Friday, August 29, 2008

Recommended openings to catch this weekend...

Recommended openings to catch this weekend...

Sat, Aug. 30th 9:30PM-1AM ($8 Admission, $5 Walking Art)
The Firehouse (710. S. Santa Fe Ave. in downtown LA / 310.397.2244 - NEW LOCATION!!!)
Cannibal Flower: The 8th Anniversary Show (come on out and help us all celebrate!)
(One-night only special event)
http://www.cannibalflower.com/

Sat, Aug. 30th 8-11PM
Merry Karnowsky Gallery
170 South La Brea in Los Angeles / 323.933.4408
“Whistling Past the Graveyard” new works from Mercedes Helnwein hosted by Jason Lee
(On view through Sept. 20th)
http://www.mkgallery.com/

Sat, August 30th 8-11PM
Solid Gallery One
334 N. Fairfax Ave in Los Angeles / 323.939.3003
New works from Axis – grand opening at new location
(On view through Oct. 5th)
http://www.solidgalleryone.com/

Sat, August 30th 7-11PM
Koos Art Center
540 E. Broadway in Long Beach / 562.491.7584
United CAT artist collective with featured artists Paul Torres and Clinton Neuhaus and new works also on view from Nathan Cartwright, Mickey ME, Nick Wildermuth, Ted von Heiland, Jeremy Cross, Anna Chung, Craig “Skibs” Barker, Cam Rackam, Delphia, Walt Hall and David Cook
http://www.koos.org/
www.myspace.com/unitedcat

East Of Eden exhibit nears...

The huge multi-gallery exhibit EAST OF EDEN is fast approaching.

East Of Eden will take place at the Los Angeles Municipal Gallery
Located at 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles 90027

Friday, September 19th
12:00 Doors open
7:00 Artist Preview

Saturday, September 20th
12:00 Doors open
7:00 MOCA Contemporaries members only artist tour
8pm-1am multigallery party

Sunday, September 21st
12:00 Closing Reception

FUTURA to rock LA on Sept. 18th... details soon!

Graffiti legend FUTURA has been hard at work creating a huge new body of work that is said to be a return to the incredible work he became so well known for at the peak of his gallery career in the '80s.

The secret exhibit is called “Strategic Synchronicity" and is set to launch in Los Angeles on September 18th at a soon to be announced location. More details should be dropping soon.

For more info, watch a killer video over at: http://www.madkrunk.com/

KEEP YOUR EYES peeled for more info on this sure to be legendary show!!! SuperTouchArt.com will be posting sneak peeks and an interview with the man soon... can't wait!

Ekundayo relaunches website!

EKUNDAYO just relaunched a fresh new website with the help of the fine folks out at Berlin-based gallery Intoxicated Demons - check it out here: http://www.ekundayo.com/

Get ready - "Red Forest" - 10/8/08

Look for an interview with Ekundayo in Vol. 9 of HI FRUCTOSE hitting in early October.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Lesley Reppeteaux interview / add'l sneak peeks posted & print news...

Simon Herbert recently wrote a great article for Art Ltd.'s July/August issue about female pop surrealists. In the last paragraph he mentions Lesley's work alongside some of the movement's most respected artists. Nice timing with her big LA solo show on the horizon.

Here's the link to the full article:
http://www.artltdmag.com/article.php?subaction=showfull&id=1215544867&archive=&start_from=&ucat=28

We just posted up a killer video trailer for Lesley Reppeteaux's "Tumbling" that was put together by Jeremy Asher Lynch and the fine folks at Modus Films. It can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_6HGbnDZdo

More on this soon, but we can also confirm now that Lesley will be releasing two brand new limited edition giclees on the night of the opening -"Embrace" (as seen on the show postcard) and "Devotion" (image to be posted soon).

If all that wasn't enough of an update, we went and loaded even more 'Sneak Peeks' here: http://flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157606213631043/

Also happy to keep the flow of interviews going for you all as Lesley was kind enough to answer some questions for us leading into her big show this September...

1) Please give us a lil' background info on yourself. Where were you born and raised?
I was born next to the Atlantic ocean breeze, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I spent a large part of my childhood there, and also on the west coast of Canada in British Columbia. I "grew up", or spent most of my teenage years, in Las Vegas, NV. And trust me, I grew up fast.

