Andaz West Hollywood Announces New Solo Art Exhibit with Fernanda Lavera

by Dennis Richardson | Apr 12, 2024

The highly anticipated art exhibition will showcase Lavera’s artworks from her collection called “I’m not a robot” from April 4 to June 28, 2024

Andaz West Hollywood, located on the legendary Sunset Strip, has partnered with Buenos-Aires-born, artist Fernanda Lavera to unveil her highly-anticipated solo art exhibition in Los Angeles. The visiting exhibition at the registered art gallery in Andaz West Hollywood is showcasing Lavera’s artworks from her acclaimed collection called “I’m not a robot,” over a three-month period from April 4 to June 28, 2024.

Credit: Chelsea Patricia

A natural fit for Andaz West Hollywood, known for its rich history as an eclectic gateway to West Hollywood, Lavera’s vibrant artworks are marked by eccentric shapes and vivid colors that draw on inspiration from Lavera’s daily life. The idea for the, “I’m not a robot,” collection was sparked when the artist encountered an obstacle attempting to log in to her computer, a system requesting verification of her humanity through a test involving identifying objects in images. “I’m at the computer filling out some online forms, and once again, a series of urban images and symbols appear on the screen, drawing my full attention: bicycles, traffic lights, signs, and signals that I have to accept. I’m not a robot,” states Lavera.

This experience ignited an internal protest within Lavera: “Why must I prove my humanity when I am unquestionably human and an artist?” As a result, “I’m not a robot,” is a series of four paintings that invite individuals to slow down despite living in a society filled with automatic consumption.

Distinct from her usual format which typically employs larger canvases, “I’m not a robot,”will showcase four smaller paintings presented collectively in the form of a puzzle. Utilizing resources such as pixelation, QR codes, puzzles, and verifications, the exhibition incorporates and blends these technological facets of modernity, forging the creation of a protest with space for amusement, engagement, and human connection. Whether viewed digitally or experienced in person, the art encourages audiences to connect with the artist on a human level and join this protest.

Credit: Chelsea Patricia

Lavera believes in pushing the boundaries that exist in the world. Unique and revolutionary, the artist emerges from the masses holding strong convictions, her brushes, and vision. Lavera communicates a message that will make individuals think and question themselves, leaving them wanting more.

Lavera’s exciting rise to fame began when Greg Schriefer and Clive Davis stumbled upon her work during their trip to Buenos Aires. Enamored by her artistic technique and message, both were deeply impressed, and Greg decided to take on the role of managing her career.

For more information about Andaz West Hollywood, please visit: www.andazwesthollywood.com.

About Andaz West Hollywood:

With its iconic history as the first hotel on the Sunset Strip, Andaz West Hollywood offers guests the rare opportunity to trace the footsteps of a long list of legendary rockers who frequented the property throughout the 60s and 70s and earned it the nickname “Riot House,” including The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses, The Doors and more. The historic property experienced past lives as Hyatt on Sunset and Hyatt West Hollywood, before rebranding as Andaz West Hollywood in Hyatt’s boutique lifestyle collection in 2009. The modernized hotel features 240 stylish guest rooms including 21 suites with chic aesthetics, coveted views of the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Boulevard, a rotating art gallery exhibition, and the highest rooftop pool in Los Angeles. An eclectic and fashionable destination, Andaz West Hollywood provides the ultimate LA experience with elevated comforts and amenities for guests to unleash their inner celebrity and indulge like no one, or everyone, is watching.

About Fernanda Lavera:

Fernanda Lavera is a Buenos Aires-based contemporary artist. At a young age, she discovered her fascination for art and painting through an aunt and has since had a passion for sketching and textures. Neo-expressionist art is notorious in Lavera’s monumental and vibrant artworks. From each, eccentric shapes and vivid colors of contrasting expressions escape, providing a glimpse into her unconscious imagination. Lavera’s art includes symbols, objects, and everyday forms that align closely with the style of Pop Art. Psychedelic cartoons, rabid cats, race cars, tables, and blurred faces, are some of the heterogeneous elements that are presented. For further information, visit laverart.com.

Andaz West Hollywood Hosts ‘black in every color’ Exhibition Series: ‘Ours’

by Dennis Richardson | Mar 8, 2024

March is here, which means so is a warming trend in the weather. As we move into Spring, more people will be venturing out to appreciate Southern California’s natural beauty, events, and more. This month, art lovers can rejoice as Andaz West Hollywood has teamed up with Valence Projects for “Ours,” showcasing 20 LA-based artists as part of their “black in every color” series.

