BLOG #23: Annenberg Space of Photography Presents Photoville LA & Contact High: A Visual History of Hip Hop.

For the first time in its 7-year span of existence- Photoville landed in Los Angeles, CA. Created by the United Photo Industries and presented by the Annenberg Space of Photography- this was a massive interactive exhibition- with its photo cubes, light boxes, shipping containers, work shops, night time projections, and live talks by some of the most influential photographers. This festival was not to be missed by any photography junkie. Located outside the Annenberg Space of Photography lawn area & surrounded by high rise buildings in the middle of L.A, this really set a beautiful display for the exhibition itself. I had so much fun walking around, exhibiting works of many talented photographers, eating delicious food, and snapping some shots myself. I loved the experience so much I found myself revisiting the exhibition a few times. I captured some photographs of my experience. Enjoy.

Just hanging, just chilling at Photoville L.A 2019.

OYAKO

(Japanese Parents and Children)

#SetInTheStreet

Art Project By: Justin Bettman

An interactive experience where the public can photograph each other on a-set.

—Oh! Shy all of a sudden.—

—Fun times at Photoville L.A 2019.—

PARALLAX

Presented By: Authority Collective

Curated By: Mengwin Coo & Tara Pixley

Photograph by: Brian Vu- “Sabrina”

WOMEN & THE AMERICAN WEST.

Photographs by: Cara Romero-”Kiyanni”

UNTIL NEXT TIME, PHOTOVILLE LA.

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Alongside Photoville LA & Inside the Annenberg Space of Photography- exhibited Contact High- A Visual History of Hip Hop. From walls filled of some of the most memorable photographs to a short documentary with interviews of the photographers that captured some of the most iconic photographs in Hip Hop culture. You get to see and hear what it was like to capture the many classic photographs that embeds a time in the Hip Hop community and culture. Iconic photographs that will go down in history and the photographers that captured the shots. Curated by Vikki Tobak and creative directed by Fab 5 Freddy. This is a must see. On view April 26th through August 18th, 2019. Make sure not to miss this one. I have captured some of my favorite works below. Enjoy.

Photographer: Eric Coleman // Art director: Jeff Jank

Photographer: Eric Coleman // Art director: Jeff Jank

Photographer: Jerome Albertini

Photographer: Danny Hastings

Photographer: Sheila Pree Bright

Photographer: Jus Ske Salguero

Photographer: Jack McKain

Photographer: Jorge Peniche

Photographer: Eric Johnson

Photographer: Eric Johnson

Photographer: Janette Beckman

Photographer: Marc Baptiste

Photographer: Sam Balaban

BLOG #22: Corey Helford Gallery Celebrates Lucky 13 Anniversary PT.II- Pop Surrealism & New Figurative Showcase.

Corey Helford Gallery Celebrated the PT.II of their Lucky 13 Anniversary. This time with a twist of Pop Surrealism & New Figurative. On view May 18th 2019 through June 22nd, 2019. the gallery brought together some of the most influential contemporary artist from around the world. From paintings, installations , and digital works- I have photographed some of my favorite pieces. Enjoy.

Artwork by: Bennett Slatter

“The Spider Spinning His Web For The Unwary Fly”

Artwork by: Yang Cao

“Liminal XX”

Artwork by: Adrian Cox

“Penitent Spirit’s Search For A Space Between Heaven & Earth Part V”

Artwork by: Marie Larkin

“The Zen Of A Well Tended Garden”

Artwork by: Bao Pham

“Spring Horizon”

Artwork by: Chishi Morimura

“Giant Stride”

Artwork by: Ian Francis "Glow II"

Artwork by: Ian Francis "Glow I"