2) If I came to your area, what would we do / where would you take me?
Portland is an awesome city. The Shanghai tunnel tour is a must do. Back in the turn of the century, people would go into bars on the west side and never be heard from again. There was this whole underground network of tunnels where they would kidnap people and take them to the river to sell them as slaves to ship captains. These poor souls would wake up and be in the middle of the ocean! Those tunnels (and trap doors in the bars) still exist and you can take a tour.

I'd also have you check out the Alberta Arts District, Mississippi Street and Hawthorne - those are where all the independently owned boutiques, artsy stuff & good eats are.

3) Did you go to college / art school? What are your thoughts on art school in general?

I graduated with a BFA in Illustration. I think having a degree is defiantly not a necessity in the art field, a strong body of work is.

However, sometimes a great school helps you along your path. My advice to aspiring artists is to take classes that interest you, don't waste your time and money taking classes just to meet requirements.

4) What's your earliest memory involving art or creating art?
I used to save empty toilet paper rolls and would draw characters on them, then play with them like Barbies. I had a ton of Barbies, but making my own characters was much more fun.

5) When are you most productive / when do you normally work on art?
I used to work around the clock, from 10 in the morning until midnight or so. Now, my daughter keeps me on a different schedule - her schedule. Hah! I'm working less, and yet getting more done. I'm not sure how it works out, but maybe it has to do with me being in a perpetual state of happiness.

6) Tell us something about yourself that someone would never guess in their wildest dreams.
Hmmm, I don't know if I'm all that wild. Maybe that next weekend is mine and my husband's 10 year wedding anniversary (13 years together) and we are still mad for each other. I guess that's pretty rare these days. We were married when we were 20. And also, we had a water birth with our daughter - au-natural. I am very confused by the need in our society to treat birth like a medical emergency.

7) Are you reading anything right now?
A lot of baby care books! Hah. Also, my friend recommended "The Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer. My mom and I are reading it together.
8) What's your favorite color and why?
I couldn't ever choose, I love so many. I do have colors that I can't stand though - Vermillion green makes me gag.

9) Do you listen to music while painting/drawing? If so, do you have a current favorite that inspires?
I've been listening to Matson Jones, Rasputina, PJ Harvey, Iggy Pop. Mostly though, I like to listen to radio shows, or books on tape.

10) If you had to explain your work to a stranger, how would you do it?
It's hard if they're not familiar with the genre of pop surrealism or Illustration in general. I try to explain that it is heavily based on storytelling, with a dark slant and a feminine touch. Most people who don't know a whole lot about art compare me to Tim Burton. I've heard it so many times, it makes me do an internal smile now. Not because I think it's accurate, it's just funny.

11) Talk a lil' bit about the general idea/vibe behind your new series of works for "Tumbling".
I wanted to create a body of work, that would tell it's own narrative - much like I do when working panel-to-panel in comics. Exploring the myth of Persephone just seemed very right in this time in my life.

12) I know the show's vibe is greatly inspired by a certain Greek myth, would you like to tell our readers a bit more on that?
Sure. It's a story of love and loss, about the strength of women, and the bonds of love that hold us all together.

It goes a little somethin' like this: Hades, god of the underworld, on one of his many visits to the earth, catches a glimpse of Persephone.

After meeting, they tumble together through a crack in the earth, where Persephone takes Hades as her husband and thus becomes Goddess of the Underworld.

Demeter - the Goddess responsible for the abundance of Harvest - is consumed with grief following the disappearance of her daughter, Persephone. She wanders endlessly through the world in search for her. Inconsolable over the loss, she refuses to allow anything to grow on the earth until Persephone is returned to her.

Finally, Zeus intervenes - demanding that Hades return Persephone to her mother.

But Hades isn't ready to lose Persephone either. He gives her six pomegranate seeds, which she eats. This act ensures that Persephone will spend six months of each year underground with her husband, one for each seed consumed. The other half of the year she may spend above ground with her mother.

Thus came about the four seasons of earth. When Persephone is above ground the world is in bloom, when she is below everything wilts.
13) Favorite artist (living or dead) and what makes them special to you?
Well, I laughed a little when I read Stella's interview last month, because she listed Egon Schiele - and he is my all-time favorite as well. I think he has influenced many of us with his beautiful and sometimes tragic figurative work. It stirs something inside of me, and I can not get enough of it. I also love John William Waterhouse, Toulouse Lautrec, Mucha, and so many more.