A nod to both the series’ 1-Year Anniversary and Black History Month, “Ours” is the next installation of their “black in every color” exhibition series, which highlights 20 LA-based artists. The exhibition celebrated the 1-Year Anniversary of black in every color and Black History Month, while also running through March 29th.

Credit: Valence Projects

“A nod to the future of creativity, community, and expression, “Ours” is posed as an ode to innovation born from detachment. The exhibition invites you to navigate the expansive terrain of artistic exploration as artists of color and recontextualize the fine art space.”

The concept of time, ever-present, underscores this exhibition. “Ours” is a reflection on the epochs it has taken for us to arrive at this juncture, yet it is equally a portal to the future—a nexus where innovation intertwines with history, and forward thinking dances with tradition,” said the exhibition’s Curator, Josiah David Jones.

Artists serve as pioneers of transformation, navigating the uncharted territories of self-expression and collective introspection. Highlighting a range of artists like established fashion photographer Micaiah Carter’s “Preserve”, to first time exhibitor Natasha Rivero’s “Alori”, and multi-disciplinary artist Doug Hickman’s fabric dressed transformation of the Andaz Mezzanine. black in every color’s goal is to elevate artist’s practice through community, collaboration and visibility.

“Ours” will be exhibited at the Andaz West Hollywood (8401 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069) through March 29, 2024. Visit www.blackineverycolor.com for more information.

Featured Artists Include:

● Dom King
● Brittney S. Price
● Isis Dua
● Kipkemoi
● Kader Ampka
● Mary Harris
● Natasha Rivero
● Peyton The Artist
● Micaiah Carter
● Perry White
● Liam Woods
● Carrington Mitchell
● Jonah Elijah
● Dez Porter
● Doug Hickman Jr.
● Kodjovi Sevon
● Brandon Gastinell
● Yashua Bloom
● Shaylen Nelson
● Stvteoftheart

About Valence Projects & ‘black in every color.’ Curation

The ‘black in every color.’ exhibition series was conceived by Josiah David Jones, founder of Valence Projects. Valence Project’s mission is to empower underrepresented artist communities internationally. Valence Projects strives to build a world where creativity meets purpose, where artists thrive, and where impactful campaigns are born to make a profound difference in the world.

The ‘black in every color’ exhibitions aim to highlight emerging creative communities of color internationally. Valence Projects plans to bring the exhibition to other cities across the US and globally. Among the line-up planned for 2024, the exhibition will be held at Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor and Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills.

About Andaz West Hollywood

With its iconic history as the first hotel on the Sunset Strip, Andaz West Hollywood offers guests the rare opportunity to trace the footsteps of a long list of legendary rockers who frequented the property throughout the 60s and 70s and earned it the nickname “Riot House,” including The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses, The Doors and more. The historic property experienced past lives as Hyatt on Sunset and Hyatt West Hollywood, before rebranding as Andaz West Hollywood in Hyatt’s boutique lifestyle collection in 2009. The modernized hotel features 239 stylish guest rooms including 20 suites with chic aesthetics, coveted views of the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Boulevard, a rotating art gallery exhibition, and the highest rooftop pool in Los Angeles. An eclectic and fashionable destination, Andaz West Hollywood provides the ultimate LA experience with elevated comforts and amenities for guests to unleash their inner celebrity and indulge like no one, or everyone, is watching.

Idyllwild Arts Partners With Pioneering UK-Based Theater Company Stan’s Café to Deliver Thought-Provoking Performance Art

by June Miller Richards | Jan 15, 2024

Idyllwild Arts Partners With Pioneering UK-Based Theater Company Stan’s Café to Deliver Thought-Provoking Performance Art

Free Reception February 9 a Highlight of Exhibitition Running February 6-14

The InterArts Department at Idyllwild Arts is pleased to present a special collaboration between

its students and UK-based interactive theater company, Stan’s Cafe. Of All The People in All The

World is an internationally-acclaimed performance installation that turns abstract human

population statistics into emotionally gripping stories using grains of rice. The public is invited

to view Idyllwild Arts’ iteration Of All The People in All The World at a celebratory reception on

Friday, February 9 from 6 to 7.30 pm, featuring InterArts students and Stan’s Café founders,

James Yarker and Graeme Rose. The free event takes place at the Parks Exhibition Gallery

located on Idyllwild Arts’ stunning campus (52500 Temecula Road #38, Idyllwild, CA). The

unique exhibition will also run from February 6 through 14, 2024.

