LA Art Fair Sparkles and Shines

Posted on by Diversions LA

As always, the LA Art Show served up a tasty treat of art in a wide variety of mediums. There were informative talks, passionate performance, themes of climate change, a heady dose of trippy AI, splashes of neon, cool cats, and a charitable beneficiary, this year the American Heart Association, especially appropriate given the event’s opening night was on Valentine’s Day.

More than 120 galleries offered commercial art, fine art, experimental art, and some dashes of comic relief; opening night attendees glittered and lined up for Pink’s Hot Dogs, creme brulee, and champagne,  Robert Vargas live painted his “World House” on a massive, mural-sized canvas;  and street art vibes, laser cut metal work, and a manga-decorated portable tea house were all present and art-accounted-for.

DIVERSEartLA, comprising the 7 non-commercial art institutions exhibiting, offered the most excitement with a focus on cilmate change, immigration, faux mythologies, and the use of a drawing machine. AI was all around, lush and evocative and fascinating, but also, ultimately, still bringing up that giant question mark as to its impact. We have come to accept the horrors and complexities and hopes entwined in the confrontation of climate change, but have we yet to acclimate to another vast sea change in our lifetime, brought by artificial intelligence?

Let’s take a look at some of what we saw.

 

 

Andy Moses shimmered with motion at Melissa Morgan Palm art, far, left, while pink neon vibrated color, and a truly terrific, sculptural cat and dog duo pranced.

 

From golden hills to a dimensional portico leading to the sea to the pink morning water glow on resting surfers painted by Gay Summer Rick, landscapes were hardly stereotypical. Adjoining Rick’s work at bG Gallery are Linda Smith’s whimsical ceramic cats; below, bG dominated on the sweet non-edible Valentine’s treat art – far right, from Tom Pergola.

 

Emily Madigan’s magical jeweled beasts were at StartUp Curatorial; J.T. Burke also dazzled,  with his jeweled succulent image, right.

Copo Gallery fascinated with images from the apocalyptic to the whimsical.

The cool of metal abstracts meets the vibrant pop of floral color…

Kim Bareu is all bright whimsey at Gallery X2; but some neon cannabis noodles could be whimsical, too; ditto the work of Mr. Brainwash.

Quintessentially LA – the Pink Panther, the freeway dream of Dalila Vonden Stemmen at MRG Fine Art; a surreal and somehow super LA landscape and home.

Multiples…

 

 

 

 

The magic of MOAH performance artists Kaye Freeman and Amy Kaps, aka Hibiscus TV artists. More from Guillermo Bert; the immersive sculptural and film AI of “Be Water” from Chilean DIVERSEartLA exhibitor AAL Museum’s artist, Antuan.

From Antuan’s changing AI landscape, to AI assisted tapestery and sculptures far right, and below left two images, ”

 

The machines made me do it…

Above left, “Fake Memories of a True Past” curated by Moises Schiaffino; middle “Bridging Emotional and Digital Landscapes” allows viewers to interact with AI through a type-in word conversion, creating images above. My word was “child,” creation rendered in far left corner.  Image far right: sculptural indications of climate change and flooding from Osceola Refetoff and MOAH, more images from his photographic and film series below.

Above, also Refetoff,  infrared photography at Melissa Morgan Gallery.

Entirely new profiles, in paint and in sculpture.

Quintessential American seascape, left; gorgeous blooms from Paris in the middle; a performance artist becomes the subject of an artist’s detailed sketch.

 

The fabulous oil image of a house afire matches well with political-context neon, and Guillermo Bert’s laser cut sculptures of immigrant workers.

A cosmic eye, very large Zen heads, and a brilliantly vibrant urban scene converge.

Gumby says hi, a classic nymph does a pop-up.

J & J Art presents a buccolic and beautiful chicken romance while Jacobo Eid’s fascinating small plastic figures dance at a Madrid gallery booth.

Thick paint is always a draw – abstract, flower petals, and the classic richness of a wooly lamb.

Dimensional illusions delight – far right, the paper “stained glass” of Lorraine Bubar.

Feiran Wang’s Mutated Chicken brought big smiles; as did stooping inside the portable tea house of Tokyo’s Manga Art Heritage collaborators (far right, and below left).

To the right – Building Bridges Art Exchange in Santa Monica more or less encapsulated 2024 – aren’t we all the dog in the yellow booties, sticking our heads through a hole in the wall, despite meeting the resistance of our plastic safety cones? (Worn for our own good, of course.)

Glass art sparkled.

The natural world becomes slightly surreal…

Naim June Paik at Scott & Jae, a lustrous garden; mysteriously glowing abstracts.

A fresh take on naive art style and collage, left; live drumming draws a crowd, right.

Fabrik Projects Gallery’s The Soul of the City included a wide range of photographic talent, including a terrific piece from Maureen Haldeman, below.

That’s LA, for you. And that’s the LA Art Show 2024 edition. The city’s oldest art fair and still my homegrown favorite. AI’ght?

