Hurry this weekend to see the closing of the lush landscapes and dream-like, pristine views created by master artist Hung Viet Nguyen at Lois Lambert Gallery in Bergamot Station.
Likely the last iteration of Nguyen’s Sacred Landscape Series V — the artist plans new projects for the year ahead – Pilgrimage is lush, mysterious, magical, and of course, spiritual. Explore large scale works like “Sacred Landscape V #57,” in which a volcano is added to the lagoon-scape; or a vertical take on a similar scene replete with volcanoes, crater and waterfall, in “Sacred Landscape V #36.” Relatively new for Nguyen is his inclusion of small human figures in the vast and embracing landscapes. Some swim, some take selfies. There are flowers, arches, jewel-like stones.
Presenting portals, gateways, stars, and incandescent skies, this series includes elements of gold leaf among the rich, rivetingly textured oil-on-canvas works. A smaller series within this body of work contains six perfect 12 x 12 more diminuitive landscapes, as well as eleven images sized 14 x 11. These stunning smaller treasures would make a stellar start to New Year’s collecting resolutions.
But take note – the exhibition is only up through the 6th of January, so plan your weekend accordingly.
Above, Carlos Beltran Arechiga, curtor with artist Curtis Stage
You have more time to head south to the Irvine Arts Center, where the vibrant palette and complex sculptures, paintings, and assemblages of Revision are up through February 3rd.
Well worth the drive are the fascinating limestone and granite dominant scultpures from Naim Kurani…
dense, excitingly motion-packed oil on canvas and oil with wax and gold leaf on canvas works from the vivid brush of Hagop Najarian…
and multi-media abstract works than sing with bold excitement from Max Prexneill.
Also on display are a series of archival print’s documenting a live-art installation created by Stephanie Sherwood on site at the exhibition’s November 8th opening, the created installation is also on display…
you’ll also find mixed media assemblages from John Sollom that are deeply dimensional and serve as fascinating treasure hunts for the eye…
Curtis Stage creates illusionary world through his archival giclee prints on artist paper, vibrating with black and white patterns, and Surge Witron creates abstract acrylic and spray paint works that are equally powered by movement and light.
On display through collabortion with art collective Durden and Ray with curatorial support from Carlos Beltran Arechiga, this is a powerful exhibition featuring hybrid forms and exploratory juxtapositions. Above all, this varied exhibition sings with color, movement, and compelling shapes.
Above, artists Carolyn Mason and Dani Dodge
In an adjoining gallery, Into the Garden is a two-person exhibition that creates the titular Edenic space by pairing delicate, ephermeral fabric works by Dani Dodge with the mysterious and alien expandable foam sculptures of Carolyn Mason.
Viewers are invited to wander between the hanging, sheer fabric works from Dodge, alive with desert creatures, other flora and fauna, and shining from lustrous sewn-on jewels and beading. Viewers will feel as if they are walking through a soft, floating Mojave landscape that shifts, dreamlike, with evey step.
Mason’s fascinating mixed media sculptures are otherwordly and wondrous, creating a terrific contrast of form and shape that when combined transports the viewer beyond the gallery walls. This exhibition is also curated with Durden and Ray and Carlos Beltran Arechiga.
Up ’til February 3rd, there will be an artist talk the last weekend in January – again, don’t miss.
Lastly – also through February 3rd, Icelandic artist Jónsi presents sound, light, and if you’re lucky, even a taste of Icelandic moonshine, in an entirely unique exhibition at Tanya Bonkadar Gallery in mid-city.
The artist and musician has created a sound-centric immersive environment, as well as color shifting, hypnotic LED light screens, sensorial-heightening herbacious scents of freshly cut grass and flowers, and the wave vibrations of a sculpture comprised of 100 speakers. It’s an entirely unique sculptural experience.
What are you waiting for? Go out and get arting before January slips away in post-holiday fog!
- Genie Davis; photos by Genie Davis