14) What have you got coming up in terms of shows and projects after "Tumbling"?
I'm working on a series of apparel designs for TAG Gallery, and have a 2-person with Amanda Marie in May. Mostly though I am trying to create thoughtful work and enjoy being a mommy.

15) You recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Stella. How has that changed your outlook on art, if any, and did it influence the new works?
Stella has changed my outlook on life in so many ways. She has given us so much joy and warm fuzzies that I want to be near her and give her zerberts every second of the day. I'm not sure if she's affected the overall themes of my work yet. I think I'll have to look back in a while and see when I have some distance from what I'm creating now.

16) What are you doing right after this interview?
Grabbing an iced coffee and finishing up a painting!

"Tumbling"
Opening Reception: Fri, Sept. 12th 7-11PM

The Reppeteaux clan will be in the house, so come on out and take in her new series of works and say hi - it's going to be an amazing night... plus Zach Johnsen's critters from the Sunnyside-Yard will be dwelling in our project room alongside the wonderfuly strange works of Ireland based artist Paul Barnes.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Sneak peek from EKUNDAYO for this October...

I know many are excited for this October's "Red Forest" show, myself included. I just had to drop a lil' image we just got in from EKUNDAYO on you all. By far one of his most epic works to date, this one has really got me excited. It stands over 6 feet tall!!!

He is going to blow minds this October. How insane is the above piece? Look for it in his upcoming feature in HI FRUCTOSE vol. 9 hitting news stands the week prior to "Red Forest" opening on October 8th. He and KMNDZ are going to deliver a show that will be talked about for some time to come. Already a good number of coming soon shots posted on our Flickr over at: http://flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157606341722240/detail/

More to come soon...

Sunset Junction recap... tons of new folks through the gallery this past weekend.

The annual Sunset Junction Street Fair went off this past weekend and to say it drew thousands out to the Silver Lake / Sunset Junction area would be an understatement... the crowds just kept coming all weekend long, bringing hundreds of new patrons through the gallery.
To help liven things up and to bring further attention and energy to the front of our gallery, we had Cannibal Flower regular Michael Pukac out doing some live painting. His live painting works are just stunning and only a shadow of his finished work - to get a look at that check out his site at http://www.michaelpukac.com/. Below is the first one finished up and drying next to his easel. Will definitely be doing more with Michael in the future in terms of live painting events, he just makes it look effortless and is a great guy on top of everything else, and folks really loved him.
The stage below was located about 50 ft. from our front door, so we had a constant pulse of live tunes pumping through our block all week long...
Also up the block from our gallery, Mear One was live painting and doing his thing, entertaining as he painted to the beats pumping out of the reggae truck and creating some beautiful works in the process... think he cranked out two each day to huge crowds...
Had to include the below pic, as was just a bit surreal to see this chap on the phone like nothing was up... turns out he was out promoting the 'Body Works' exhibit as it's in it's last week here in LA. Classic.
Pukac kept painting well into the evening and his 2nd creation of the day had folks talking, as it was just a great piece with a stunning concept behind it - how sick is the finished piece below?

...and below... WTF???

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Crazy 4 Cult 2 opening night adventure...

Crazy 4 Cult 2 opened last night at Gallery 1988 and drew a huge crowd, not to mention a line that went on for two blocks... many celebrities were out as well and Kevin Smith could be easily approached out back where the ol' movie trailers were being projected onto the back of the building....
Below I've posted some favorites from the show, past those we already previewed earlier... Chet Zar's Dawn of the Dead piece below was amazing...
The Office Space piece below had me smiling for a good bit... so amazing, right down to the calculator watch!
Cherri Wood rocked it and was one of the first sales of the night (see below). Look for a full show with Cherri in our project room next April.
We threw up a sneak peek of Anthony Clarkson's other piece for the show, but below is his Donny Darko inspired diptych that was also another of the first sales posted from the show. His solo is in our project room next February and he's already working away on numerous pieces.


Brandi Milne's Wizard of Oz inspired piece below... just loved it! Who doesn't love the lollipop guild?!?!

