This is Halloween – High Beams Art Collectives Offer Rooftop Fun

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Saturday and Sunday Halloween weekend, the Bendix building rooftop became an awesome party spot with High Beams #5 Night Moves.

Exciting and radiant against a backdrop of DTLA skyline, exhibiting artists showcased art that glowed, moved, spun, or simply dazzled in its own right.

Exhibiting artists included: Eugene Ahn, Ismael de Anda III, Ilona Berger, Chelsea Boxwell, Nicolas Cienfuegos, Elizabeth Folk, Leslie Foster, Ricardo Harris-Fuentes, Iva Gueorguieva, Jamie Hamilton, Ariel Huang, Ben Jackel, Kellan Barnebey King, Sharon Levy, Kim Marra, Justin Michell, Robert Moya, Jorge Mujica, Hagop Najarian, Larissa Nickel, Liz Nurenberg, Laura Ricci, Molly Schulman, Karim Shuquem, Christina Shurts, Mitch Temple, Josh Vasquez, Andrew Wingler, and Surge Witrön. Curators Carl Baratta and Katya Usvitsky of TSALA and Dani Dodge and Sean Noyce of Durden and Ray brought together artists from their collectives, as well as from 515, CACtTUS, Last Ditch, LAST Projects, Monte Vista Projects, Museum Adjacent, and San Francisco Artists Alumni

There were kinetic sculptures, projected images, sculptures – including a climbable and thrilling net hammock, banners, paintings, and audio work. If you missed it, you snoozed. Plus, attendees came in costume and the city glittered, as well as the red neon Bendix sign towering not-that-high above.

There was drone and interactive computer magic from Eugene Ahn, Ismael de Anda III…

Jorge Mujica and Gerardo Romero offered a deep blue blaze of glory aligned with the skyline, below.

Light danced on a mirrored city by Nicolas Cienfuegos…

Justin Mitchell and Kellan Barnebey King spun revolving, riveting color.

Karim Shuquem created the black-box magic of the motion of atoms (per the artist) in his glowing sculptural installation, below.

It’s a bird, it’s not really a plane but a wonderful, playfully curated sculpture from Ben Jackel, below.

Jamie Hamilton’s nylon and steel climbable “Net.”

Robert Moya’s beautifully detailed wood panels survived winds at installation…

Chelsea Boxwell delighted with a glittery textile passageway, above and below.

Pulsating with light, the cocoon of Laura Ricci’s “Ones Left Behind,” images below.

Elizabeth Folk and Mark Brobo offered “A Desert Spritz” of fun performance art and projected image.

Ariel Wang, below; above, collaborative magic from Last Projects by artists including Ilona Berger, above.

Black light made this gorgeous piece vibrate from Ricardo Harris-Fuentes.

Ephemeral work from Iva Gueorguieva, below, suspended on wire.

Golden work from Mitch Temple, bathed in red light, above.

A collaboration of artists connecting through “Zoom Connecting.” Among the creators were Hagop Najarian and Leslie Foster, above and below.

May be art

Auditory sculptural experience from Liz Nurenberg, below.

Each artist and the event curators created stellar work and a costumed art party that served the perfect blend of spirits for All Hallows Eve.

  • Genie Davis; photos: Genie Davis

Dances with Films – Gets Physical

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“Let’s Get Physical” was the catch phrase for the 24th annual Dances with Films festival at the TCL Chinese in Hollywood. Last year viewed virtually, this year it was time to don those masks and sit down to enjoy films on the big screen.

From shorts to features, there was plenty to see at the always-eclectic event. This set of reviews is not the last – this year the program ran an expanded number of days, from August 26 to September the 12th.

Voting this year for audience awards utilized a QR code, which was even easier than marking up a piece of paper with a pencil as in pre-pandemic times. Q and A’s were as lively as ever, and the mix of comedy, drama, horror, and even sci-fi invigorating.

Also new this year: the First Film Series, which served up some fascinating looks at the works of and discussions with honoree filmmakers including producer Michael London and director Paul Greengrass. Greengrass, the director of United 93 was a moving inclusion, a fitting tribute to both filmmaker and the somber anniversary of 9/11.

Rather than going in festival order, we’ll start with some features, and move on to the vibrant shorts programs.

As always offering a stimulating start, the opening-night film was the premiere of The Art of Protest, an exciting, kinetic documentary from Colin M. Day, packed with interviews from elite rockers and espousing power of music and protest. The film was a rousing success as both a galvanizing opener and an eye-opener about politics and change.

