by Randy Dunbar
Frankie Payne does hair. You can see his hairstyling on Eva Longoria in “Searching for Spain” which will be airing this coming April, on CNN. This will be the follow-up to “Searching for Mexico”, which will also air in April of this year. But when Frankie is not off with some celebrity making them look good, he paints.
Frankie Payne is a Los Angeles based artist specializing in vibrant portraiture. His works, painted entirely in acrylic, capture a range of subjects inspired by Frankie’s fascination with celebrity and charismatic faces. Most of his work is done on small format canvases and captures the dynamic essence of the subject often through vibrant colors and dramatic lighting. Each painting tells a story on its own, but the paintings, often displayed in clusters, create layered montages of expression and intrigue.
Frankie grew up in the Los Angeles harbor town of San Pedro. He was close enough to the shining allure of LA’s glamorous entertainment industry that, at an early age, he sought to immerse himself in this seductive world of beauty and cache. It was here that Frankie was inspired to launch his career as a hair stylist and would go on to build a successful career styling the trusses of many famous celebrities. But Frankie was also captivated by pop art, enthralled by other artists whose work reflected fascination with popular culture. Artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Keith Haring intrigued him for their subjects, playfulness, and unapologetic uses of bright colors.
Frankie’s early works were more primitive, painting caricatured faces in blocks of color and form, which more closely drew their style inspiration from the early pop artists.
Prior to painting portraits, Frankie’s early works were more primitive, painting caricatured faces in blocks of color and form, which more closely drew their style inspiration from the early pop artists. It was during the Covid Pandemic that Frankie began exploring more articulated portraits, interpreting photographs with more lifelike attention to detail and sophisticated brushwork. Most of Frankie’s paintings are small formats, in the range of 8” x 8” or 10” x 10”, which present as little gems of expression. He has explored larger formats going as large as a 48” x 48” portrait of David Bowie, but for now prefers the intimacy of the smaller size.
Frankie works from his home studio in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles, where he often paints side by side with his husband Don Reich, guarded closely by their goofy pup Zoey. Here, his work is often on display lining the walls with a thousand eyes. Frankie has had two solo shows since the pandemic entitled “FACETIME” which were held at their home studio. An upcoming show is scheduled in Palm Springs on April 12, 2025, at Big Mike Art – Gallery & Studio. But works can be viewed in Los Angeles by appointment and any may be purchased.
Frankie’s portraits hang in homes around the world and across the country. Some celebrity portraits adorn the walls of the actual subjects. Frankie has also done custom portraits of individuals on commission, honoring family members or friends as personal commemorations.
For more Frankie Art visit https://frankiepayneart.com/
by Contributor
Los Angeles has emerged as a global epicenter of art & culture, with a distinct, interwoven multi-cultural influence unique to the city. Diversity is our strength and art is most impactful when it includes or transcends all borders. As LA rises as the world-class destination for art, the LA Art Show continues to lead the way with innovative programming and one-of-a-kind experiences for an expanding collecting audience. LA Art Show is the unparalleled international art experience with over 120 galleries, museums, and non-profit arts organizations from around the world exhibiting painting, sculpture, works on paper, installation, photography, design, video and performance. All works presented by galleries are available for your purchasing pleasure.
More than 180,000 square feet of exhibition space is committed to today’s prominent galleries. These domestic and international galleries, beyond their booths, curate special exhibits that are at the forefront of the burgeoning contemporary art movement. The fair offers an extraordinary array of works and experiences in specialized sections.
MODERN + CONTEMPORARY
The largest section of programming at the LA Art Show, Modern + Contemporary exhibits the vast spectrum of contemporary painting, illustration, sculpture and more from galleries in Los Angeles, the Pacific Rim, and countries all around the world.
DIVERSEartLA
Capitalizing on the city’s position on the Pacific Rim, DIVERSEartLA is a special programming section devoted to nurturing the creative energy of international collectors, artists, curators, museums and non-profits by connecting them directly with audiences in Los Angeles. The LA Art Show donates 50,000 square feet of exhibition space to participating organizations each year as our civic engagement, and the featured work is not for sale. Overall curation by Marisa Caichiolo with individual curators from institutions around the world.
FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Expanding beyond the confines of booth spaces, Featured Exhibitions create immersive experiences to engage audiences through thought-provoking artworks, performances and other exhibitions offered by participating galleries, highlighting works that will be talked about for years to come.
WORLD-CLASS VENUE
The LA Convention Center, home to the LA Art Show is strategically situated at the city’s dynamic epicenter with convenient access to the world-renowned LA LIVE!, home to the Grammy and Emmy Awards, The Grammy Museum, and an impressive entertainment complex that includes the Microsoft Theatre, the Crypto.comArena, and The Ritz Carlton Hotel and Residences. Patrons of the arts gladly drive to Downtown L.A. for the best in classical music (Disney Hall), theater (Mark Taper and Ahmanson), and contemporary art (MOCA, The Broad Museum, CAAM).
DTLA offers 8.6-square-miles of neighborhood with a bustling high-rise Financial District; an Arts District loaded with galleries; a Fashion District; a Civic Center and vibrant ethnic enclaves from Chinatown and Koreatown to Little Tokyo and Mexican Town.
As Southern California’s most technologically advanced green venue, the LA Convention Center strives to be eco-friendly and sustainable at the LEED GOLD O&M level, utilizing EPA and Green certified approved cleaning supplies to limit harmful chemicals and maintain cleanliness. In addition, LACC has established objectives and program planning through the ASM Global VenueShield Program for best-in-class levels of cleanliness and safety. Our home venue, featuring soaring ceilings and ample space, including one of the largest dedicated parking structures in the entire city with over 15,000 spaces in the immediate vicinity, is the only LA venue that can accommodate a show the magnitude of the LA Art Show!
OPENING NIGHT PREMIERE
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 6pm – 10pm
Opening Night Ticket, $250
VIP Red Card, By Invitation Only
SHOW HOURS/TICKETS
General Admission, One Day Ticket $35
Thursday, February 20, 2025
12pm – 8pm
Friday, February 21, 2025
12pm – 8pm
Saturday, February 22, 2025
11am – 8pm (Early entry, VIP Red Card and Opening Night Ticket)
12pm – 8pm (General Admission)
Sunday, February 23, 2025
11am – 6pm (Early entry, VIP Red Card and Opening Night Ticket)
12pm – 6pm (General Admission)
Purchase tickets here
by Lucy Crivelli Frey
Art has always been a source of inspiration for me, but experiencing it live in such a beautiful environment was something else entirely. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the kickoff of Secret Walls’ “The Art of Competition” tour in Los Angeles. From the moment I arrived, I could sense the excitement as other art enthusiasts and curious newcomers got together in support of the local artist community. The space was transformed into a gallery where multiple artists, like Mr. B Baby, Blue The Great, Ashley Dreyfus, Fabez, and UPENDO created murals along the walls of the compound. The creativity, me enamoro!
For those who might be new to Secret Walls, it’s more than just live art battles, it’s a global art movement that has been empowering artists since 2006. During these “battles” artists are given a limited time to create their best work, and the audience or a panel of judges decides the winner. While it is a competition you can see the friendly rivalry but overall the mutual respect among artists.
Keeping the Creativity Flowing
Now, coming off the success of Secret Walls’ massive first tour, “Support Your Local Artist,” top artists will once again go head-to-head in front of a live audience as they battle for the winner’s crown – recently announced for their second North American tour, “The Art of Competition,” launching this fall. Sponsored by Posca + Monster Energy Ultra, this year, each battle also features surprise musical performances, DJs, limited-edition merch, workshops, and more.
While the kickoff event was just the start to “The Art of Competition” Tour, it’s taking this concept to cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, New York, Chicago, and more. Each stop features a different lineup of local artists, ensuring that every event has its own unique sauce. During the tour they will host multiple activities that will make the experience a celebration of creatividad. From live performances and DJ sets to exclusive merch and Secret Walls Academy workshops, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an artist looking to learn new techniques or excited to give your support, the tour will be something you don’t want to miss.
Attending a Secret Walls event is more than just watching art being created; it’s about being part of a vibrant community that celebrates creativity in all its forms. It’s inspiring to see how art can bring people together.