Sarah Joncas' Bladerunner inspired piece had many diggin' deep to call out the reference (of course they could have just looked at the tag, but saw a lot of folks trying to guess before looking which was pretty cool to watch go down)... look for Sarah's debut LA solo show next June.
Shepard Fairey took part again this year and knocked out another Them inspired work... one of the largest works in the show and a steal at $11K. The sneak peeks posted of his upcoming SF show are just next level, nice to see that he's continuing to push himself.

Colin Christian's work below really drew a crowd and had folks trying to figure out his method... and as you can see, fans of all ages were coming through the gallery for the opening.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Dennis Hayes IV interview...

An interview with Dennis Hayes IV:
1) Please give us a lil' background info on yourself. Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised outside of Buffalo New York (in the woods). Went to art school at Alfred University (in the woods) and then moved to the bustling metropolis of Detroit. Bustling to be the most corrupt city in the states, but remember, Washington D.C. is not in a state. I've been living in the Detroit area working in the auto industry as a sculptor for General Motors for just over 9 years.

2) If I came to your area, what would we do / where would you take me?
If you came to Michigan I would first take you to the Henry Ford Museum. It is the most super rad fun awesome collection of American artifacts such as trains, tractors, transistors, toys, time periods, thimbles, you name it. They have the Buckminster Fuller Dymaxion Home which I find to be the icing on the cake. If time permits I would take you down near Zug Island to show you where they shot a ton of the scenes from Robocop and then bring you back up thru the city. Hit up the different neighborhoods, the Heidelberg Project, maybe go to Hamtramck for some polish food or hit up the Dakota Inn for some good German food. They are some of the Diamonds in the D's rough. Then onward threw the cultural corridor with the likes of Detroit Institute of Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, and Detroit Film Theatre and up the first paved roadway past the factory of where Ford built the Model T and up to the grounds of Cranbrook Academy to see the Museum and the architecture of Eliel Saarinen. Sound like a date?

3) Seeing that you went to art school, what are your thoughts on art school in general?
It's unfortunate that I would appreciate it more now than when I attended, but overall it was a great experience. Alfred at the time was a good school with a ton of great professors and I learned a ton. A large number of them have moved on or have retired so I cannot speak for it now as a school, but overall the vibe there was really rad. There is not a lot to do there besides work on your art and to kick a few back at the end of the night with all the artists because of its rural location and the cold weather. It was a great having that community of ideals and personalities all working together. I focused on sculpture and on analog video in school which I am glad I did. I thought it was pretty neat that Alfred had one of the oldest experimental video studios in the country. It was a great place for me to grow as an artist and individual.
4) What's your earliest memory involving art or creating art?
I remember being real little and playing on the beach making super minimal very abstract sand castles then introducing some sort of performance art that involved a destruction dance. I also remember making macaroni paintings in Pre. I think my mom might even still have some of them. That said the coolest thing that I remember about being a whippersnapper and creating art was when a buddy and I in 3rd and 4th grade drew this epic battle scene on 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper, and taped the sides together. The battle ended up being huge. I think it spanned the distance of my class room like 27 times. It had to be at least a ream of paper. Best collaboration ever. It was a mid evil theme but I think a few monster trucks and tanks made it into the uber long drawing. I would love to know whatever happened to that.

5) When are you most productive / when do you normally work on art?
I make art on the night shift. I tuck the kids in then have sometime to hang out with my wife before she retires for the evening then I hit the studio for a few hours. It fluctuates depending on workload in any one of the three areas of duties (family, day job, art) in a given day. Then on Friday and Saturday nights I usually do the all night deal, til, say 4 or 5 then get to sleep in til ten... Unless I have to coach soccer, then have to wake up a bit earlier.

6) Tell us something about yourself that someone would never guess in their wildest dreams.
Favorite pizza toppings Bacon and Banana Peppers. Seriously though, I guess one thing would be when I was like 13 I fell off of a 30 foot cliff onto a frozen river and had about another 10 kids fall on top of me there was like a total of 15 that fell. Granted I was dressed like a yeti and there was about a foot of snow on the ice. So there was some cushion, but it still hurt like the dickens as I was the cushion for the 10 that landed on top of me. I think 3 of the kids had to head to the hospital. I came out pretty unscathed with just a bruised femur and was really sore all over. Moral of the story is don't race down a wooded hill without knowing what is at the bottom.
7) Are you reading anything right now?
I am reading "The Beginners Guide to Constructing the Universe" by Michael Schneider, "I am America (So Can You)" by Stephen Colbert and just finished Ron Paul's book "The Revolution (A Manifesto)". All of them are pretty good.