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Alongside the main room, in gallery room #2- contained work by Young Chun. Originally from Seoul, Korea- a ministers son, Young reflects back on how he grew up next to a church, as a kid he remembers running around and being inspired by the chapel. This is where he felt his creativeness started. Years later and now in the states, Young attended the Art Center College of Design located in Pasadena, CA- although soon after he redirected himself towards healthcare for some years. Ultimately Chun decided to take on art full time. Chun shares that his artwork …”is a fabrication of reality". He named his current collection of work- “LOOK!”. Chun explains- “I wanted the title of my show to be LOOK! because I remembered the placa- “LOOK!”-spray painted all over town, some 30 years ago. I remember how it grabbed my attention..”…….“but, i also think that it’s appropriate. Since the characters I paint look through the lens of their glasses. I like to imagine, that the glasses allow them to peek into our world, with great fascination.”

I have photographed some of my favorite Young Chun pieces below. Enjoy.

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Also presented in gallery room #2, artwork by one of my all time favorite artist- the talented Erika Sanada. Erika is know for her colorful ceramic mutated creatures. Erika’s shares w/ the folks at Corey Helford Gallery her collection named “WONDER”, she explains:

“My work is about everyday anxieties and I use animals in my work to represent myself. My work always features some oddities, this is me trying to get rid of anxieties from my body. I always overthink the unknown. Wondering about strange things usually provides me knowledge and inspiration. However, sometimes I become fixed on it which leads to constant anxiety. In my show WONDER, I focus on my own wonder and curiosity.”. Erika’s work has also been inspired from her love of horror films. I personally wish to take up ceramics and practice the craft at some point in the near future so it’s a no brainer that I simply just love Erika’s work. It’s simply beautifully bizarre.

I photographed some of my favorite pieces below. Enjoy.

To view and/or learn more about Erika Sanada. Visit her Instagram @erikasculpture

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WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

GROUP SHOW

Joe Iurato

An artist who is best known for his multi-layered stencils and aerosol. Joe Iurato has built an aesthetic that is unique and gives the public narrative viewpoints. He is known to install his work in specific sites, photograph the installment, and then publish his work to give people an interesting view point- utilizing not just the piece of work itself but the environment that it is in. I have photographed three of the pieces from his showcase. Enjoy.

To view and/or learn more about Joe Iurato; Visit his website: www.joeiurato.com // IG:@joeiurato

BLOG #21: Corey Helford Gallery Celebrates Lucky 13 Anniversary PT.I- The Fine Art of Street and Graffiti

On view April 6th through May 11th, 2019- Corey Helford Gallery will be celebrating their Lucky 13th Anniversary. This will be the first part -of a two part celebration. Showcasing PT.1:“The Fine Art of Street and Graffiti”, the showcase will be presenting many well respected painters and muralist from many walks & walls of life.

I missed the opening reception of this amazing group exhibition, however I checked it out a few weeks later- I mean what better way to get a chance to photograph these pieces then with plenty of room & space. The exhibition was curated by Jan Corey Helford, Caro, and graffiti artist himself RISK.

The trio brought together many urban street artist to the fine art realm. The exhibition was like always beautifully organized, displaying many of my favorite artist. I photographed some of my favorite pieces from the exhibition below. Enjoy.

“IMPOSING I”

Artwork By: HUSH

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Photographed Below- Artwork By: DFACE

From Top to Bottom: “Hook Line & Sinker” // “Love Locked”// “Hell On Wheels”//”Forever”

Photographed Below- “WE BELONG TOGETHER” By: DFACE

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Artwork By: Pure Evil- “Red Dawn-Amerika”

(Stencil Spray Paint on Canvas).

Artwork By: Pure Evil- “True Blue-Amerika”

(Stencil Spray Paint on Canvas).

Artwork by: OG Abel “ABE” (Acrylic on Canvas).

Artwork by: Bisco Smith- “Caught On The Waves, Forward To Better Days, Evolution And Change, Hold Tight Maintain” (Acrylic & Pigment Paint On Canvas).

TOP/ Artwork by: Mauy-”Golden Headed Lion (King) Tamarin”.

