Interview with Artist Liz Hernández on her Exhibition, “Talismán,” at Part 2 Gallery
Oakland-based artist Liz Hernández presents her latest work of sculpture and painting in a new solo exhibition, “Talismán,” at Part 2 Gallery. In “Talismán,” Hernández’s work represents an authentic exploration of her upbringing in Mexico and a seeking of answers that we all hope to discover for ourselves about who we are, where we come from, and what parts of ourselves from our upbringing we still carry with us today.
Same Skin for Everyone: Nicola L. in the ‘Made in L.A.’ Biennial
Nicola L. is a name everyone should know. While she received little attention during her life (she passed away in Los Angeles almost two years ago), Nicola’s legacy is honored with her work brought back into view as one of 30 artists included in the new “Made in L.A. 2020: a version” biennial exhibition at the Hammer Museum and Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden.
Beatrice Wood: the Alchemist & California-Cult Artist Turning Mothballs into Gold
Beatrice Wood was one of the rare, female artists more successful in her later years than ever before in her life. Best known for her magnificent, luster glaze ceramics and sometimes provocative personality, Wood was a key member of New York’s Dada movement during the early 20th century and continued to create a reputation for herself as an artist after moving to California in the 1920s. While her connection to the Dada movement and to influential figures like Marcel Duchamp and collectors Louise and Walter Arensberg have been explored at length, there hasn’t been much discussion about the artist with regard to her interest and study of Theosophy.
Fact or Fiction: Storytelling in the ‘Made in L.A. 2020: a version’ Biennial Exhibition
In an era of fake news, story spinning and the increasing importance of “fact-checking,” the need for examining ideas of authority when it comes to storytelling are greater than ever before. Coincidently, the exploration of what is real and what is not is particularly relevant to the city of Los Angeles with its roots in the entertainment industry and history as a center of manufactured storytelling. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the dismantling of artifice, and examining of the relationship between fact and fiction are themes currently being addressed by artists living and working in Los Angeles today.
Exploring Contrast in ‘Seven Translations for Twilight,’ an exhibition of the works of Jean Nagai and Lilah Rose at Part 2 Gallery
The exhibition at Part 2 Gallery in Oakland, which closes this Friday, Nov. 6th, is an unexpected pairing of works by artists Jean Nagai and Lilah Rose. Hard and soft, dark and light, bold and muted, vigorous and receptive: these are just some of the juxtaposing elements created in dialogue of pairing the works of these artists together.
Saving the Legacy of Los Angeles’ Pop-Art Nun Corita Kent
An artist, educator and Roman Catholic nun, Corita Kent was known for her pop art made to confront social injustice. Active from 1950s to her death in 1986, she created screen prints covering issues of racism, poverty, and misogyny and her typography, print and day-glo colors proved incredibly influential for generations to come.
Book Review: Hollywood Arensberg: Avant-Garde Collecting in Midcentury L.A.
Hollywood Arensberg: Avant-Garde Collecting in Midcentury L.A. is an exciting new book published by the Getty on the collection of notable art collectors Walter and Louise Arensberg at their home in Hollywood.