Of All The People In All The World has toured the world since its inception in 2003, landing at

top international venues, including the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and the World

Financial Center in New York, adapting to the times and contexts in which it is found.

President of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation, Pamela Jordan sais, “We are thrilled to welcome

Stan’s Café to the Idyllwild Arts campus because this collaboration reflects many synergies

between both organizations where the spirit of a Citizen Artist is the focus. This unique

opportunity bolsters our ability to foster creative, innovative, curious, globally minded problem

solvers. I have no doubt that our students will be enriched and inspired by this experience and

Stan’s Café will be inspired by our talented, young artists and mountaintop village.”

The rice is carefully measured to represent human population statistics. These statistics are

drawn from the most reputable sources available. Each grain of rice equals one person and over

a period of days, a team of performers carefully weigh out quantities of rice to represent a host

of human statistics. These statistics are arranged in labeled piles, creating an ever-changing

landscape of rice. Their juxtapositions can be moving, shocking, celebratory, witty and

thought-provoking. That’s it. This installation is that simple—and that elegantly complex.

Since its debut, Of All The People In All The World has used this deceptively straightforward

concept to communicate statistics that are otherwise difficult if not impossible to grasp. After

the performance the rice will be donated to charities and recycled.

Established in 1991 and based in Birmingham UK, Stan’s Cafe is a group of artists from a variety

of disciplines, but mostly theater makers, working under the artistic direction of James Yarker.

The company consists of an evolving team of long-term collaborators and associated artists,

and the lineup changes according to the project being worked upon.

Artistic Director of Stan’s Café, James Yarker said, “We can’t wait to collaborate with the young

creatives at Idyllwild Arts Academy. The students will share with us their vision of the world, we

will teach them how our show works, and together we will research and make a wonderful new

version of Of All The People In All The World.”

For more information, visit: https://www.idyllwildartsgallery.org/of-all-the-people-in-all-the-world

Tim Walker Wonderful Things May 2–August 20, 2023, GETTY CENTER

by Justin Marlowe | May 13, 2023

Journey into the fantastical worlds created by internationally acclaimed fashion photographer Tim Walker. The exhibition pays tribute to Walker’s distinctive contribution to image-making while also highlighting the work of his creative collaborators: set designers, stylists, makeup artists, models, and muses. At the heart of the show is a new series of photographs inspired by his research into the collections of the Getty Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London.

The Getty Museum

1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049

https://www.getty.edu/

Checking-In: Graham Moore, Commercial Artist

by zuke oshiro | May 6, 2023

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This is the first in a series of profiles about people who live and work in the SoCal area. We tap into the vast range of professions and endeavor to explore method and outcomes. We start with Graham Moore, a graphic artist born in Somerset, England, living in Los Angeles. HIs work is swinging 60’s London and Retro Americana.

HOW IT BEGAN
My journey started at Wimbledon school of art in London where I did my foundation studies, 3 years later graduated in Graphic Design. First job was working in a print shop in covent garden. Came over to New York in 1987, then down to Dallas, worked in a couple of design studios, them moved out to Los Angeles in 1991. Have continuously been working in the entertainment/music business/design studios/advertising agency as a graphic designer/Art Director. Was offered to teach a class at Art Center College of Design in 2003 and have been teaching as an adjunct faculty since then also at FIDM and currently at Woodbury University in Burbank. My own art started to take off in 2012, employing non-digital techniques, collage & mixed media being my process of choice. Out of many, Pop art would be my favorite art movement and that comes across in my work and most of the artists, music, fashion and style I admire are from that time period, the 1960’s. I continue to mix analog/digital techniques in both my personal and graphic design work!

What are the challenges in your profession?
It is not an easy road to tread….being a freelance designer/designer/teacher I am constantly hustling for work, looking for new clients, as an artist, be prepared for rejection, because it will happen, but not to be taken personally! Just remember that art is subjective so what one person may love, another person is not impressed! One door closes, another opens, that has been my experience! As a freelancer network, network & more networking for the next gig!