BOTTOM/ Artwork By: Bio Tats Cru-”Hot Topic”.

Artwork by: Lauryn YS-”KIKI” (Acrylic on Panel).

Artwork by: Jillian Evelyn

From Left to Right: “Nurture”// “Going Through It” (Acrylic On Canvas).

FYI: First timer when it came to JE’s artwork in person. Completely fell in love!!

Artwork by: DEFER-”Relying On Intuition” (Acrylic On Canvas).

Artwork by: CES-”Cliffhanger” (Spray Paint On Canvas).

Artwork by: RISK

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Alongside the main room of the Corey Helford Gallery- Gallery room #2, presented work by Australian Pop Art painter- Ben Frost, his solo exhibition was named PURE SUGAR. Ben explained “Sugar is something that we all know is bad for us- but we crave and desire it badly.”, Ben’s work consisted of about 70 new pieces. Ranging from acrylic & spray painted stencils on canvases to hand painted characters on packaging. Frost’s work shows a metaphoric statement using cartoon icons that many of us loved while growing up. Using these characters as a form of advertisement on packaging that instills subliminal messages to the public. With our society, especially in western culture rocketing at an alarming rate with deaths and diseases caused by indulgent of our processed foods to over-use of pharmaceutical drugs. I thought Ben Frost’s work was all provocative aiming questions and concerns to what has become an epidemic. Frost’s work was alarming and yet amazing to say the least. I simply loved everything he was trying to convey in this exhibition. I am in my mid 20’s, approaching my 30’s & unfortunately i’ve been to quit a few funerals. Deaths caused by overdoses and disease, so this definitely hit home for me. I think this exhibition definitely was one that raised emotion for me personally, and that I can respect from any artist using their platform to convey a message. I photographed a few of my favorite Ben Frost pieces below. Enjoy.

BEN FROST

—PURE SUGAR—

For more information and/or to view more of Ben Frost work. Visit his Instagram @benfrostisdead

BLOG #20: Gagosian Gallery Presents: Takashi Murakami "GYATEI2"

GYATEI2 and/or "gyatei, gyatei, haragyatei, harasogyatei" is known as part of a chant in the Heart Sutra practiced in Mahayana Buddhism. The translation meaning “Gone gone gone beyond, gone completely beyond enlightenment!'" This is also said to “signify a cry of an infant and therefore it means one is reborn-the end of the devotional chant.”

Located in Beverly Hills, CA, - the Gagosian opened its doors to exhibit this wonderful Takashi Murakami-GYATEI2 exhibit. Displaying at about 30 newly pieces of work, this was one for the books. With Murakami’s signature flowers and Japanese inspired characters, it really brought out a fun child-like feel to the gallery. Murakami really outdid himself with what was my favorite piece, located in the main room- front and center-The large statue of Flower Plant & Child. Along side many large acrylic on canvas- mounted on wood panel pieces.

The talent Murakami beholds is inspiring to say the least, a HUGE reason why I love Murakami’s work is because there is nothing like it, his work looks so simple but don’t be fooled-when you see his work up close and personal you really get to see how amazingly detailed he is, I just could never. Murakami has definitely rocketed to fame in the past few year, and although a lot of his work has gone commercial, Murakami will always be respected and known for its one of a kind aesthetics. There will never be another Takashi Murakami. Below I have photographed some of my favorite pieces of the GYATEI2 exhibition. Enjoy.

To see more work and/or get more information on Takashi Murakami; Visit his Instagram @takashipom .

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BLOG #19: Superchief Gallery Presents: "FUCK THE LIKES" VOL 1. Exhibition.