While I’d love to be as enthusiastic about the fest’s closer, Mars Roberge’s Mister Sister, despite allowing a fascinating look into NYC’s drag scene, the film felt more like a documentary hopeful than a narrative feature, and just didn’t register for me. The red carpet interactions with some of the film’s supporting players gave a tantalizing look at what could’ve been – maybe next time.

There were far more hits than near misses at the fest, no mean feat with a lineup that included over 250 varied films, from 350 filmmakers. I’ll take on the festival as best I can, starting out with an an alphabetical look at the feature films we had the pleasure to view.

Thematically, a number of films seemed to hit on moments of isolation, addiction, and recovery, but there were lighthearted moments as well.

Among the films that offered a taste of both, Addict Hal was a surprisingly fresh and moving take on addicts in a recovery program, viscerally plunging viewers into the harrowing road to getting – and staying – clean with humor and poignancy.

Likewise, Alex/October offered a mix of touching moment and dark humor in a film that explored a friendship evolving from a man’s Craigslist ad seeking a hired killer to end his own personal misery. Restless, curious, and unhappy, a young woman meets suicidal new BFF in a film that evoked memories of Harold & Maude without the whimsy and music along the way.

In a second look from last year’s fest, which I viewed virtually, a woman comes to terms with the loss of her marriage in before/during/after, a fine film that takes a wistful look at the life of an actress in emotional transition.

One of my very favorite films of the 2021 festival was the dark emotional world of Bone Cage. Pitch perfect in tone, beautifully acted, the tragic story of a lost soul in an economically devastated rural community was a fully successful film adaptation of a play by Catherine Banks. Written and directed by Taylor Olson, who also starred in the film, this one tore a hole in my heart.

The Catch was another dark and tragic film that resonated, a noir and haunting story from Matthew Ya-Hsiung Balzer. Redolent with the salt air of a small Maine fishing town and the desperation of a young woman returning home from an abusive relationship, Balzer took viewers on a dangerous, compelling journey.

Moody in black and white, Ghostwriter explored the mentor/mentee relationship, the meaning of family, and creativity. In this four-hander character study, ghosts can be composed of words, or memories or the fading reach of fame.

Evan Wood gave viewers another look at addiction – a sister coming to terms with the mental unbalance and addiction of her brother following the death of their grandmother.

Beneath the Banyan Tree explored another family’s coming-to-terms, here with generational family ties, the difficulty of immigration and assimilation, and the even greater difficulty of self-acceptance in the relationship between a mother and daughter.

Family ties were also a strong focus in Last Night in Rozzie, a Boston set story of a dying friend’s wish for his estranged son, and the traumas of the past in a poetic and graceful character study.

Generation Wrecks was another film I loved. But, unlike the harrowing filmic knife-thrusts of my other favorites, Bone Cage and The Catch, this was a lighthearted coming of age film, filled with great performances, an unbelievably terrific soundtrack, and a fully realized, touching and funny story of revenge, forgiveness, and growing-up. A bit of both the Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink infused the spirit of this winning, heart-melting film. Writers and co-stars, as well as the film’s director, below.

It was great to be back in the theater – and even better to be viewing the program from Dances with Films. There’s more alphabetical feature viewing/reviewing pleasure ahead…and then the powerhouse short films.

  • Genie Davis; photos: Jack Burke and Dances with Films

ART HAPPENINGS

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Synesthesia at Wonzimer/LA Athletic Club

Subjective calendar list for the next two weeks ahead — subjective as in what interests me that’s opening and running, plus a listing of other shows that grab me via Heather Lowe.

Did we miss something? Please drop up a comment or email and perhaps we can add – make sure you have location and opening/closing dates!
NOTE: If it says “Don’t Miss” below listing info, it means I have seen the show, or I am acquainted with past iterations of it and highly recommend. If I do not write those words, it only means I haven’t visited yet.

ENJOY – get out there – wear a mask – get a booster – support artists!

Night Moves at Bendix Rooftop – High Beams

High Beams Collective, Halloween Edition #5 “Night Moves”
Bendix Building Rooftop, 1206 Maple Ave.
October 30th and 31st 8-10 p.m.
Costumes suggested, masks required
Facebook.com/HighBeamsArt; www.HighBeams.art
DON’T MISS

Aimee Mandala “Get to Work”
Studio 347 San Pedro
347 W. 7th Street
November 4 – 30th

Linda Sue Price, Debbie Korbel, and others in group show
Homesick Aliens
564 N. Larchmont
Homesickaliensart.com
November 6th opening, ongoing