Can you explain your design thinking?
I love the clean, simple lines of mid-century modern design and the cool sounds of west coast jazz! and Blue Note jazz covers and the Abstract Classicists. I am a huge fan of the art movement, Califonia Hard-Edge. Bold lines, organic shapes, color and texture are all important ingredients that I employ in my own work. I was doing a lot of collage in my classes (art & design at Art Center and Woodbury University), always experimenting and exploring with different materials, textured papers and found imagery, etc. I had the idea to use record covers and the paper sleeves that protected 45 singles, specifically packaging from 1960’s. There is so much of it, an endless supply of material!

It already contained such strong use of shape, line, color and texture, (all the things by the way that I teach in my Basic elements and principles of design classes). There is something about the quality and feel of the printing from back then that cannot be rivalved! It seems ironic to me that it was the love of album cover art that made me want to pursue a career in graphic design in the first place, and here I am using it in a way I would never have dreamed of! Also, by accident, one day while working on my computer, from my living room window I was watching the clear channel guy strip down and replace some billboards. I went down and asked him what he did with the remnants and he said they just trashed it, so help yourself and through some experimentation found that there was a lot of great color, typography and texture to be had, and nice big areas of halftone dots!

My process is lots of experimentation! For instance, with the billboard pieces, I brake it down into manageable size pieces then soak it in the bathtub until I can peel it apart. The fun is always in the reveal because there are so many layers you never know what you are going to get! The record cover pieces are like a jigsaw puzzle, sometimes a piece will sit on my table for a few days, constantly moving pieces around until it feels right! There have also been instances where I have found the frame/frames first and created the piece specifically for the frame. One important factor is that I always use a square format, which relates to back to the album cover, be it 12 inch, 10 inch, 7 inch.

Photo, right: Jim wojtowicz and mother&daughter participates in the first Collage Garage workshop at the 1st annual recycled art fair @crafted at the port of Los Angeles in San Pedro California. https://express.adobe.com/page/wwdfyIlaFVGWO/

For more Moore: http://www.gmoorecreative.com/

Tappan Collective Opens Apeiron Collection On Melrose Avenue

by Dennis Richardson | Apr 26, 2023

If you love art and need something to do on an upcoming weekend, there’s a new gallery worth checking out!

On April 20th, Tappan Collective opened their doors to their second show, APEIRON, at their brick and mortar gallery on Melrose Ave — the perfect weekend activity for lovers of all things art and design! The gallery is noteworthy — not just for its location — but due to the unique and memorable pieces that are available for purchase. Ranging in value, Tappan Collective offers $300 shipping credit for first time orders, as well.

Chelsea Neman Nassib at Tappan Collective

Ultimately designed as a re-imagined alternative to the typical “white cube” gallery, the space emulates a sense of comfort and discovery like no other before.

As an artist and a storyteller herself, founder Chelsea Neman Nassib’s goal of taking her online gallery to brick-and-mortar was to help customers visualize how and why the creators make what they do through a story of their own. Their newest show ‘Apeiron’ – Greek for ‘that which is unlimited’ – features a diverse range of works that express the energy of life and the importance of uninhibited creativity.

Tappan Collective invites everyone to immerse themselves in this collection that celebrates optimism, creativity and artistic expression.

Located at 8200 Melrose Ave, participating artists in this exhibition include, Ali Beletic, Brian Merriam, Brianna Lance, Bryce Wymer, Georgia Elrod, Hannah Carrick, Helen Rebekah Garber, Michael Wall, Michael DeSutter, Qhamanande Maswana, and Tyler Guinn. The Apeiron Collection is available for viewing until June 10, 2023.

Downtown Art (LA Style)

by Randy Dunbar | Apr 19, 2023

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s contributions to the history of art and his explorations of multifaceted cultural phenomena––including music, the Black experience, pop culture, Black American sports figures, literature, and other sources––will be showcased through immersive environments providing unique insight into the late artist’s creative life and his singular voice that propelled a social and cultural narrative that continues to this day.

Organized and curated by the family of Jean-Michel Basquiat, this exhibition of over 200 never-before-seen and rarely shown paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera, and artifacts tell the story of Jean-Michel from an intimate perspective, intertwining his artistic endeavors with his personal life, influences, and the times in which he lived.

Tickets sell out fast! We suggest purchasing tickets well in advance of your visit.