I walked away from the kickoff, feeling a new sense of admiration and motivation. It was a powerful reminder of why I love art and the impact it can have on our lives. If you’re in any of the tour cities, I highly recommend experiencing Secret Walls firsthand. It’s an event that promises not only to entertain but also to inspire and connect like minded people.
Bigger and Better
With sounds by DJ Rareform, guests experienced live art as they entered the Secret Walls venue and were treated with food, gifts and libations by Monster Energy Ultra. The action-packed evening also included a Q&A hosted by Secret Walls podcaster and content creator Nick Major. This year’s tour promises to be Secret Walls’ biggest and best ever as the competition crisscrosses the country, entertaining and wowing audiences while connecting and inspiring artists with a range of amazing programming over two to three days in each city.
“We’re thrilled to bring back ‘The Art of Competition’ for a second edition,” says Terry Guy, Secret Walls Founder. “This tour isn’t just about the thrill of the competition; it’s about uniting artists and communities through creativity and passion. We can’t wait to see what this year’s tour brings!”
And I also can’t wait to see where the tour goes next!
To catch a Secret Walls battle near you and learn more about the “Art of Competition” tour dates and tickets, visit the Secret Walls website or follow them on social media for the latest updates. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to secure yours early. For tickets, go to: https://secretwalls.world/pages/tour
About Secret Walls
Secret Walls is revolutionizing the art world with its exhilarating live paint battles that captivate audiences and showcase the extraordinary talent of artists from around the globe. This one-of-a-kind event brings together creativity, competition, and community in a high-energy showdown that leaves audiences awestruck. With events held worldwide, Secret Walls has become a global phenomenon, attracting established and emerging artists alike. It provides a platform for diverse talents to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and connect with a vibrant community of art enthusiasts.
About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, eSports or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes, gamers and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers, and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com.
by Randy Dunbar
Since 1980, San Diego native Wick Alexander has been producing distinctive paintings, sculptures and public artworks. Awards for his paintings have been presented by the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council and the Ford Foundation.
His paintings are included in many private collections and museum permanent collections including the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, the California Center for the Arts in Escondido and the Banff Center of the Arts in Alberta, Canada.
Wick Alexander is also known, alongside his partner Robin Brailsford who invented it, pioneering the technique of Lithomosaics; a system utilizes mosaic patterns together with a Lithocrete paving system. This is the only system that installs mosaics in a full thickness monolithic pour, allowing designers the flexibility to create their own art piece at significantly less cost than any other medium currently available.
Wick Alexander is known in locally in LA County for his public works installations at eight separate Long Beach Transit Stations, mosaics in several parks across Los Angeles, the Moving Pictures installations across Culver City, as well known across San Diego county for numerous public work installations.
This series dives into the salacious, provocative nature of modern Americana culture. It is a culture that Wick Alexander identifies as insatiable desires for community and consumption and therefore creates almost farcical consequences. Many of his pieces evoke a “Where’s Waldo” type of composition where the view is constantly finding bizarre characters in this micro-environments.
There is an open bar but please tip our bartender.
Opening Reception: June 7th, 7pm – 11pm
4633 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Insatiable Vicariousness: Wick Alexander
by Dennis Richardson
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. On Thursday, April 18th, Andaz West Hollywood held a special launch party to celebrate the beginning of the exhibit, where Lavera attended and spoke to attendees. Those in attendance included media, influencers, artists, hotel guests, and the general public.
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. Andaz West Hollywood’s registered art gallery rotates quarterly, featuring the work of local and international artists. QR codes are displayed throughout the gallery with their respective art pieces for purchasing and browsing of artists’ other works.
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.”
Nestled at the heart of the renowned Sunset Strip, Andaz West Hollywood epitomizes the vibrant spirit of WeHo, alongside its acclaimed neighbors, like The Comedy Store and iconic Saddle Ranch Chop House. Its prime location in West Hollywood makes exploring the area on foot a breeze, with the hotel itself offering exceptional accommodations and top-notch hospitality. In addition, its proximity to both Bob Hope Airport (BUR) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) makes travel convenient, with BUR just 10 miles away and LAX only 16 miles away.
The hotel features a recently-renovated rooftop pool features a pool bar, glamorous views, private cabanas, day beds, and lounge chairs – all available to hotel guests and non-hotel guests via a reservation.