Curated by Bill Dunleavy and Anson Cyr- Superchief Gallery presents an exhibition on street photographers with the essential reasoning of pure talent and love for documenting a certain lifestyle through photography. With social media being as huge as it is now, it has come to seem that many people will just share images for the likes or for some sort of validation with out really having any motives other then to get noticed and rank up likes on their images. FUCK THE LIKES VOL.1 -is a showcase poking fun at this concept of thinking. Superchief in this showcase simply wants to push ones boundaries to say FUCK THE LIKES, and really do it for the art. After all documenting through photography will always be a lifestyle- never a trend. Below are some of my favorite works from the showcase that I have photographed. Enjoy.

WORK BY: JACOB MESSEX

WORK BY: ZHAMAK FULLAD

WORK BY: SARAH ELSIE ABRAHAMSON

WORK BY: ALMOST DECENT

WORK BY: SEAN MACINE

WORK BY: SPENCER J HARDING

WORK BY: ESTEVAN ORIOL

WORK BY: TOD SEELIE

WORK BY: FRANKIE OROZCO

WORK BY: MONDO BROKEN BOYS CLUB

BLOG #18: Corey Helford Gallery Presents: Kazuki Takamatsu, Lauren YS, and Akita Kurata

I started the new year off with what felt like a clean slate, new goals, a new sense of aspiration, a new sense of freedom. Free of worries that I have no control of, free of negativity, free from restraints I place on myself, just simply free. So it only made sense I stopped by the Corey Helford Gallery in which presented the very talented Kazuki Takamatsu with his “The Way to Release from the Restraint” exhibition. This was actually his fourth solo exhibition on view from January 12th- February 16th, 2019. Takamatsu is a Japanese author and illustrator- he shared that his new work represents the conflict between personal freedom of his art and the restraints of coexisting with a group or society. Takamatsu was part of a very large organization in Japan but felt as it eventually was pulling from his art. He felt the need to release from this restraint. In some way or another I am sure we could all relate to this feeling, I know I can. Although this was a very difficult decision for Takamatsu to part ways with his organization considering the love & respect he has for them, he felt that he had to break away in order to feel free and be able to focus on his art- his purpose. Through out this exhibition you really get a feel for his break through. I really appreciated his representation of his message. I captured images of some of my favorite Takamatsu pieces below. Enjoy.

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Right after exhibiting the main room of the Corey Helford Gallery, section Gallery 2 -displayed the “Four-Artist Group Show” who presented Lauren YS as one of the artist. Lauren YS is an L.A based artist who has really been making noise with her strange yet beautiful art work. From vibrant colors to her sleek style, can this women be any more talented? If you think these paintings are amazing be sure to check out murals Miss. Squid.Licker has painted through out L.A. Here are a few photographs of my favorite pieces. Enjoy.

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Akika Kurata

“And It Will Be Winter”

Akika Kurata is an emerging artist from Japan in which Corey Helford Gallery displayed her artwork in Gallery 3 -with a solo exhibition “And It Will Be Winter”. Kurata explains her concept on her exhibition came from her appreciation for winter. She continues on by saying “I feel this visit of winter in memories and clothes with someone. A green sweater of a person I loved and friends smoking cigarettes. I always didn’t mind about any season, and they just come. Being 26 years-old, I feel this is the first time that I notice winter.” Kurata’s work is created of acrylic gouache and Japanese ink on silk. I really enjoyed Kuruta’s work as it was my first time to view any of her work. I captured some of my favorite pieces. Enjoy.

BLOG #17: KP Projects Gallery Presents: Vivian Maier- "Living Color" Exhibition

-Photographs From The Maloof Collection (Color / Gelatin Silver / Lifetime Prints)-

Vivian Maier was an American street photographer born in New York City. During her childhood years Vivian moved back and forth from New York to France- eventually settling in Chicago where Maier became a nanny & on her off time photographed through out the streets of Chicago. Maier was described to be a very private person with a hidden talent. Maier went on to travel and photograph world wide resulting in plenty of documented work, during her late years Vivian started shooting in color in which KP PROJECTS GALLERY have displayed in the city of Los Angeles for her “Living In Color” Exhibition (On View: December 1st, 2018 through January 26th, 2019). Personally seeing a women conquer in a male dominated industry and being recognized for it, really does something for my soul. Glad I was able to check this exhibition out. Below are photographs I captured of some of my favorite Vivian Maier pieces of work. Enjoy.