  • Genie Davis; photos by Genie Davis

Design This For Some Holiday Cheer

Posted on by Diversions LA

If you’re looking for something a bit more mellow than spiked egg nog for the holidays – or to chill with on a bright New Year’s night, THC Design may have just what you’re looking for.  As a premium cannabis cultivator, THC Design offers estate grown, single-sourced flower for a wide variety of brands. Environmentally aware, the company utilizes advanced cultivation practices and techniques to achieve self-sustainable operation and renewable energy resources. Using integrated pest management, water reclamation techniques, LED lighting, and renewable energy, THC Design’s goal is to be the first company to be carbon-neutral and climate positive in the indoor cannabis industry.

Of course, the products themselves are just as carefully curated as the growing process and the company’s environmental awareness. Committed to the science behind cannabis, THC Design is working to identify the roles of not only THC and CBD but  the dozens of other therapeutic compounds in cannabis, developing plants that provide a premium product and can more accurately treat disease and ailments. Shifting away from THC percentages to a more balanced and intuitive view of the ways different cannabis chemotypes affect different people, the company is committed to helping people thrive – not just mellow out.

Among the company’s offered cannibis products are indica strains, recommended for relaxation, pain management, inflammation, and anxiety relief. The effects are relaxing and sedative, and include signature strains such as the Garlic Cocktail, a cross of GMO and Mimosa strains offering “earthy notes of clove, anise and orange-tangerine-citrus finish.”

The company cites this strain as “perfect…for pain relief and inflmmation without the typical sedative qualities of most indica-dominant strains” for a relaxing but not sleep-inducing chill experience. Another signature cultivator is Confidential OG, an Indica cross of LA Confidential x OG Bubba Kush. With δ-Limonene, β-Caryophyllene, and Linalool as its dominant terpenes. Citrus notes meet classic Kush dankess and a potency level of 30-36% THC, making it an excellent choice to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, inflammation, and acute pain.

Our sampler tried both pre-roll and flower from the Sativa strains, considered excellent for symptoms of depression, stress, fatigue, loss of appetite, and pain relief and well as enhancing creativity. The strain sampled was Crescendo, smooth and mellow, mentally activating rather than intoxicating. Providing a bright lemony finish with an earthy, spicy pine taste befitting the holiday season, the strain offers a THC level of between 30-35%. Among the other Sativa strains availabe are Orange Creamsicle, Gelatti Cake, and Lime Slurps.

Prefer a mix of sativa and indica effects? Hybrid cannabis products include strains such as Purple Punch and Wedding Cake. Hybrids are often able to promote feelings of contentment and happiness for relaxation and contentment; and, one of the more beneficial hybrid strain effects is an increase in creativity.

 

With over 150 different strains in their genetic library, THC Design truly provides high quality flower available as pre-rolls, eighth jars, and buds. The company is the proud recipient of two High Times Cannabis Cups, and voted Best Pre Roll in California by Weedmaps and LA Weekly, also winning multiple Farmers Cup awards. They have a menu of five permanent strains, and regularly rotate through limited edition drops as well.

Overall assessment: THC Design offers beautifully packaged, carefully cultivated cannabis and provides recommendations for strains based on user needs. The company offers products locally through a range of distributors in the SoCal area, including Greenwolf in Los Feliz, New Age Care Center in South Los Angeles, Sweet Flower in the Arts District, and Dr. Greenthumb in Lincoln Heights among other locations. Their products are also available through many delivery services from Long Beach to West LA to Central California and Sacramento. Delivery was fast, efficient, and friendly to our location in the South Bay.

Happy Holidays – and mellow ones, too.

  • Genie Davis; images provided by THC Design

 

Trolls Happily Guide Visitors To South Coast Botanic Garden

Posted on by Diversions LA

Give a hearty welcome to Kamma Can the Trash Troll, Ibbi Pip the Birdhouse Troll and their four friends. Ibbi will even invite you into her playhouse for a walk-through replete with seating, multiple bird houses, and engaging signage, which is where the fun and adventure begins.

Now residing joyfully at South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, these immense, impressive, and super fun sculptures have taken up a temporary residence through mid-January at the garden. Created by Thomas Dambro with the message of “Save the Humans,” these trolls are spreading a lovely theme of sustainability, the preservation of nature, and gentle guidance.

The mammoth folklore-inspired sculptures are made from reclaimed materials, and the six delightful figures stand at a variety of locations throughout the garden’s 87-acres. Their mission: help humans save themselves and their world.

The story behind the exhibited Trolls sculptures relates that “hundreds of trolls came together at “Trolliefolkyfest” to discuss their favorite topic – us . While they know we mean well, we keep failing them by making questionable choices, like cutting down forests, emptying rivers, and putting humans – and them – in danger. While most of the trolls think we are past saving, these SIX think they can help us.”

Certainly their beautifully crafted faces speak of wisdom and love, their big hands must match their big art-hearts.

Dambo is undoubtedly the world’s leading recycle artist. Before he created these figures and other larger-than-life sculptures, his career ranged from music to street art and scenic design. With a master’s degree from the Kolding Design School, the internationally-renowned artist created the Trolls from recycled wood. There are 87 such figures on exhibit globally from Denmark to South Korea, and of course, here in the U.S. Dambro’s vision is to create inspiring art that demonstrates trash can be used to create beauty – and spread a message of environmental rescue.

