Multi-media art plays homage to the soon-to-be-demolished 6th Street Bridge at Art Share L.A. in the DTLA Arts District. Over 45 artists are participating in this show, which will present a closing reception on Saturday 9/19.
Curated by Dale Youngman and Tanner Blackman, the show is a heady mix of photography, acrylics, watercolors, dioramas, and collage. From rushing flood waters tearing through the viaduct under the bridge, to this iconic landmark’s golden hue in morning light and it’s shadows in growing darkness, the bridge at all hours of the day and all seasons is represented here.
The bridge has played a part in many television shows, movies, and commercials as well as serving as a silent model for these profoundly talented artists. For over ninety years, this graceful bridge has stood sentinel, its arches surfing the sky, its buttresses delicately poised over the containment of the LA River. Sadly, the landmark architecture has to go – its cement infrastructure is crumbling due to alkali-silica reaction, a cement destroying disease that would likely cause the bridge to collapse in an earthquake. While there is no way to repair it – the landmark’s memory and form live on through these artworks.
The opening reception buzzed with excitement about the art, the bridge itself, the new bridge. Artist Alex Schaefer burned one of his paintings about the bridge, sacrificing his work as the bridge itself is being sacrificed. Yes, all things, even bridges and art are ephemeral – it’s time to enjoy them, experience them, savor them, and cross them while we can. Everyday we’re burning bridges with the past and setting out to ignite the future. “Bridge” the gap – see this show.
Artists exhibiting include Suzi Moon, Dwora Fried, Lisa Talbot, Osceola Refetoff, Andre Miripolsky, Diane Pirie, Teale Hatheway, and many others weigh in on the bridge that once hosted Terminator 2 and Grease. Connecting Boyle Heights to DTLA’s arts district, the bridge was built in 1932. A new bridge will take its place, designed by architect Michael Maltzan, and there will be bike ramps, stairs, six arches, and a new ability to explore the river beneath its arches. But for now, its time to fete the old before bringing in the new.
Don’t miss the final weekend for this tribute, 7-9 pm. Saturday, September 19th. Weekday gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 1-6. Art Share L.A. is located at 801 E. 4th Place, Los Angeles, Calif.
Melissa Richardson Banks – Diane Behrens – Daniel Bernstein – Kevin Break – Qathryn Brehm – Bruce Cockerill – David P. Cooke – Diane Pirie Cockerill – Toby Corbett – Jean Christophe Dick – Kessia Embry – Margery Epstein – Teresa Flowers – Dwora Fried –Fernando Galvez – Carole Garland – Tom Garner – Patrick Haemmerlein – Teale Hatheway – Jett Jackson – Fred Hoerr – Mark Indig –Tom Lamb – Tod Lychkoff – Rick Mendoza – Ted Meyer – Andre Miripolsky – Suzi Moon – Harry Nickelson – David Palmer – Francisco Palomares – Svetlana Penrose – Osceola Refetoff – Richard Reiner – Michelle Robinson – Rick Robinson – Alex Schaefer – Roderick Smith – Carol Cirillo Stanley – Jim Stern – Lisa Talbot – Sean Sepehr Talebi – Maureen Van Leeuwen Haldeman – Richard Willson –Michael Wisnieux and Jerico Woggon.
- Story/Photos – Genie Davis