BLOG #16: Invader Invades Los Angeles with "Into The Cube" Exhibiton

Invader takes L.A! After settling back into California- I made a pit stop at the InvaderWASHERE - INTO THE CUBE- exhibition presented by Over The Influence Gallery located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Being out in Paris, I had the pleasure of spotting so many Invaders through out the city and really ranking up my score on the Flash Invaders app. Invader is believed to be a Paris native (also known to have graduated from Les Beaux-arts de Paris and from La Sorbonne University). Coming back home to a full on exhibition- oh man was I excited. Invader defines himself as an UFA (Unidentified Free Artist), meaning NO ONE has identified who Invader is, all that is known is that he defiantly has been invading major populated urban cities all over the globe. His Space Invader project is mainly for fun, liberating the arts, and most importantly to free the space invaders with scoring systems set in place. His characters are designed from tiles and cemented onto surfaces otherwise difficult to be removed or tampered with. Into The Cube overall was an amazing exhibition that I’m so glad I didn’t miss, I photographed many of my favorite pieces below, enjoy. & as the great Invader would say- “GAME NOT OVER!”

BLOG #15: Moco Museum Presents: BANKSY and ICY & SOT.

BANKSY! BANKSY! BANKSY! Left Paris- next stop was Amsterdam. Walking out of the airport there was a huge billboard promoting the MOCO Museum- BANKSY had an exhibition along side ICY & SOT. There was no way I could miss this, I immediately purchased tickets. Arriving at the MOCO Museum, I instantly fell in love as I noticed a couple installations outside their doors alongside a couple of heart balloons (very clever I thought). Banksy is most known for his stencil art work- one very famous piece was his London- “Girl With Balloon”, 2003 piece. Which made it pretty cool that they had red heart balloons at the entrance welcoming visitors. Although anonymous, Banksy is well respected all through the world for his art and vast political messages he features through out his work. Banksy has defiantly built a huge name for himself in the street art culture especially- even joining the TOP 100 influential People back in 2010. It was really dope to see MOCO Museum acknowledging his work. I photographed some, enjoy.

BANKSY and ICY & SOT

@ MOCO Museum (Amsterdam, Netherlands.)

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Alongside the great BANKSY, MOCO Museum presented work by ICY & SOT. ICY & SOT are two brothers from Iran who just like BANKSY create what they call “controversial art”. So controversial that their work is prohibited in their own home country of Iran. The duo since has left their country and now reside in the state of New York- after arriving to the states, ICY & SOT’s art career has shot to fame and success. Even after the success in the states, the brothers have not forgotten about the troubles of their own country. They continue to push messages through their art work- HOPE for a better life and future for their people. Personally before this visit to the MOCO Museum I wasn’t too familiar with ICY & SOT but after my visit and plus some research I have defiantly become a huge fan and supporter of the brothers. Of course I also photographed some of my favorite pieces of ICY & SOT below, enjoy.

BLOG #14: Gare Du Nord Train Station Goes Graffiti- Quai 36 Project

Last day in Paris of the trip and we found ourselves mural hunting for the Quai 36 Project inside of Paris’s main rail station Gare Du Nord- where thousands of travelers pass through on the daily. Quai 36 is an organization of the arts who brought together artist from many walks of life to take over Gare Du Nord rail station platforms. I must admit I was a little overwhelmed by how massive this station was and nearly gave up on the search but through the other side of the rails as a train passed by- peaked artwork. We hurried over to the other side of the platform and just like that we were in the presence of these remarkable pieces of work. It really warms my heART knowing graffiti was allowed in a metro station and these artist got paid for it. Good shit when graffiti is allowed with no harassment from the cops. Below are photographs of some of my favorite pieces, enjoy.