8) What's your favorite color and why?
I've always liked Carolina Blue or Sky Blue. Not sure why. Maybe it's because they're cool calming colors that have some zing and excitement.
9) Do you listen to music while painting/drawing? If so, do you have a current favorite that inspires?
I do at times, sometimes it's just silence sometime its lectures. Lately I've been listening to Janis Joplin, Dylan, MIA, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Deep Purple, a bunch of metal and Classical music... Been trying to learn some stuff about classical. It's a genre that I am not too familiar and have always had the interest to, so that time has come I suppose.

10) Please describe your process for our patrons - what all goes into the creation of one of your works?
First off to make my sub straights that I build to paint on I go out and snag disposed of lumber preferably 2 x 4's or 2 x 6's. Usually I get these out of houses that are being remodeled or from the piles of abandoned houses that once stood here in Detroit. I then have to comb over the boards to make sure that all the nails are pulled and mark any area that still has metal in the wood. I then begin cutting the boards down to size. For a 12x15 inch painting I use a template of 2 3x9s 3 3x6s and 8 3x3s. I then biscuit join all end grain joints of the blocks and the complete perimeter of the future sub straight. That is followed by the gluing of all the joints using wood glue and then clamp. Once sub straight is a solid parquet I then need to make a level surface. I have a router jig that I set up and essentially use it like an overhead planer. Once both sides are taking down to a flat surface I sand it smooth leaving some of the wood chatter and/or other character flaws then I harden the surface with a layer of shellac then at that point I begin to lay down my backgrounds using salvaged materials such as latex paint, spray paint, tar, or something else that needs to be rescued from filling the dumps. Then I take my sketches and decide which sketches will work with the parquet at hand and then start to execute using layers of shellac, India inks, latex, tar, and a little bit of white gouache. I do use some water colors for washes and as a pigment boost with some of the latex paints. About half my water colors where snagged second hand as well. I try to run a pretty environmentally conscious studio. I do need to obtain some materials via the store on occasion, such as shellac but shellac is a all natural product made essentially from insect feces which is mostly just tree sap mixed with alcohol. UV protection is then applied for archival purposes.

11) If you had to explain your work to a stranger, how would you do it?
I usually start with "I paint birds". I hand them a business card with an image on it and then I tell them that they are portraits of a generalized individual that fits a specific stereotype, i.e. Eagle = Politician. Usually that stereotype has some characteristics that are also found in the bird that is portrayed. The geometry in the background and in the branches is usually symbolic and/or incorporating aspects and ideals regarding sacred geometry. All the layers are meant to intertwine to become one in the form of a statement or comment on culture.

12) Please tell us a bit more about the background and origins of Sacred Geometry, which I know factors heavily in your works and creation process.
It has been growing in importance in my work as of late as I begin to explore and learn about it, but the basic explanation is in nature we find a divine design which incorporate structures, shapes and patterns that exist on infinite levels in our cosmos from the microscopic to the Milky Way. The structures, shapes and patterns all follow geometrical archetypes that are the building blocks of the universe. The Sacred Geometry which is believed to have been known thousands of years ago as a pagan religion but just now being revisited, is thought to be the foundation of spiritual energy, mathematics, science and matter and encompasses some of the ideals of Transdentalism. Some of the important "laws" or "rules" of Sacred Geometry lie within the point, the monad (circle), the Dyad (to points form a line), the Vesica Piscis, Metatron's Cube, Phi and the Flower of Life. I feel that it is extremely important to have an understanding and acknowledge the basics of the universe that we occupy. I feel it's an ancient knowledge that has been taking for granted and has been forgotten as a whole even though it is implemented in certain aspects modern day culture. However it has never been directly discussed or taught to the masses. I have been studying it in attempt to bring another level of order and symbolic meaning to my work.
13) Favorite artist (living or dead) and what makes them special to you?
That's a tough one to just pick one. I keep coming back to Charlie Harper. I love his work from early to late, the way his work progressed and his commercial work in print was quite admirable as well. His paintings are so simple at first glance in form and color breaks, but his composition of the shapes that make up his subjects are just genius. Walton Ford is up there as well because his compositional stories are so well tuned to dark comedy while using a naturalistic approach. Either way I feel that we live in a pretty important age regarding the arts. The past 100 years has been like an explosion of ideas, mediums, influences and styles even though I believe a lot of it is crap, it's still a lot to digest and comprehend.

