Otis Alum Mark Dean Veca has moved back to Los Angeles just in time for his appointment as the Fall 2008 Jennifer Howard Coleman Distinguished Lecturer and Resident.  In addition to his work with students throughout the fall, Mark has been hard at work on Phantasmagoria, a massive site-specific install that spans the entire Ben Maltz Gallery at Otis.  In case you had overlooked it or are just hungry for more here’s a small preview of the show pieces including a look at Mark’s efforts to transform the normally white staid walls of  the gallery with his  wild hyper-kinetic vision.

Cast in bright orange with strong black details, the installation features intricate floor to ceiling wall painting that serves as the expansive frame for several original paintings.  The paintings put culture, pop and otherwise, into a blender  on high with impressive results combining disparate elements such as Damien Hirst’s legendary Diamond Skull, Popeye, Charlie Tuna, Jesus and Mary, Michaelangelo’s David, Kaws’s X eyes  and Jeff Koons’  Bunny Rabbit. While the combinations are noteworthy it’s the execution that separates Mark’s work – the characters are shapes to be filled with immense and varied detail – sort of figurative canvases.    All the original paintings are available for sale through the retail gallery that reps Veca’s work.

Judging by the preview paintings, the WIP shots of the installation and his previous room installations, the opening of Phantasmagoria this Saturday from 5- 7 PM is not to be missed.

[Source Ben Maltz Gallery + additional info from Supertouch Art.  Photos – Chris Warner (paintings) & Daniel Davidson (installation)].

Ben Maltz Gallery
Bronya and Andy Galef Center for Fine Arts
9045 Lincoln Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90045