Along with the trolls themselves, Dambro’s exhibition at South Coast Botanic Garden includes colorful wooden birdhouses, which also play a key role in his work. In fact, the artist has birdhouses placed throughout Denmark. The birdhouse troll, Ibbi Pip is said to speak to humans via birdhouses using them to bring animals close to us and encourage human compassion, according to exhibition media.

This is a truly wonderful, charming, innovative exhibition that deserves to be seen as art, and for its message. Add to that the allure of strolling through the gardens themselves in the wintery sunlight, and this is a perfect afternoon adventure for all ages – so bring any kids along, too.

The exhibition runs through January 14, and is included with garden admission. South Coast Botanic Garden, the world’s first to be built atop a former landfill, was dedicated as a garden in 1960.

It’s located at 25300 Crenshaw Blvd in South Torrance, on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Tickets which are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $5 for kids 5-12, can be purchased here. 

  • Genie Davis; photos by Genie Davis

 

Artist A.M. Rousseau Offers Tribute

Posted on by Diversions LA

Exploring a Lifelong Passion: Small Pieces We’ve Collected Over the Years is a tour de force of lovely art shared and curated by Southern California artist A.M. Rousseau. The works presented in an impressive single day exhibition at bG gallery November 5th, are part of a collection that she and her late husband pursuied as a part of their enduring, shared passion for art.

Their assembled collection reflects their deep committment to art and fellow artists – and to their belief in nurturing a sense of community within the art world. The tribute paid to artists is joined with another sort of tribute – that to Rousseau’s late husband Duvall Hecht.

Displaying over 50 distinctive artists, each serves as part of an engaging art tapestry that offers insight into the artists and the spirits of their collectors, as well.

According to Rousseau, the timing for this exhibition was “about community, the artist community.  I think like many of us, I have a lot of works of art that my husband and I purchased or that came to us through gifts or trading with other artists. It has been a joy to collect this work, and while it can hang in my house, after my husband passed, I had the impulse to share it with the other artists and anyone else who might be interested. ”

The single day extravaganze of art began as what she envisioned to be simply a “small fun project. Maybe I would have a dinner party and invite the artists. It daily grew larger when I realized there were over 65 pieces, and if I wanted to show the pieces I would need to find an exhibition space – which led me to bG Gallery in Santa Monica.”

As to the collection itself, Rousseau reveals that to assemble it “my husband and I looked for things we loved that fit within our budget, but we would also try to support wonderful work in shows where things otherwise did not sell. Of course, we could only ever buy small pieces, but we wanted to support artists when possible. We found many works on paper which we always meant to frame but ended up sitting in drawers for too long.” This formed part of the impetus for the show, when she says she decided it would be meaningful to have “all of them framed and put them together for an exhibition in memory of all the great times we had looking at art together and going to shows. It gave me a lot of happiness just knowing how much he would have loved this project.”

Rousseau has also assembled an inclusive, intimate catalog about the works. “The catalog was put together by myself, and I wrote the text in it. That was also a really enjoyable part of putting this show together. I loved looking closely again at many of the pieces and writing what I felt about the work.”

Despite the large scale nature of the exhibition, she relates that she has no other plans after the show regarding the works. “I don’t plan to sell anything. It might be nice to have it travel. I really would love to give it away somewhere to an organization or a place that would want it.”

Asked to select a favorite work, she stresses that “It’s hard to say what either of our favorite pieces are as really, we loved them all. It’s like having a favorite child. How could you pick?”

But that said, when pushed she relates “I have to choose the one called “Our kitchen, Peck Dr., Beverly Hills, CA.” by Virginia Sackett. As I wrote in the catalog, this is a work that was in my husband’s mothers’ possession for 50 years, and I have now owned for 30 years. I think it is an exceptional piece, and I have looked at it many times thinking about the person who created it.”  Making this piece exceptionally personal, Rousseau adds “It was made by my husband’s mother’s maid who worked in the kitchen that is portrayed in the picture. Obviously, if is possible to decipher the essence of this painting, it’s a kitchen the artist appeared to love. She was a woman whose artistic abilities were likely entirely unrecognized during her lifetime, excepting this one picture, framed by her employer, and preserved by her employer’s children, finally coming into my possession. I can’t say enough about how much I love this painting and I know my husband did too. While the talent of this artist might not have been acknowledged, I am grateful for this painting that allows us to know her.”

As both an artist herself and a collector and curator, Rousseau asserts that what she most wants readers to know about the exhibition and her view of collecting art, is this: “There is great joy in creating collections of work on very small budgets, and sharing work with the community of artists is an honor and a privilege. Supporting artists in whatever way possible can have lasting importance.”

Don’t miss seeing this lovingly collected, cherished, and well-curated exhibition. There will be an opening reception Sunday, November 5th from 4-7 p.m. at bG gallery, and Rousseau will be present to offer her own insights and experiences, as well as offering her comprehensively compiled catalog of the artworks for viewers.

bG is located at 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica #12 in Bergamot Station.

  • Genie Davis; images provided by A.M. Rousseau