Chou & Bowen Reception Highlights

Well, it is certainly gratifying & fun when a curated show falls into place - when the artwork has such a wonderful synergy.


There are no coincidences. Yet somehow, without really knowing, things just seem to happen the way they are supposed to...not like a happy mistake, but more like you knew it all along, just didn't say anything about it.



I love that...
Like when the artists showed up for the reception. Without former communication, each artist had worn a top with chinese "frog" closures.
The colors of their clothing coordinated with their art. (Now, we are clearly dealing with women whose aesthetic runs through their every-day lives as much as their art. Everything they do is designed & designed with humor.)


In addition to the coordination of the clothing, each artist wore something in their outfit that further matched the art - YaYa wore Gummi Bear Earrings, & Katy wore pompoms on her top.
It was Too Much !!


And of course, I had to serve Gummi Bear snacks. If I didn't have them I wouldn't have heard the end of "clever" visitors telling me I should have them - that they would have been a good idea. So there they were, Gummi Bears.



Everyone had a good time...of course, don't feel sad if you missed the show.
We are open Wednesday - Sunday from 12 - 6.
Come & see for yourself. Sorry, we are out of gummi snacks.

Archival Gummis

The Gummi Bear Rug is featured in this Thursday LA City Beat with a reminder to head over here & check it out! No Pun Intended!!

It has been interesting representing this work - it just makes people so happy!

Interestingly enough, the First Thing that people ask is:
"Are the Gummi Bears treated with anything?"
There seems to be a global concern that the pieces will become victim to hungry ants, mice or roaches, or melt somehow. Basic vermin and, uh - flooding or fire? In which case, no art would be safe.
There are many many materials used in art that are not exactly archival or will last longer than a life time or a generation or 2.
Silk, cotton, wax, plant fibers, egg tempera, dirt, anything using pot glue such as elmers, plant fiber papers, even linseed oil are all susceptible to deterioration due to elements or vermin.
Acid free is good. But it still doesn't make it safe from mold. Some human care needs to be considered with art purchases as well.
With all art, do not expose to heat, direct sunlight, humidity, moisture. (except environmental art made for the outside or for degeneration as a concept, of course - for this discussion I am referring to paintings & sculpture in general).

I can understand the curiosity....and the concern.
Collectors want to know that their investment will be safe on many levels.

Now, for all those concerned, the artist has successfully done a materials experiment with Gummi Bears that are the same age as the ones used in the chandelier.
About 1.5 year old, & have since become hardened from being out of the package.
Collectors will feel assured that a matte lacquer spray has been applied to the experimental gummis, with wonderful results.
Vermin shall not nibble on the gummis.

Further, newer gummis cannot be sprayed. This resulted in the spray peeling off of the still soft gummi surface. But if a newer piece is purchased you can have it treated at the appropriate time.

Now that's delicious!

oh baby, cupcakes & bubbly

GO NOW!

Today, March 25th...until 4pm

cupcakes & bubbly & baby clothes & oh baby you a babe tops.

MIRACLE MILE


THEN head on over to us - for you guessed it - GUMMI BEAR snacks to go with YaYa's gummi bear rug & chandelier & SMARTIES (to go with Katy's wit).

we'll also have the usual - Amazing Art.

cheers!!!! leora

Review of current show

Our review is out....

I recommend reading it twice, as there are preliminary commentary that may lead one to think that this reviewer is really bashing the show.
On the contrary, he is making points about Bubble Gum art, kitsch & craft materials -but the underbelly is a note that there IS more than meets the eye with these 2 artists work.

The work is described somewhat out of context, without specific historical intentions that is explained in our press release. This is mildly frustrating from a curatorial standpoint, but fine nonetheless, seeing as how freedom of speech is the same principle that enables the show to be hung in the first place.

I did want to clear up some confusion in the article, which has a literary note toward Katy Bowen's "Quanset Hut Gift Shop" & pointed toward Oldenburg's "The Store"... Although Katy's Gift Shop is genius & a project I LOVE, it is not work that we are showing here today - April 22.


Here is the article:
Artscene
April issue 2006

See you tonight,
Leora Lutz
Gallery Revisited

Affordable art abounds

Here at Gallery Revisited, we are all about accessibility, both in concept & in practice.


This exciting new show featuring the work of Katy Bowen & YaYa Chou is going to be a delicious feast for the eyes.

Collectors & art writers will enjoy the conceptual premise of the show.