14) What have you got coming up in terms of shows and projects?
I will be in a group show at Distinction Gallery in December that is being curated by Kelly Vivanco. I am beginning to line up some shows for next year and beyond but first I am looking forward to working on some sculpture ideas, catching up on commissions and bombin' the studio with a new coat of paint and a thinning out the mess.

15) What are you doing right after this interview?
I am going to try to catch some zzzzzz‘s.

Dennis Hayes IV's "Against The Grain" is on view now in our project room. View works from the show at: http://www.sourharvest.com/thinkspace/2008/project/against/works.php

Look for a return show at our gallery with Hayes IV in 2010... in the meantime, keep an eye on his happenings over at: http://www.7teen.us/ and via his blog at: http://industrialfeces.blogspot.com/

David MacDowell killing it at Crazy 4 Cult 2... solo show on the horizon...

VA. based artist David MacDowell continues to impress and turn heads. Nixed the above image from Gallery 1988's blog (thanks Jensen) where he announced Mr. Kevin Smith had been bloggin' up the piece as well as Stand By Me star Will Wheaton. Pretty damn cool. Be sure to head out on Friday to 'Crazy 4 Cult 2' to see this gem in person and also all the other amazing works that will be on view.

As this piece is sure to sell in a flash to someone in the know before doors open, just wanted to let all know we've got three gems in our inventory currently from David that perfectly capture his wit and strong narrative all captured in his stunning color palate that is all his own.

Below is the first of three works currently on hand and this one is just perfect for the Disney fanatic as it really captures the dark side of ol' Walt - "Welcome To The Terrordrome" indeed.
The above work, well, I think MacDowell must have been having some flashbacks of some kind, as this is yet another perfect example of his wit and imagination... who in their wildest dreams would put a bunch of lil' Al Pacinos in an Oompa Loompa getup, and still tie the piece together as some twisted vision of 'The Godfather' - gotta love it, I know I do.

The below piece, "All Of Them Witches", is currently on hand as well and is a glimpse inside Brad Pitt's worst nightmare, and then some... everything from Angelina in the front brandishing a knife, to Pitt with Billy Bob on his lap to the 'Seven' references... just epic.
Be sure to look out for his work in the upcoming 'Dark Pop' show being curated by Ad Hoc Art's Andrew Michael Ford taking place on Sept. 6th at Paul Booth's Last Rites Gallery in NYC.

Also, as a lil' added treat, check out this recently completed commission (see below) entitled "Pool Party" - the collector had wanted all his favorites characters from movies and more, as well as famous sports figures and more, all in a pool having a good time... Mr. MacDowell nailed it as he always does.
To view more info on these and other available works, check out: http://www.sourharvest.com/thinkspace/n_avail.php

For more on MacDowell's works, check out his site at: http://www.macdowellstudio.com/


And add him up as a friend over at MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/davidmacdowell

Get in touch now to be placed on the waiting list for his debut Los Angeles solo show with us next March..

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Microbo and Bo130 in massive "Fame" show @ Studio Cromie in Italy...

Big news in from Europe... Microbo and Bo130 will be in the massive "Fame" group show coming up in Italy at the super hot Studio Cromie

"Fame" lineup:
DAVE KINSEY (USA)
CONOR HARRINGTON (IRELAND)
BLU (ITALY)
ETHOS (BRAZIL)
JR (FRANCE)
EINE (U.K)
ABOVE (USA)
ERICA IL CANE (ITALY)
MANTIS (U.K.)
MICROBO (ITALY)
BO130 (ITALY)
LUCY MCLAUCHLAN (U.K.)
SICKBOY (U.K)
WILL BARRAS (U.K.)

How's that for a group show lineup? Just massive.

For more on the show, check out the special site at: http://www.studiocromie.org/fame/index.php

Look for more from Bo130 and Microbo soon... in the meantime, check out our 'Available Artwork' section for some great works currently in our inventory from both.

New commission piece from Anthony Clarkson I had to share with you all...

