Pop Surrealism, Lowbrow, Graffiti, Street Art + Culture

In conjunction with his milestone career survey exhibition, ‘The Door is Always Open’, Gary Baseman will present his ‘Mythical Creatures’ talk @ the Skirball Center on Wednesday (5.22 @ 8 PM).  Baseman will share his experiences from his recent trip to his late parents’ hometowns in present day Ukraine which were subjugated by Nazi Germany during WWII.   During his trip, Baseman tried to reconcile  the history of the  rich vibrant Jewish communities that once were with the current cities largely devoid of traces of Holocaust victims. His ‘Mythical Creatures’  are an artistic interpretation and response to  stories of tragedy and courage in and around the  the towns forever linked to his family’s biography.  During the talk, Baseman will also provide a sneak peek of a documentary of his trip as well as an animated MOCAtv video of his Buckingham Warrior,  an allegorical character based on his father’s efforts as a heroic freedom-fighter.

Tickets for the talk are available online and will be available at the door as well.  The Door is Always Open exhibit and the museum gift store will be open to visitors from (6-8PM) prior to the talk.

Brendan Monroe does awesome work — there’s no two ways about it. “Melting Into the Floor,” a new exhibition of his paintings and sculptures in wood, is proof of it. The show opened Saturday at Richard Heller Gallery in Bergamot Station, and features Monroe’s exploration of figures just before they dissolve and change into fully abstract states. Beautiful use of color and a boundless imagination are just two of this artist’s strengths.

Check out high-quality images of the show here. It runs through June 15.

Richard Heller Gallery: 2525 Michigan Ave. #B-5a/Santa Monica, CA 90404

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C.A.V.E. Gallery is celebrating their five year anniversary with “High Five” – currently on display through June 2.

The show features an impressive lineup of artists from the United States and abroad, including Alec Huxley, Amanda Marie, Anthony Ausgang, Bayo, Craig “SKIBS” Barker, Craww, DevNGosha, Eatcho, Grady Gordon, Hans Haveron, Haunted Euth, Hellbent, J Shea, James Bentley, Jason Hernandez, John Park, JoKa, Joshua Charles Hart, Kid Acne, Kyle Hughes Odgers, L Croskey, Macsorro, Max Neutra, Mear One, Megz Majewski, Muneera Gerald, Nathan Cartwright, Nom Kinnear King, Pure Evil, Randy Norborikawa, Restitution Press, Shark Toof, Sit, Skount, Tatiana Suarez, Tom French, Tom Haubrick, Vinz Feel Free, Walt Hall, Young Chun and Zach Johnsen.

Click here for more information and high-quality images!

C.A.V.E. Gallery: 1108 Abbot Kinney Blvd/Venice, CA 90291

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A few weeks ago, Dailydujour had the opportunity to observe LA painter Christine Wu working with master printer Ryan McIntosh on her upcoming limited-edition ‘Bliss’ screen print.  A composite of her original art, the print image features a  contemplative siren in  three layered poses set against a textured gold background. In the shots after the jump, you’ll see Christine and Ryan working through the selection of the ‘just right’ shade of gold ink, cutting Rubylith to isolate the background, and then printing the background.  Rather than using a background screen with a specific texture, Ryan used a masking screen and carefully varied the pressure across the screen to get a nuanced effect.  Through the process Christine guided Ryan as to what was ‘too heavy’ or ‘too light’ until they found a happy medium.  The result is a compelling print edition in which the background texture  on one is different from the next; each print is unique, a rarity for screened editions.

Christine’s ‘Bliss’ (18” x 18”, 5 color screen print, edition of 40) is part  of the Pop Print screen print collection curated and produced by Intellectual Property Prints, a collaboration between Daniel Rolnik and Ryan McIntosh. The collection features prints from select artists  including  Gary Baseman, Jason Shawn Alexander, Bob Dob,  Daniel Edwards, Gregory Siff, Eric Joyner, Ryan McIntosh, and Michael Sieben.  As an unexpected touch, most of the prints  are based on original art created specifically for the collection.  The Pop Print collection will be released at the Venice Art Walk on Sunday, May 19th ( 12-5 PM).  Fifty percent of the proceeds from the prints sold at the art walk will be donated to further the work of the Venice Family Clinic.   From what I’ve seen so far, the Pop Print series is outstanding.  If you can, head out to Venice this Sunday to enjoy the art, the weather and the first chance to add the new screen prints to your collection.

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CULVER CITY, CA: Katherine Cone Gallery’s group exhibition SELFISH, curated by renowned painter Sean Cheetham, opens Saturday, May 4th from 6-9 pm. The exhibition includes self-portrait paintings by artists Sean Cheetham, Julio Reyes, Candice Bohannon Reyes, Sergio Sanchez, Wayne Johnson, Kevin Llewellyn, Hollis Dunlap, Sonya Palencia, Jeff Nentrup, Jonathan Hart, EL MAC, Natalia Fabia, Korin Faught, Ryan Cheetham, Kate Savage, Eric Pedersen, Marc Trujillo, Johnpaul Altamirano, Stephen Schirle, and Richard Morris.