And this is the time for active new & seasoned collectors to acquire work by these emerging artists.
The work is timely, but not trendy - conceptual yet relateable.



We are all about taking the mystery out of the art buying world while still respecting traditions that maintain a sophisticated caliber expected by artists, writers, collectors & fans in general.
Prices for most paintings & small sculpture in the show are from $335. to $685.

....and wait until you see the
GUMMI BEAR - BEAR "SKIN" RUG!!!
all gummis are SEWN by hand - including the "claws" of the bear fashioned out of red shimmery Lee Press-On Nails. (no!!?? oh, but yeeees!)

reviews: dirty little secrets?

Gallery Revisited is pleased to announce that the new show,

"Consumerism & Product" #1 is getting reviewed.

Congrats to Katy Bowen & YaYa Chou & to the gallery.

Someone told me that the publication is known for giving reviews only to people who place ads.

I find it frustrating that a good thing can get turned into a bad thing by common assumption.

We did not pay anyone for this review.
Nor do we advertise with this publication.
Even if we did - that is not Always a barter for reviews.

It is a common & exhausting dialogue that the reason why artists in "blue-chip art magazine" get reviewed is because the reviewed artist is shown by a gallery that places ads in the magazine.
I hear it on other periodical levels too: on a "grass-roots", "local only", "non-glossy" art magazine level.

It is insulting to the magazines that have built reputations or are trying to.
It is insulting to the galleries & the writers who spend hours devising pressreleases & sending them out & following up with phone calls & multiple emails - sending images & notes on the art, visiting with the reviewer at the space & with the art.

If it was as easy as giving people money, then why is it something that is gossiped about rather than accepted?
Point being, it isn't that easy.

New Work March 25

Our new show is on its way....there is a ton of buzz about the "Rosie" piece by YaYa Chou on the postcard...folks lovin' the fake fingernails that play on the actions of the bear as she examines her claws.

Katy Bowen work is prompting mystery & wonder, as is fitting for nostalgic & tactile nature of the pieces.

This show promises to awe, induce grins and make your walls swoon.
That's right - YOUR WALLS....start collecting.

This week we are receiving lots of new work by our favorite artists for the salon too.
Pete Goldlust
David Glynn
Sonia Romero

and staying on Neil Wax, Jason Macaya, Venessa Vandenberg with DaDaFunc & more -
welcoming: CJ Metzger, Patrick Haemmerlein & suprises.

see you soon,
Leora Lutz

MoMa New York

Congratulations to YaYa Chou.

MoMa is doing a salute to CAL ARTS show & YaYa's video piece was accepted.

Punk Photo Maven

Jenny Lens Has been super busy since her coming out.
Now this is not your coming out as in "out of the closet" as we know it, it is more of a coming out as in Literally taking all of her 8 filing cabinets of punk archives out of hiding & showing the work that is hiding in them.

Jenny recently got signed with Retna. So if anyone needs images licensed for something, give them a call.
Of course, if you want to buy any work from Jenny for your own collection, call me at Gallery Revisited!!
Jenny has been working on 2 books - one with Rizzoli, that is being edited by Glen Friedman. The other is still is a little secret.

In the last couple of years Jenny also has supplied info & images for many movies, including the new Germs movie that will be coming out soon & more. She will also be working with Allison Anders on the"Don't Knock the Rock" film festival at REDCAT in May - supplying photos for documentation that will hopefully make it on the walls there.....

and....Her solo show is here on September 2.

Films at Rauschenberg Exhibit

Gallery Revisited is proud to announce that Fumiko Amano will be curating the film portion of the Rauschenberg exhibit that will be here at LA's MOCA this Spring.

You may remember a previous post that spoke of my love for Rauschenberg's work.
Now I can vicariously be even closer to it via Fumiko.

(Thanks Fumiko)
and congratulations!!

Reality TV and artists

Siuan McGahan of the girl band The Render's landed a gig with sponsership from Daisy Guitars.
When they appeared on the Tyra Banks show, Tyra took credit & made it look like the Tyra Banks show gave the Render's the Daisy Guitar sponsorship as a gift - but it was the band that arranged with the TB show producers to get Daisy Guitars a plug on the show.
Since Daisy Guitars will be doing way more for the Renders than Miss Fierce Thang.