Monday, Wednesday – Friday
Adult – $32
Seniors, Students, Military – $28
Children (ages 3-13) – $25
VIP – $65 (Arrive any time you like, get 3 hours of free parking and a complimentary gift.)

Saturday, Sunday
Adult – $35
Seniors, Students, Military – $28
Children (ages 3-13) – $25
VIP – $65 (Arrive any time you like, get 3 hours of free parking and a complimentary gift.)

For Art’s Sake

by Randy Dunbar | Feb 7, 2023

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The LA Art Show, LA’s largest and longest-running art fair, returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 15–19 to kick off the city’s 2023 art season. Guided by the leadership of LA Art Show producer & director Kassandra Voyagis, the 28th edition promises a larger global presence and more ambitious programming than ever before. LA Art Show will donate 15% of all ticket proceeds to support the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.

The LA Art Show 2023 includes the exciting return of the European Pavilion; the debut of the Japanese Pavilion featuring 6 galleries from Japan; and more South Korean artists and galleries than ever before in testament to the country’s thriving arts scene.

This year’s fair will inspire important social dialogue with work from Ukrainian artist-turned refugee Denis Sarazhin, stranded due to the war but able to secure accommodations in the U.S. following a generous GoFundMe campaign, and is now transmuting the chaos and uncertainty of his unraveling life into paintings of wild transformation. TRANSformation by MRG Fine Art in partnership with Zero Two 20 promises to be a thought-provoking exhibition, creating an open platform for talent of diverse backgrounds, addressing a foundational transformation inherent in the evolutionary process of both artists and society alike.

Featuring 9 art institutions, the Fair’s non-commercial program and cultural anchor, DIVERSEartLA – curated by Marisa Caichiolo – returns with an ambitious agenda, addressing the global climate crisis. As part of this, MOLAA will present work from iconic Ecofeminist Judy Baca and AMA will present one of Mexico’s most prominent photographers, Alfredo De Stefano. Please visit www.LAArtShow.com to learn more and purchase tickets.

Promising Skies – Walter Erra Hubert

by Niki Smart | Feb 25, 2022

LOS ANGELES ARTIST’S JOURNEY OF SELF-EXPLORATION AND TRANSFORMATION DURING ISOLATION OFFERS A SENSE OF HOPE FOR A NEW ERA

Building Bridges Art Exchange announces their upcoming show by artist Walter Erra Hubert and curated by Marisa Caichiolo, which takes place from February 26 to March 30, 2022 at Bergamot Station Arts Center (2525 Michigan Ave. Unit F2, Santa Monica).

Walter Erra Hubert is a Pasadena-born, internationally-recognized artist working in the mediums of acrylic paintings, mono prints, resin and mixed media. Walter chose to self-isolate in 2018, two years before the international lockdown, resulting in his latest striking body of work Promising Skies, which reflects a world moving towards a new reality. The large-scale art works are realized in acrylic while the show will also feature his works that incorporate resin and mixed media. All of the art will be showcased at Building Bridges Art Exchange’s Santa Monica Gallery.

Born to Italian immigrant parents, Walter is heavily influenced by his U.S. and Italian roots and straddles both worlds. His Pasadena studio provides space for exploration inspired by the expanse of the metropolis while his home and studio in the Italian countryside allow for a sense of separation associated with nature and introspection. Walter’s Italian heritage and 30 years of experience using varied artistic mediums appealed to Argentinean Curator Marisa Caichiolo who actively seeks to showcase a diverse range of artists from around the world. “Walter’s eerily-timed decision to self-isolate inadvertently became emblematic of a universal experience and, during that time, his quest to connect with the core of his being ended up producing his strongest and most significant body of work, which we’re thrilled to showcase in Los Angeles”.

Walter’s self-imposed lockdown began at his Pasadena studio and continued at his studio in his home in rural Italy. His isolation resulted in these multi-dimensional, multi-layered works . The magnificent large canvases invite the viewer to embark on a journey of discovery through Walter’s impressive brush work, dripping paint and penetrating energy.

Walter’s expression is deeply influenced by the subconscious, a comparison that can be drawn to current events of the pandemic and post-pandemic era. The magic of nature and journeys of the spirit are at the core of Walter’s work. Promising Skies encapsulates Walter’s vision with imaginary and mystical elements. He creates paintings by merging a multitude of tools, including everyday items such as spatulas, wood carving tools and hair dryers and the fluidity of the materials captures the artist’s strokes and movements. Walter muses, “I am in constant exploration of the tension we perceive between the realms of matter and spirit. I hope that the viewer senses that language and is drawn into the relevance of the journey.”