Anthony Clarkson just dropped off the above commission piece, "The Organ Grinder", and it came out so stunning and nailed the vision of the collector so well, that I just wanted to post it here for all to see. The vibe was to capture how society forces one to grow up and takes away our inner child and pumps us out in the business world.

Clarkson is in the midst of working towards his debut solo show with us next February. He's got three insane pieces in this weekend's 'Crazy 4 Cult 2' show at Gallery 1988, so be sure to check those out if you make it out to that show along with the rest of LA.

To keep an eye on Anthony, check out his newly launched site at: http://www.anthonyclarksonart.com/

Recommended openings to catch this weekend...

Recommended openings to catch this weekend...

Fri, Aug. 22nd 7-10PM
Gallery 1988 Los Angeles
7020 Melrose Ave in Los Angeles / 323.937.7088
“Crazy 4 Cult 2: This Time Its Personal” group show featuring works inspired by cult movies and hosted by Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier – over 100 artists reinterpret the classics – check website for a full listing of artists
(On view through Sept. 12th)
www.nineteeneightyeight.com

Fri, Aug. 22nd 7-11PM
The Grind Gallery
12222 Venice Blvd in Los Angeles
“Concrete Jungle” group show featuring new works from Patrick Hammerlein, Tina Darling, Christopher Hall, Katherine Siy, Liz Brizzi and others
www.thegrindgallery.com

Sat, Aug. 23rd 7-10PM
Corey Helford Gallery
8522 Washington Blvd in Culver City / 310.287.2340
“The Sweetest Thing” featuring new works from Buff Monster
(On view through Aug. 30th)
www.coreyhelfordgallery.com

Sat, Aug. 23rd 7-10PM
.ISM Gallery @ Koos Arts Center
540 East Broadway in Long Beach
“Sk8ology” group show featuring over 180 original works created on skateboards by a who’s who of the current underground movement – for full details peep their site below
www.ismcommunity.org/sk8ology

Sat, Aug. 23rd @ 11AM (galley membership or admission required)
Laguna Art Museum
307 Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach / for more info, call 949.494.8971 x. 207
Tour of the “In The Land Of Retinal Delights: The Juxtapoz Factor” exhibit with curator Meg Linton
http://www.lagunaartmuseum.org/

Sat, Aug. 23rd 4-8PM
Monkeyhouse Toys and Art Gallery
1618 ½ Silver Lake Blvd in Los Angeles / 323.662.3437
“All-A-Board” custom skate deck show with a host of local and national artists – see site for full lineup
(On view through Sept. 9th)
www.monkeyhousetoys.com

ALSO SPECIAL HEAD'S UP ON THINKSPACE HOURS/ACCESS THIS WEEKEND:
Please know thinkspace will be open this Sat and Sun, August 23rd & 24th, BUT we’re smack in the middle of the big annual Sunset Junction Street Fair, so you’ll have to pay to get into that to get to us. More info is at http://www.sunsetjunction.org/streetfair.html and admission is $15 in advance and $20 day of. Sorry for any inconvenience if you were planning a visit this weekend.

'Small Bills Gallery' opening night...

Headed out to the opening of 'Small Bills Gallery' over by the Beverly Center in Hollywood/Beverly Hills area tonight and while the place is rather small, it makes up for it in character... not to mention a stunning all over mural from Skullphone (see below)...
Shepard Fairey (aka DJ Diabetic) was spinning against a back drop of works from Kill Pixie while Bigfoot's massive carved sculpture from his Corey Helford solo show loomed in the distance.

Highlights of the show were the Anthony Lister works and sculpture (see above). Also on display were some great works from NYC artist Hacula (see below) who also made it out for the opening...
Shepard Fairey also had four great AP works on wood in the show (see below)... and collectors would be crying if they knew what these were going for... STEALS. Might be worth hitting them up tomorrow, as this was all announced rather last minute and only a couple of works had sold by the time I split about 830PM... two of the APs on wood were collage based as well - so tempting!
In addition to killing the outside of the building, LA's very own Skullphone also had a handful of nice works in the show including the below beauty on metal...
LA street artist Berd was also representing outside at the nearby intersection, and while not mentioned as part of the show, also had some last minute works on view in the show. Love his birds... he's up at about over half the major intersections in Los Angeles and continues to spread.