The Renders are also up for a pilot on girl bands, that is by the producers of the RollerDerby show out of Austin.
Siuan is about to give birth & the producers wanted to be there for the birth.
"No one gets to film down there," said Siuan. She is looking forward to getting the gig with her new tot in tow. His name will be Jake.

Peer Pressure

Referring to a previous post regarding the "Show Savvy" panel discussion (Peer Panel Discussion header)

The panel was for artists by artists. Rather than discussing how to get a show, the panel talked about what you can do as an artist to maximize your show once you have one.
David Trulli helped organize it & he filled me in on some important points.
Susie White was one of the speakers...we love her work & her work ethic is amazing.

Here they are the points - with my added notes.

Develop your mailing list by starting with everyone you know.
The more postcards, emails & press releases that are going out about a show, the more that you increase the likelihood of more people coming to see it & therefore more people to buy your work.

Work with the gallery to coordinate publicity efforts. Having a good partnership with the gallery is the goal.
Everyone should be on the same page, coordinating & doing things in synergy.
Websites should be updated, emails should be going out announcing the show. Staggering announcements is good, coordinating timelines for sending out press releases, & when postcards vs. emails should go out is all great stuff to work on together. I always print out postcards so that the artist has something to pass out or mail & they just need to cover the cost of postage for their own mailing list. If they want to supplement their personal mailers with more info or image sources that is a good idea too.
Also, artists should tell everyone about all of the shows they are doing. Don't choose to personally promote a show at one gallery but not at another. Give potential clients the choice of which show they would like to go to, don't decide for them.

Photo & frame your work as you go. Update your resume or portfolio as you have shows, as you create new work.
It is really important to always be prepared - you never know when an opportunity is going to arise, when someone wants to do a studio visit, when you get a call to participate in something that seems last minute but you were just discovered by the contact.
And ESPECIALLY FOR PRESS - they need info so far in advance, if the work isn't documented you could miss out on a review.

Life does not culminate that opening night. Start making new work right away.
This is also important in relation to the previous point...because waiting to get a show is the wrong motivator for making work - and if you get a show, you should have some work completed that is a direction you will be going for the rest of the show so that it can be documented for press & publicity while you work on new pieces. The shows should inspire you to make more - even if the show does not sell & you have to take it all home.

Allow time for problems with printers & framers.
For every simple task allow one hour.
Allow for everyone else 3 hours for a task that takes you one hour.
This goes proportionately by the day too. and so on and so on......
Don't let anyone tell you something takes 5 minutes. Or one hour, unless you wait right there for it. This goes up proportionately by the day too. If something is "overnight", allow 72 hours, not 12. so true...

Learn how to talk about your work in short clear answers. People at shows are going to ask you questions.
Be friendly when explaining your work - people will ask questions that you think might be obvious. This does not mean that this person is not worthy of appreciating your work because they had to ask about it or that the gallery is not attracting quality clients. Feel comfortable saying why or how you made something & be flattered that people care enough to ask.
It has NOT been my experience that people just want to look at the art, not know anything about the artist or where they were coming from or how or why they work. They do. If they don't - they are probably just decorating something. (Which I guess is OK too, but most artists want to be understood & want people to enjoy their work for more than just what it looks like.)
It is not just about the art. Leave that for a jury to pick your work for a show.
That is like the only time it is truly, "only about the work".

This panel discussion was I am sure, very energizing & motivating to hear what IS WORKING rather than complaining about what isn't...these discussions will continue at the HASH sessions at LAAA.
Go to www.laaa.org for more info about the HASH SESSIONS. Next one In late March.
They are open to anyone & if you go you get to sit around and "Hash out" art concerns & such. It's fun.

Continuing Exhibit Highlights

Gallery Revisited is dedicated to accessiblity - which means, art that thematically won't disturb you (very much) & is affordably priced.
We are focusing on non-boring work with substance.

The Inaugural 3 exhibit has 19 artists....previous posts show the slideshow on the website...here are some other great acquisitions available:

C. Martino
Urban stencil paintings on paper $150.



David Trulli
Scratchboard (White clay with black ink. Images are scratched into the surface with fine knives.) $350 - $1100.



Kireilyn Barber
Photography $600
Jason Macaya
Mixed media paintings $200 - $275




plus more....come on by - we are open Wednesday - Sunday 12-6 ish.
3204 Sunset Blvd. in Silver Lake - corner of Descanso Dr. - inside the back of Sumi's next door to Dusty's.

more: Katy Bowen

Ok, as promised here is a preview of the work of Katy Bowen for the upcoming show, "Consumerism & Product" #1.