Although the current global outlook may be seen as bleak and unpredictable, Promising Skies reflects a world moving towards a new reality with a sense of hope. In each translucent piece, an ocean of opportunities, portals and evocative lights can be seen beckoning toward the future, representing the promise of new beginnings. Connecting to the past and creating a bridge to the future is the ideal path for Walter to engage with today’s collective consciousness. Explosions of light, volcanic eruptions, deep water currents and sensual feeling inspired by connections between the elements are among the bounty of natural phenomena that nourish his perspective and vision of the universal forces of Mother Earth.

Walter was recently selected as an American artist to show at the 2022 9th Beijing International Art Biennale in China. The exhibition is currently being held at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing through March 2022. The curatorial theme is The Light of Life and the piece selected by the curatorial committee is “The Light Portal”. This piece was completed in 2021 by the artist as part of the series, “The Era of Solitude”. He has had several solo shows in Europe and his paintings can be found in the permanent collections of the M.A.C.I.S.T contemporary art museum in Italy, and venerable institutions including the L.A. Times Mirror Building. Walter was also recently chosen as a featured artist for a special Miami ART BASEL publication.

Promising Skies can be viewed from February 26 to March 30, 2022 at Building Bridges Art Exchange at Bergamot Station Arts Center (2525 Michigan Ave. Unit F2, Santa Monica). BBAX is open Tuesday to Friday (11am – 5pm) and Saturday (noon – 6pm).

https://www.waltererrahubert.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waltererrahubert/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/waltererrahubertart

Never-Before-Exhibited Collection of Rare Warhol Photographs

by Randy Dunbar | Jun 7, 2021

NeueHouse is proud to announce Andy Warhol: Photo Factory, a groundbreaking new exhibition of ultra rare photographs by Andy Warhol, opening to the public on Wednesday, June 16th, 2021
for a limited 40-day run.

An incredibly comprehensive survey of Warhol’s photographic oeuvre, this exhibition features over 120 images — 20 of which have never been seen before — paying homage to Warhol’s iconic New York City studio and offering a distinctly intimate visual diary of the artist’s life and work. Andy Warhol: Photo Factory is the largest west coast exhibition of Warhol photography to date, with many of the images kept in a private collection until now.

Member Preview June 4th – June 8th, 2021

Public Viewing June 9th – July 9th, 2021

10:00 AM – 7:00PM

For tickets go HERE

NeueHouse Hollywood

6121 Sunset Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90028

Lost Angeles: The Photography of Paul Jasmin

by Randy Dunbar | Sep 3, 2020

Paul Jasmin_Tatjana and Mike, Paris, 1995

Paul Jasmin_Whitley Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 1999

It is with great pleasure that the Fahey/Klein Gallery announces the new exhibition dates for Paul Jasmin: Lost Angeles, a selection of works celebrating Jasmin’s long career and the gallery’s first exhibition by the legendary Los Angeles photographer.

Paul Jasmin’s photographs are a dreamy tableau that takes the viewer on a journey of seductive beauty and erotic ennui. Lost Angeles highlights the last 50 years Jasmin has spent photographing L.A.’s young dreamers. Jasmin’s images eloquently mirror the mythology of the city in the vulnerability and intangible cool of his subjects. There is life in his portraits of smiling girls and strong and frail men – and the never fading love for the Los Angeles street scenes. There is a nostalgic myth of a splendid and ideal aesthetic, stopped and caught forever.

“Each one reminds me of a time in my life, a place or a person,” Jasmin explains. “The old and the new.”

Paul Jasmin has had a long career as a fashion and art photographer. He was born in Helena, Montana and in 1954 left to begin an incredible journey that would take him to Paris, Morocco, New York, and eventually “the city of dreams”, Los Angeles. Paul had been an illustrator, a painter, and an actor before picking up a camera – at the urging of his friend, Bruce Weber.