The self-portrait has been a popular form of expression ever since man first saw his own reflection. Tragic and triumphant, self-portraits can reveal a telling story. From rags to riches, through sickness and health, from youth to old age, we can witness the changing face of an artist. Intrinsically linked to identity, the self-portrait ultimately stands to reveal something deeper about the creator- an exploration of self and an examination of one’s own conscious thoughts and feelings. At times, an artist feels they must repeatedly create a self-portrait in an effort to further research their inner-self and perhaps search for answers within the painted image. Famous painters from Rembrandt to van Gogh have relied on self-portraiture as a method to intensely study the self through art. SELFISH showcases the exploration of self-perception through the medium of painting by twenty-one master painters.

The SELFISH exhibition
Saturday, May 4th, from 6-9 p.m
Katherine Cone Gallery
2673 South La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90034.

Following up on 2010’s ‘Drawn from the Well’ which featured a collection of his original drawings, Greg ‘Craola’ Simkins has collaborated with Presto Art once again on ‘The Outside’ – the first volume of his original paintings.  Named after the world Simkins’ surreal characters embody beyond the confines of normality, the new hardcover book presents a selection of his paintings including pieces exhibited in galleries as well as previously unseen commission works.

The book will debut in a special Gold Edition (300 s/n pieces, 280 pgs,  $120) designed as the ultimate collectors’ edition.  Available exclusively through Merry Karnowsky Gallery, the Gold Edition includes a limited edition T-shirt, a mini-screen print, a key chain, stickers, a button, special bookmark, a commemorative tote bag, and features a special gold cover.  Merry Karnowsky will release the gold edition with a special release on Saturday (5.4) with the artist  from 2-5 at the gallery.  In addition to the gold edition, it appears that ‘The Outside’ will eventually be released in two additional editions — ‘Silver’, perhaps exclusive to Craola’s Imscared.com,  and the regular trade edition.

Greg ‘Craola’ Simkins || ‘The Outside’ Gold Edition Release
Saturday, May 4th 2013 (2-5 PM)

Merry Karnowsky Gallery
170 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036

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DENVER, CO: Black Book Gallery is pleased to announce “Every Here Has A There”, new works by Colorado-based artist John Fellows, in what will be his second solo exhibition at the gallery. Fellows’ signature “contemporary folk” style weaves together layers of found paper, graphic block prints and handwritten text to create an old time, hands-on feel. The artist collects a variety of found paper, maps and books dating from the 1880’s to the present to create unique linoleum carving collages that while at the very base reflect his personal experiences, are more like a brief glimpse into another person’s story.

For this new body of work, John once again draws inspiration from his recent travels to the Swiss and French Alps, Sayulita and Baja, Mexico as well as the mountains of his home state of Colorado. Grizzled mountain men, salty sailors, stormy seas and rugged mountains layered on used nautical charts and topographic maps draw the viewer in and hopefully trigger memories of their own past travels and experiences.

John Fellows currently lives and works in Denver, Colorado. He travels constantly and spends much of his time in the outdoors, both of which impact his work. John has shown work in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, and around the US. Recently his worked has been used on t-shirts for Element Skateboards, Vail Resorts and Shaun White for Target, wine labels, and featured on the cover of BombFlow magazine.

Opening Reception:
Friday, May 3rd, 2013, 6pm-11pm
Open to the public, Artist in attendance
Black Book Gallery, 555 Santa Fe Dr., Denve

Dailydujour made the short drive out to The Skirball Center on Wednesday morning for a press preview of Gary Baseman’s first survey exhibition, ‘The Door is Always Open’.  Gary and museum staff led the group of journalists on a tour of his house installation featuring a living room, dining room, work room, study, hallway, bedroom, den, backyard and studio – each with a particular theme.  Once one steps through the front door, a welcoming mix of Baseman’s art, personal mementos, and furniture from his childhood home awaits.  After the jump, enjoy a look at our photo walk-through of the exhibition.

The exhibition invites visitors to experience the artist’s prolific output, his multifaceted career and his life focused on pushing boundaries.  Each  themed room features a clean layout, seamlessly mixing the artwork into the overall ‘home’ concept. Baseman commented that he would like the public to  feel free to relax in the large comfy chairs and sofa in the living room while enjoying the exhibit.

Throughout his career Gary has pursued his vision of ‘pervasive art’ involving as many mediums and forms as possible.  For this exhibit, he collaborated with Astek on wallpaper for each room in his home away from home. The designs  which incorporate elements and characters from his artwork into classic motifs will soon be available for purchase for use in homes everywhere.