Gallery Revisited is pleased to begin its' curation series for the year beginning with Consumerism & Product... we know you will be excited too!

Leora Lutz

Consumerism & Product #1

Need I say that Gallery Revisited is pleased to announce our first concept show of the year!?

Featuring the work of Katy Bowen & YaYaChou.

March 25th

6pm - 10pm

thru April 22....Show concept here:

Both artists are presently working with the premise of “Consumerism & Product”, each on literal & conceptual views. Working within the constructs of design on a consumer level, they are addressing the socio-economic ironies of their subject matter or motivations. They are using materials commonly found within the home craft market in conjunction with high art painting or sculpture values to create a dichotomy that is timely.

In circa 1917 Russia, the Constructivist Manifesto was written to explain the process of “constructing art”. During an era of new technology, new art was about the simple breakdowns of line, shape & color into geometric shapes & abstracted parts reassembled. Motivated by color theory & pattern, the Constructivists placed & replaced materials to create abstracts of new, fresh, modern design. Pure art faded, in favor of art used for socio-political purposes, for the cause of aesthetic in conjunction with societal needs, whether it was propaganda imposed on the streets, or in costuming for the theatre or for textile & functional design in the home.

Shortly before & after the Constructivists, the United States was in the Post-Victorian age of opulence – where decadent fabrics such as velvets & heavy brocades, floral patterns & exotic animals were a sign of wealth, prosperity & good taste. The parlor became the domestic locale for expression, showing individuals’ status in a private setting where private gatherings were assembled. The various animal skins or taxidermy were on display to show the conquering of man over animal while on pseudo or actual exotic ventures. The work of the lady of the house especially embroidery, showcased her best features, such as creating beautifully embellished fabric decorations, shoulder rests & pillows. Idle hands were intolerable, & sewing dainty stitches were the symbol of refinement & examples of her talents.

Thank You, Leora Lutz.



ugh - due to blogger glitch...i apologize for not being able to upload a katy bowen image (the one here is yaya chou)... hopefully tomorrow - sorry!

Wackiness at Retropia

My good friend Senor Amor, along with his lovely gal Janona, have recently opened a vintage furniture store on Highland.

Check it out:



I heart Retropia

They are doing gallery shows upstairs too...

Next show: JASON MERCIER - portraits of Phyllis Diller & others.

March 17th - Friday 7pm - 10pm

Collage portraits of people comprised of crazy stuff, like candy, disgarded makeup, fake fingernails, pompoms, cheap jewelry and more!




The artist, Jason Mercier, also does BEAN & NOODLE art!! (the one above is a Beany Bette Davis)

gotta love the weirdness & wackiness of it all...
RETROPIA
1443 North Highland Ave.
(323) 871-4000

Curate vs. Jury

I am going to be curating a show for the artist members of LA Art Association which will be held here at Gallery Revisited in July - August.

What is the difference between curating & being a jurer?

Of course there are variations, but here is a small list of differences...both are valid & important aspects of the business of art. This is information I have gleaned directly from experience, not from something a book said.

Jury:
Person/s brought on/invited by organization/gallery to select work for a show or membership to the organization. Person is usually known for their expertise in selecting work of high merit or cohesive with organizations mission.
Often for annual theme shows or open shows.
View the work & score on a variety of merit issues. (sometimes with a number system)
Discuss various attributes of art if necessary (in jury pool).
Fees accumulated benefit org expenses to have the jurer (pay the jurer, pay for travel/business expense of jurer, use of their name for publicity).
The jurer's job is to select the work.

Curate:
Propose a project to an org/gallery with specific theme/concept. Person is usually known for their vision, aesthetic, as well as their actions.
Invite and/or select the artists to participate in the concept from a personal or specific pool of artists.
Organize &/or collaborate with the artists to ensure concept cohesion.
Collaborate with gallery on press release writing, publicity responsibilities, promotion of show & other creative maneuvers.
Assist/execute show installation.
Promote the artists in the show.
Help deinstall when show is over.
Usually a curator will get a shared commission of the sales warrantying their collaborative efforts.

If you would like to add, do so in the comments box now!

vintage cupcake party

The lovely gals over at SWIFT are having a One-year party with cupcakes.

Check out their vintage & new-vintage styles...

I love Swift!!

Thursday Night, March 2nd...
8pm
3212 Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA
91505
818. 558.1289