival watercolor pigment print on Hanemuhle rag paper

From the numbered edition of 70
Signed, numbered and dated in pencil on recto
Image: 22.75 x 19 inches; Sheet: 30 x 24 inches; Framed: 32 x 26 inches
Provenance: Compassionate Touch Network based in New Mexico. 100% of the hammer to go to this non-profit organization

This year’s works to be auctioned include a self-portrait by Chuck Close features the artist’s unique style of pixelated spots. The Self Portrait (Yellow Raincoat), 2013 should fetch between $8,000/$10,000. One hundred percent of the hammer sale price will go to the Compassionate Touch Network based in New Mexico, who are committed to promoting mental health literacy for youth, teens and adults utilizing education and the arts.

Another rare, never before seen piece by Richard Pettibone is getting lots of attention. Acclaimed for his “pocket-sized” appropriations of modernist masters, Pettibone’s work is highly sought after, now more than ever. This unique piece is a rare “combine” which features multiple modern master works within one miniature canvas - Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella and two Andy Warhol infamous images. This year’s auction includes artists such as: Raymond Pettibon, Robert Rauschenberg, David Hockney, Pablo Picasso, Chuck Close, Alex Prager, Larry Bell, Keith Haring, Christopher Wool, Ed Moses, Man Ray, Barry McGee and many others.

Also up for auction is a Robert Blue painting. The artist created fetishistic portraits of women. A movie was made about the artist entitled Heartbreakers in 1984 starring Peter Coyote. Berman explained his contributions. “He created Betty Page paintings…these are highly collectible.”

Billy Al Bengston’s Ka’ao Watercolor, (1983) is still in its original frame. The watercolor collage has a strong provenance…it has been shown in established galleries. A Dennis Hopper silkscreen was created from a photograph and is a special addition to the auction. 

Another highlight is a Lithograph by Francis Bacon set to sell between $14,000/$16,000.

Lot 39
Francis Bacon
(1909-1992)
OEdipe et le Sphinx d’aprés Ingres, 1984
Lithograph on Arches
150 copies with Arabic numbering, together with a number of “Hors Commerce” proofs and E.A.

Signed and annotated “HC” in pencil on recto; missing Arts Litho, Paris stamp
Image: 46 x 33.75 inches; Sheet: 50 x 35.25 inches; Framed: 55.5 x 42 inches

Estimate: $14,000/$16,000

Ann Baker has been attending the auction for several years and said “I’ve learned so much just by attending these events.” She will be there on June 4^th.  “I’ve got my eye on a couple of works that I would love to add to my collection.”

You never know what to expect at the popular event, this may be your lucky day. Stop by prior to the auction and ask questions. Both Robert Berman and his staff are quite knowledgeable and more than happy to help. Call  (310) 315-1937 with any questions or stop by SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS (A-7) or THE ROBERT BERMAN GALLERY AT B-7. The auction preview is currently on view now at the A-5 & B-7 galleries at Bergamot Station (Tues-Fri 11-6pm) and will remain open until 7pm on Saturday, June 3^rd. 

SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS is located at the famed Bergamot Station at 2525 Michigan Avenue in Santa Monica. For additional info and to view all works see  www.smauctions.com.