BLOG #13: Galerie WallWorks Presents: RIME-MSK "Children Of Ourselves" Exhibition

When you think of Paris, you think of the glitz and glamour along with the Eiffel Tower but that wasn’t the goal when planning my first trip into Paris- I was already aware of Paris’s graffiti culture but never did I expect it to be so heavy. This defiantly made me fall in love with Paris even more, as we mobbed through the streets of Paris enjoying all the graffiti - coming across this gem of gallery was really the icing on the cake. RIME from MSK (MSK is a very well known and respected community of artist, many being graffiti artist)-had taken over Galerie Wallworks- an underground gallery space in which we had stumbled across of. The space contained several acrylic and oil paintings on canvas. RIME’s color schemes, layered compositions, and wild style of characters were to die for as always. We didn’t want to leave, that s**t was too dope! I caught some flicks, enjoy.

RIME-MSK

“CHILDREN OF OURSELVES”

“If you don’t know yourself, how the f**k are you going to convince other motherf**kers who you are? Right? So, that’s what I’m doing- and I’m just taking all of it. All of this shit, all of this weird hippie shit & thugged out shit & wildin’ out kind of stuff- and just being serious and silly at the same time. I’m just doing all of it and calling it me!....”- @rime_msk

BLOG #12: Musee Picasso Paris- Picasso Chefs- D'Oeuvre

While in Paris, another must stop was the Musee Picasso/ the museum of Picasso. Waiting in line I really didn’t expect much- just another in and out museum visit. That was far from what was behind those doors, a three level beautiful vintage building- full of works of art by the great Picasso. From drawings, painting, sculptures, and even some of his own personal collection. I have never seen so many Picasso pieces. Everything was well detailed and organized which helped for a better understanding of Picassos work and his background. Very well dissected I must say. If ever in Paris, make sure to stop by- a great learning experience. Below are photographs I captured, enjoy.

BLOG #11: Galeria Templon Presents: David LaChapelle- "La Chapelle- Letter To The World" Exhibition

OH MAN! OH MAN! Where do I start with this one. In November I flew out the country- destination EUROPE-after landing, spending a night in London and then a bus ride into Paris, the chances of being there whilst one of my ALL time favorite photographers had an exhibition. OH MAN was I one happy motherf**ker! There was no question I had to stop by the Galeria Templon to view David’s large scale solo exhibiton: “La Chapelle- Letter To The World”. Having a passion for photography myself, David LaChapelle has always been an inspiration for me. From his high profile celebrity cliental, to the social messages he conveys through his artwork, and down to his extremely strange yet creative ideas while photographing/directing really amazes me till this day. This exhibition held new and iconic works of LaChapelle. Below are photographs I was pleased to have captured. Enjoy.

David LaChapelle

“Letter To The World”

BLOG #10: Corey Helford Gallery Presents: Soey Milk- "Inflorescence" Exhibition

In late September i visited one of my favorite galleries in Los Angeles, CA- the Corey Helford Gallery in which at this time held the very talented Soey Milk’s artwork. Her exhibition “Inflorescence” showcased beautiful drawings, collages, oil on linen work, oil on canvas, and plenty more. Inflorescence meaning: a group or cluster of flowers arranged on a stem composed of a main branch or a complicated arrangement of branches. Or “The Process of Flowering” to make it more simple. Soey Milk is well known for the beautiful women she draws and paints. Metaphorically adding flowers along with these drawings and paintings just go hand and hand. The beauty and growth of a women. I am not sure if this is what Soey Milk was aiming for but it is how i interperted the pieces. I wish I could have taken all these pieces home, below are photographs of some of my favorites. Enjoy.