Jasmin’s images of real and imagined dreamers evoke a sensual and glamorous ideal while firmly rooted in reality. His Editorial work appears in Vogue, Teen Vogue, GQ, Details, V Magazine, V Man, Vogue Hommes, W, Nylon, Interview, Mr. Porter, APC, Ron Herman, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, and Nordstrom. Paul Jasmin lives and works in Los Angeles where he teaches at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Paul Jasmin’s photography books include the much-acclaimed Hollywood Cowboy (2002) and its follow up, Lost Angeles (2004). In December 2010, Steidl/7l published Paul’s third book, California Dreaming.

September 24, 2020 through December 31, 2020

Opening Reception – *By Appointment Only*

Thursday, September 24, 2020, 10am – 5pm

Paul Jasmin_Ben and Matt, Sun Valley, 2005

Paul Jasmin_Chantelle, Hollywood, CA, 1980

Portfolio: Don Saban

by Randy Dunbar | Jan 2, 2020

Don Saban knows LA; he’s photographed it for a long time yielding images that are difficult to pin down in time. In fact, his eye for details found in Los Angeles create a visual proposition that they could be places found in Europe. His works has range—deep, black and white, to the new mundanity of color found in Uber scooters in a line. What is always apparent is his unfailing eye for the art of photography—his images rise above the ubiquituous cell phone portrayals and lead us in and back into a time when photography had meaning.

At what age and was there anything in particular that compelled you to pick up a camera and make it a career?

I was in grade school, and I can’t remember exactly what age I was, but very young… always the family photographer, so I guess that’s where it all started. I never really quit making photographs, and continued on with my first class in photography my junior year in high school, where I got very serious about it and made the decision that this is what I would do in life, and as time went on, nothing else captured my imagination or interest…so it was decided!

It’s 2020—what is the state of photography in a digital world?

It just keeps getting better and better, and the printers as well. It has allowed me to do things I could only dream of back in the old film and darkroom days. That all seems so antiquated now, which in a certain sense, it is. With the advent of digital technology, it has inspired me immensely, and now allows me to do things I could never do before, so in a sense, the technology has finally caught up with my vision.

… on that note, what is your best method of advertising your work—instagram, twitter, etc?

I’m very active on Facebook and Instagram. I was posting a lot of my work on Flickr until it changed and is no longer unlimited for free accounts. I hit the limit for that a very long time ago, so I don’t really post there anymore. I also have websites of all the different bodies of work, which includes my video work, and can be seen here at the master site: http://donsaban.com/index.html

The Los Angeles project, how long have you been working on these images?

I think at least going on 20 years.

What photographers do you admire, living or dead that inspire you?

George Hoyningen-Huene, Horst P. Horst, Cecil Beaton, George Hurrell, and Vivian Maier to name a few…oh, there are so many, and I like them all for different reasons. I’m so glad you didn’t asked which is my favorite. How could I ever decide!

Is there a photographer that you mentor, and feel they are going places?

As you know, I’ve photographed a lot of jazz musicians over the years, and was introduced to a young lady who is just starting out by a mutual friend. I’ve sort have taken her under my wing and I’m passing along my knowledge of performance photography. She has a great eye, so I’m mostly helping with all the technical aspect of low light photography, and editing in Photoshop and Lightroom. She’s a very quick study, which makes it enjoyable to share what I know.

MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER: DON SABAN

Don Saban, a native of Phoenix Arizona, received his formal training at the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, and simultaneously was a private student and studied art and photography as protege of professor William A. Rohrback, University of California Santa Barbara, who was a student of Minor White at Berkeley in the early 50’s. Saban stayed on in Santa Barbara after finishing his studies and was a member of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Photography Committee. During his tenure in Santa Barbara, he was one of the first photographers to be in Art Life magazine and was the first photographer to be on the cover.

After coming to Los Angeles, he taught at Otis/Parsons and continued his photographic work which was published in numerous magazines. After 10 years in Los Angeles, Saban accepted the position of Principal Photographer at the University of California Santa Barbara. During that period, he was commissioned by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art to go to Budapest and do the photographs for the book, Standing in the Tempest: Painters of the Hungarian Avant-Garde. Saban then returned to Los Angeles once again, and in 1999 was brought on board as photography consultant to work on the Tokyo DisneySea project. Saban found a new home with the Walt Disney Imagineers, and 21 years later, is still providing photographic expertise and working closely with the team on all their projects. Saban continues to exhibit his work, and has had many one man and group shows, has appeared in books, magazines and various publications, and is in private and public art collections both nationally and worldwide.