Group Show, “Structure” (Mela Marsh, HK Zamani, Chelsea Dean, Stevie Love, other artists)
MOAH (Museum of Art and History)
Lancaster, CA
www.lancastermoah.org
through December 26th
AND
MOAH Cedar
“Perceive Me” Group Show curated by Kristine Schomaker
through 12/12
DON’T MISS EITHER ONE

Joy Ray, Dream Archeologies.jpg
Ghost Visions, Joy Ray

Joy Ray “Ghost Visions”
Shockboxx Hermosa Beach
(IRL and online)
ShockBoxx Gallery
info@shockboxxproject.com
636 Cypress Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Closing event October 31st.
DON’T MISS

Leonardo Bravo
Big City Forum
Stairwell LA
Gallery space open Thurs-Saturday
text/email 213.700.0700 or stairwellgalleryla@gmail.com
November 7- December 5

“Synesthesia” – Wonzimer at the Los Angeles Athletic Club
431 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Victory Ballroom, 4th Floor
3D VIEWING ROOM ‘SYNESTHESIA’
wonzimerinfo@gmail.com
October 7th – 28th
DON’T MISS

Sacred Waters: Opening Oct 23 5-9PM With Fine Art, Live Music, Open Bar!
Sacred Waters at MASH

Haleh Mashian “Sacred Waters”
MASH Gallery
1325 Palmetto St Ste 130, Los Angeles, CA 90013
through December 1st

Brendan Lott, Pascal Shirley at Walter Maciel
2642 s. La Cienega, LA 90024, info@waltermacielgallery.com
November 6th- December 23

More cool openings and closings

Megan Francis, “Canopy of Dreams”

Opening Reception:  Saturday, October 30, 2021, 10am-5pm

Gallery 825

825 North La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90069

Opulent Mobility 2021 curated by A. Laura Brody and Anthony Tusler

Closing reception Saturday, Oct. 30th, artist talk 10 a.m.-12 p.m; exhibit space open from 1 – 5

Wingwalker Brewery, 235 W. Maple Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016

DON’T MISS

A multi-colored, multi-limbed goddess built into a walker. She has three eyes and holds a red scythe in the right upper hand and a severed demon head in the left.
from Opulent Mobility, listing above

Bob Burchman: New and Recent Paintings

As Is Gallery, 1133 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90015

October 30 – December 18, Artist’s reception: Saturday, October 30, 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Eugene Daub: Monumental Artist Talk and Exhibition Tour

Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

November 3, 2021; Talk: 10:30am – 11:30am, Exhibition Tour: Noon

Also at PVAC:

Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking? Revelations!” Bernard Fallon, Bondo Wyszpolski, and live music by Brad Webster

November 6, 2021, 2pm – 4pm Register at Eventbrite 

Kelly Akashi, “Faultline”

Ghebaly Gallery

November 5 – December 4, 2021; Opening Friday, November 5, 6 – 9pm

2245 E Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA

3 Solo Shows: Anne Libby, Paul Heyer, Elizabeth Jaeger; Also: Grant Levy Lucero

Night Gallery

2276 East 16th Street LA, CA 90021
November 6- December 11, Tuesday – Saturday, 11am-6pm

UPCOMING:

“A Century of California Women Artists” 

Saturday November 13th from 6-9pm opening; through January

Brand Library and Art Center

222 East Harvard Street

Glendale CA 91205

THREE SOLO EXHIBITIONS: NICOLAS GRENIER, EDRA SOTO, LAURA KARETZKY

Nov. 13- Dec. 22; opening Nov. 13 3-7 p.m.

Luis De Jesus

1110 Matteo St., LA, CA 90021

Alison Raggulette, “Liminal”

Diane Berger Gallery at Mt. San Antonio College

Opening reception: November 18, 5 p.m.; through December

Building 1 B, 1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut, CA 91789

DON’T MISS

Betzi Stein, “ART WORLD FRIENDS AND STRANGERS”

November 17 – December 11, 2021; opening: Nov. 20, 4-8 pm

Tag Gallery

5458 Wilshire Blvd LA, CA 90036

DON’T MISS

Below, compiled by artist Heather Lowe:

June Edmonds “Joy of Other Suns”
Luis de Jesus
1110 Mateo Street, L.A., CA 90021
ends Oct. 30th

Leigh Salgado “As the World Turns”
Launch Gallery
170 S. La Brea, L.A., 90036
ends Nov 13, 2021
DON’T MISS

Michelle Robinson “You Are (Not) Here”
Keystone Art Space, 338 S. Ave. 16, L.A. 90031
“Origin” (group show)
new gallery in Keystone Art Space, IDOLWILD Gallery, #A4
both end Oct. 31