BLOG #9: HVW8 Gallery, Plana Foundation, and Adidas Original Presents: UNCATEGORIZED (A Photographic Archive of Chi Modu) Exhibition

Calling all HIP HOP Heads- who love photography! From Biggie, Pac, NAS, ODB, Snoop, Mobb Deep, and many more hip hop icons- Artist Chi Modu has captured and documented images over many years that has helped him build a profound name for himself, not just in the hip-hop community but in photojournalism in whole. When I found out an exhibition in honor of his work was coming to L.A, you bet I couldn’t miss it. I strategically made my way down to the HVW8 gallery on September 13th, 2018- which also happen to be the 22nd year anniversary of 2pac’s passing. I spent maybe about an hour in this gallery really appreciating all these gems. From album covers to magazine spreads, or just images that Modu has documented of his subjects lifestyle’s- I was truly in love with this exhibition. I captured photographs of his work that you might or might have not seen by now. Either way Enjoy, I know I definatly did.

BLOG #8: Thinkspace Presents: Alex Garant "Voyage of The Insomniac" & Yosuke Ueno "But Beautiful" Exhibition

Toronto-based artist Alex Garant came together with the folks at Thinkspace Gallery (Culver City) to present a body of work unlike no other. Her hyper realistic oil paintings will really have you questioning your optical skills and coherence. How Garant does it so beautifully is really fascinating. Garant multi-layered/ multi—pigmented portraits is visually trippy and who doesn’t love trippy? It really makes for a great experience. To view more of Alex Garant and her work visit: www.alexgarant.com // Facebook-Twitter-IG: AlexGarantArt .Enjoy the photos I have captured below. Thank you.

The 13th Hour (2018)

(Oil on Canvas-20x30- $3,300)

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Along side Alex Garant ”Voyage of The Insomniac”, Thinkspace also presented work by the great Yosuke Ueno, also know as Spaceegg77. Japan native, Yosuke really has made a mark in the states with his talent. Yosuke compares his work ethics to those of a scientist; he shares “I sometimes say that artist are parallel to scientist. Scientist have no way of knowing the result of an experiment beforehand. The same can be said about creating art.” I love this Yosuke!. I photographed below some of my favorite pieces from his “But Beautiful” showcase. To view & learn more about Yosuke’s artwork, visit www.spaceegg77.com and/ or follow him on IG: yosuke_ueno

Yosuke Ueno- I Got The Phoenix (2018)

Acrylic on Canvas 13.2x 8 $1,200

BLOG #7: Corey Helford Gallery Presents: Jasmine Becket-Griffith- "Magical Thinking" Exhibition

With two years in the making- Jasmine Becket-Griffith’s “Magical Thinking” showcase was defiantly worth the wait. Corey Helford Gallery yet again brings another amazing exhibition into their gallery. With Jasmine’s very first large-scale installation, and many new beautifully framed acrylic paintings she really makes you feel the magic. “Magical Thinking”- explores Jasmines fantasy mind with very well detailed dragons, mermaids and fairies that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Something I’ve always said is that- it doesn’t matter what you believe in, even if you believe in damn mermaids as long as you believe in something because then- that’s when things eventually come to life. Jasmine has defiantly brought hers’ to life, she has freelanced projects for some major companies from fantasy conventions to even Disney. With a combination of her background in art history, amazing talent and imagination how could she have not. This was my first time viewing Jasmine’s art work in person and I was extremely impressed to say the least. She has defiantly became one of my all time favorite artist. I captured some photographs of my favorite pieces from the “Magical Thinking” exhibition down below. Enjoy. For more information or to check out Jasmine Becket-Griffith work visit: www.strangeling.com or follow her on IG: @strangeling .