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.
by Dennis Richardson
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.
by Niki Smart
Sunday, April 14 will be the last day to view “Peace is Radical,” a solo exhibition by renowned street artist and activist Shepard Fairey, presented by Glendale Library, Arts & Culture and ReflectSpace Gallery at the ReflectSpace Gallery, inside Glendale Central Library.”
Peace is Radical” addresses creative empowerment, the importance of democracy, race and gender equality, environmental justice and peace and harmony through artwork. This limited time exhibition offers over 20 pieces of work through the medium of screen printing, a style used to produce high-end art or multitudes of prints that can be disseminated liberally allowing access to all audiences. Well recognized founder of OBEY Clothing, Shepard Fairey has worked as a contemporary street artist, graphic designer and activist, changing the way people converse about art and view the urban landscape. Fairey has also designed a limited-edition library card for Glendale Library, Arts & Culture that will be available at all Glendale Library branches through the run of the exhibit, while supplies last.
Shepard Fairey holds up his limited edition library card for Glendale library.
As a contemporary street artist, graphic designer, activist, and founder of OBEY Clothing and creative agency, Fairey gained notoriety with the creation of the “Andre the Giant has a Posse” sticker that later evolved into the OBEY GIANT art campaign. In 2008, his portrait of then-Democratic candidate Barack Obama became an internationally recognized emblem of hope. He is known for the “We the People” campaign debuted during the 2017 Women’s Marches worldwide. Fairey has painted more than 135 public murals, becoming one of the most sought-after and provocative artists globally, changing the way people converse about art and view the urban landscape.
“Peace is Radical” will be on view from January 20, 2024, through April 14, 2024, at the ReflectSpace Gallery, inside Glendale Central Library located at 222 East Harvard, Glendale, CA. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 20, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. ReflectSpace and PassageWay Galleries are curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan. Free parking with validation is available at the Marketplace parking structure located directly across from the Harvard entrance of Central Library.
About the Artist
Shepard Fairey was born in Charleston, South Carolina. Fairey became passionate about art at an early age and went on to receive his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1989 he created the “Andre the Giant has a Posse” sticker that transformed into the OBEY GIANT art campaign, with imagery that has changed how people see art and the urban landscape.
Fairey’s stickers, guerilla street art presence, and public murals are recognizable globally. His works are in the permanent collections of the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and many others.
Shepard Fairey has painted nearly 135 large-scale murals across six continents worldwide. More information from his career can be found at obeygiant.com.
Getting to the Glendale Central Library: 222 E Harvard St, Glendale, CA 91205
If you are a resident who is 65 years or older or a disabled resident who is registered with Dial-A-Ride, you can register to be dropped off at the library. For more information, visit GlendaleTransit.com.
Visitors can receive 3 hours of free parking across Harvard street at the Marketplace parking structure with validation at the service desk. Accessible parking is available on the east side of the building.
About ReflectSpace
ReflectSpace is curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan and is an inclusive exhibition gallery designed to explore and reflect on social justice issues, human rights violations and genocides through the arts. Immersive in conception, ReflectSpace is a hybrid space that is both experiential and informative, employing art, technology, and interactive media to reflect on the past and present of Glendale’s communal fabric and interrogate current-day global human rights issues. ReflectSpace is housed in Glendale Central Library and online at ReflectSpace.org.
About Library, Arts & Culture
Founded in 1907, the Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Department includes eight neighborhood libraries including the Brand Library & Art Center, a regional visual arts and music library and performance venue housed in the historic 1904 mansion of Glendale pioneer Leslie C. Brand, and the Central Library, a 93,000 square foot center for individuals and groups to convene, collaborate and create. The department also serves as the chief liaison to the Glendale Arts and Culture Commission which works to continually transform Glendale into an ever-evolving arts destination. Glendale Library Arts & Culture is supported in part through the efforts of the Glendale Library Arts & Culture Trust (GLACT). For more information visit GlendaleLAC.org, or contact Library, Arts & Culture at 818-548-2021 or via email at LibraryInfo@GlendaleCA.gov.
All photos by Stacey Meineke
by June Miller Richards
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
by Justin Marlowe
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/
by zuke oshiro
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/
by Dennis Richardson
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.
by Randy Dunbar
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.)