While many are familiar with Gary’s illustrations, paintings, and designer toys, the exhibit offers a compelling look at his and his family’s personal story and journey. The Study celebrates the memory of his parents’ struggles against  and survival in the face of Nazi oppression during the 2nd World War.  His new painting for the exhibition, “Mythical Forest’, is inspired in part by his Father Ben’s struggle as a freedom fighter in the forests of Poland.  The unfolding of the artist’s personal story continues in the  hallway  which is lined with touching photographs of the artist’s journeys around the globe accompanied by his Toby plush figure – his ‘keeper of secrets’. In the backyard, Baseman’s beginning as an artist is showcased in a screening of his live action film featuring his homegrown superhero character which is accompanied by several character sketches.

Through its mix of personal narrative and retrospective art presentation, ‘The Door is Always Open’ offers an inviting, charming and compelling look at one of LA’s most influential artists.   The exhibit officially opens on Thursday (4.25) with the special ticketed ‘Gary Baseman’s House Party’ event (7:30 – 11 PM) and continues through August 11th.

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Gary Baseman, The Door Is Always Open, 2012, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 18 in.

Beginning on April 25th, The Skirball Center will present  Gary Baseman’s first career survey, ‘The Door is Always Open’ which runs through August 18th.  The retrospective show will be offered through a unique installation recreating his childhood home which was located in the Fairfax district of LA.  Organized thematically by room, the exhibition weaves a narrative blending and relating  his prolific career with his personal biography. Meshing with the Skirball’s focus on Jewish heritage and culture, a thread of the exhibition illuminates the  connections between Baseman’s art and his ethnicity.

This milestone exhibition opens on Thursday (4.25) with  ‘Gary Baseman’s House Party’, an evening event (18+) beginning at 7:30 PM with the artist creating a painting on the spot to a performance from the indie band Nightmare and the Cat, gallery tours, interactive art-making activities and a DJ set from LA street artist Shepard Fairey.  Tickets for the opening night event are available in advance for $15 and $20 on site.

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“Clean Title, No Accidents,” artist Joe Reihsen’s second solo show with Anat Ebgi gallery, is a must-see in person. The fascinating layers and textures of these unusual paintings, executed using pneumatic devices and commercial painting tools, are difficult to convey in photographs, so do yourself a favor and drop by the gallery’s brand new location and check it out!  The retro feel of them reminded me of a Talking Heads album cover, or a slide projection at an awesome performance art show in a SoHo loft — circa 1986.

The show runs through May 25. You can see more images here.

(Above: “I should have gotten your number after the orgy“; Below: “Day dreamer“)

Anat Ebgi: 2260 S. La Cienega Blvd/Los Angeles, CA 90034

On Saturday (4.13), the street art collective TrustoCorp opened ‘The Future is Blight’ @ LeBasse Projects in Culver City.  The exhibition continues the group’s focus on the increasing dysfunction of society.  The new collection features numerous smaller paintings and hand-embellished printed pieces featuring vintage style illustrations with socially critical messages embedded within them as well as numerous corporate logos – iconic reminders of the oversized importance of commerce in today’s reality.

Trusto’s identity as a socially conscious street art collective is embodied in the show’s central installation featuring a large wall mural map of LA with polaroid photos documenting drop points for the group’s ‘Poverty Kits’ – essential items for the homeless and those down on their luck.   This new campaign goes beyond merely pointing out the growing disparity between the haves and have nots by seeking to improve the situation while calling attention to the conditions that make such interventions necessary.    Speaking of campaigns, Trusto’s recent stealth introduction of a faux cereal boxes onto LA’s retail shelves is highlighted with three oversized versions of collaborative ‘flavors’ with Shepard Fairey, David Flores and the London Police.

For a compelling look at  beautifully produced yet extremely effective and thought provoking socially conscious art, The ‘Future is Blight’ is well worth a visit.

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Kazuki Takamatsu. Came here to chop down!!

Japanese artist Kazuki Takamatsu creates distinctly ethereal images by combining  the computer graphics technique of depth mapping with black and white painting in acrylic and gouaches.  He will open ‘Japanese Ideology of Puberty’ at Corey Helford Gallery on Saturday (4.13).  His first solo exhibition  with the gallery explores the emotional transformation of girls and boys as they become adults through a series of twelve paintings.

Kazuki Takamatsu || ‘Japanese Ideology of Puberty’
Opening: Saturday April 13th 2013 (7-10 PM)

Corey Helford Gallery
8522 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310.287.2340

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Soey Milk. Moon Bloom.

On Saturday, Nucleus Gallery will host its recurring ‘Lined in Lead: Works in Graphite’ show focusing on graphite as an art medium in its own right beyond its frequent use for studies and previsualizations.  Curated once again by Ryan Graff, this year’s edition features work from a talented group including Wesley Burt, Alexandre Day, Andrew Hem, Rodrigo Luff, Soey Milk (above),  Keita Morimot,  Karla Ortiz, João Ruas,  Brooks Salzwedel,  Barron Storey, Edwin Ushiro, Allen Williams, and Michael Zulli. If you’re a fan of pencil work, you’ll want to catch the opening.

Lined in Lead
Opening: Saturday April 13th 2013 (7-10 PM)

Nucleus
210 East Main Street
Alhambra, CA 91801
626.458.7482

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