BLOG #6: Corey Helford Gallery Presents: The New Romantics Group Exhibition- Curated By: Caro Buermann

What is Neo-Romanticisim? Neo-Romanticism is a term that refers to a time and/ or type of style- it being in painting, music, literature, even architecture- with it all sharing a sense of emotion, individualism, and romance. Caro Beurmann curated The New Romantics Group Exhibition at the Corey Helford Gallery over the summer, bringing together over 30 artist from different backgrounds to create their own interpretation on romance & what its means to them. Of course what better way to express emotion then through their art work. I photographed some of my favorite pieces below. Enjoy.

The New Romantics Group Show:

Listed Below-From The Left To Right Side:

1. Joanne Nam “Garden of Eve” (Oil On Wood Panel) 12’’ x 16’’.

2. Bao Pham “At First Light” (Acrylic On Round Birch Panel) 12’’ Round.

3. Relm “Chaos and I” (Oil on Wood Panel) 12’’ x 12’’.

4. Jana Brike “The Dawn” (Oil on Wood Panel) 12’’ x 16’’.

From Left To Right:

1. Meredith Marson -“The Sacrifice”(Oil and Gold Leaf On Board).

2. Natalia Fabia “Daisy Veil” (Oil On Panel).

Miho Hirano “Twinkle

Stars”

Oil On Canvas- 26’’ X 15’’

@Erikasculpture - “Think Of You” Those butterflies you get when your thinking of someone special.

Iva Troj “Travelers” (Oil On Pastel & Acrylic Base On Cotton Canvas Mounted on 6mm Board) 20.7’’ x 42.6’’

Adrian Cox “Healer’s Reverie” (Oil On Canvas)

BLOG #5: Thinkspace Projects and POW! WOW! Long Beach Presents: Vitality and Verve III at The Long Beach Museum of Art

Oh what a wonderful summer it has been! I headed over to one of my all time favorite cities in California- Long Beach that is! It amazes me how much the city has been developing over the past year or two-especially in the art scene. LBC held the annual POW! WOW! of Long Beach which basically is a mural festival through out the city that brings art and culture to the public in hopes to cultivate some pride for the locals and to help beautify the city- and that it did. I personally love “mural hoping” so this was right up my alley. On top of LBC holding this festival, they also got together with the folks at Thinkspace Projects to curate the Vitality and Verve III exhibition located at the Long Beach Museum of Art. On view June 30th- September 9th, 2018. An ocean view- two story building with plenty of space that held art work by some of the best artist, muralist and some of the best installations- not bad for a Thursday afternoon with free admission I must say.

Artists: Bordalo II, CASE, Evoca, Sergio Garcia, Herakut, Hush,
Jaune, Leon Keer, Koz Dos, Spenser Little, Fintan Magee,
Dennis McNett, Drew Merritt, Michael Reeder, RISK, SEEN,
Amy Sol, Super A, Juan Travieso, Dan Witz and Lauren YS

Vitality: noun

1. the state of being strong and active; energy.

Verve: noun

1. vigor and spirit or enthusiasm.

BLOG #4: Cleon Peterson "Blood & Soil" Exhibition at Under The Influence

With our generation being at the forefront of police brutality and injustice this Cleon Peterson- Blood & Soil exhibition really hit home. We see this all through out the news outlits- another person of power takes full advantage of their authority to cause mayhem with no consequences . This has definatly always been around but with social media being at an extreme high everything is simply a click and view away. Cleon Peterson is a L.A based artist who has created a body of work that really gravitates toward exposing and giving light to the past and the present of the violence that under the jurisdiction of those who we should feel protected by but do not have caused more harm than good. Peterson put together acrylic on canvas paintings and sculptures that consist of bold colors to really catch ones attention-and that he did. Peterson defiantly found a way to consciously get his point across. This overall in my opinion was a very thought out/ put together exhibition. I was unable to make it to the opening reception but fortunately I made it a few days before the end date. Glad I didn’t miss this one- running into Retna was also pretty awesome! You can view more of Cleon Peterson and his work through IG: CleonPeterson // www.cleonpeterson.com and www.cleonpeterson.bigcartel.com

Written By: D_Visuales