“LA Painting” curated by Saloman Huerta
ART BUG Gallery
2441 Hunter Street, unit B, L.A., CA 90023
ends Nov. 20th

“The Scribes” Group Show
Roswell Space, 3050 Roswell Street, L.A. CA 90065
ends Nov. 7th
DON’T MISS

“Funhouse”
RDFA, Rory Devine, 3209 W Washington Blvd., L.A., 90018
WED-SAT 12-6
ends Nov. 20th

“Creative Exchange” Group Show
SoLA Contemporary
3718 W. Slauson Ave., L.A. 90043.
Thurs-Sat 11-4
ends Nov. 6
DON’T MISS

Robert Gunderman
Diane Rosenstein Gallery “The Quiet Beliefs”
831 N. Highland Ave., L.A.
10-6 Tues-Sat.
ends Dec. 4

  • Genie Davis; Heather Lowe – photos provided by gallery

Meow Wolf Omega Mart is the Cat’s Meow

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For once, what happened in Vegas shouldn’t stay in Las Vegas. Meow Wolf, the art collective that has successfully merged critical acclaim, creative force, and financial success, has done it again with Omega Mart, an interdimensional grocery store.

When I first viewed the original Meow Wolf installation in Santa Fe a number of years ago, I was wowed by the completely unimagined complexity of it. The House of Eternal Return presented a combination of immersive art and supernatural haunted house that was mind-bending.

Approaching the Omega Mart concept in Las Vegas was different going in: I knew the kind of artist-realized amusement-park-for-the-senses that I’d experience there.

The Las Vegas iteration is enormous – some 50,000-square-feet located at Las Vegas’ Area 15, and the location’s star.

It seems trivial to say it is enormously clever and humorous, but it is that. Encouraging visitors to uncover a mystery involving aliens, corporate greed, and a take-over by AI, visitors enter through a surreal version of a mega grocery store, explore an alien farming world, a series of corporate offices and mind-alteration areas, a factory, and even enjoy a ride down a fast slide (below) over the course of three floors.

Both cautionary fairytale and pure American success story gone mad, Omega Mart is brilliantly subversive and witty.

My favorite section is the large scale grocery section, with its frightening alien meat counter, strange cat foods, dice-rather-than-pit bearing avocados, zippered avocados (I mean, why not?), and strategically placed video monitors that provide visitors with an introduction to the founder of Omega Mart and his disappearance.

I could’ve spent hours exploring each hilarious food item and laundry product, and there is so much visual stimulation and color that it would be easy for any visitor to do so. But onward, and inward.

Slipping into the back of the store, from one entrance portal or another, the next space is the alien farming community, in which people are disappearing, and a seemingly idyllic existence with surreal flowers and swirling colors. Continue on into the ominous factory space, or travel upstairs to the employee break room and take in a few training videos that will help you find clues as to just exactly what’s going on with the company behind Omega Mart’s products.

The corporate area of Omega Mart includes an interactive AI robot, more clue-filled video portals, and employee cubicles and offices in which attendees can search through computers and files to uncover more mysteries. Branching off from this area are research labs and conference rooms, areas that I thought of as pure interactive art, including a musical room, tunnels of lights, mirrored experiences that seem to defy reality.

All in all there are over 250 art works created by more than 325 artists. The adventure of Omega Mart is to some extent a customized experience, much like the best of video gaming. Linger in one section or another, follow whatever plotline or discovery portal you wish. The basic premise is that the grocery store’s success and its products, as well as the disappearance of its founder and other individuals, are all connected to something called “The Source,” harvested and used by the corporation behind Omega Mart.

There is a resistance, the disappeared, the store staff – follow the story arc you wish. The only aspect you truly must follow is the art. Digital and in constant liquid motion or brightly rooted as the strange flowers growing on one entrance portal’s wall, there is something new to “not miss” around every corner.

Approximately 7 times larger than Meow Wolf’s original Santa Fe installation, and with a more layered and contextual storyline, Omega Mart is both brilliantly entertaining and glittering; over the top and even a bit overwhelming – at least when wearing a pandemic-safe KN-95. It is the ultimate in Las Vegas showmanship seamlessly merged with accessible, stimulating, and often dazzlingly original art.

If you’d like a souvenir, you can purchase one before you leave the Omega Mart store – perhaps you’d like a can of “Camel’s Dream of Mushroom Soup” for dinner, or a pair of lettuce sandals. And while you’re there, pick up a few cans of pigeon mousse for your kitty.

Viva Las Vegas.

Omega Mart is located at 3215 S. Rancho Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89102

  • Genie Davis; photos: Genie Davis & provided by Meow Wolf