GALLERY AZUL
GALLERY AZUL
Culture experienced through Art
ARTE y ACTIVISMO
show dates:
1st Thursday, August 1, 2024, 6-9PM
1st Thursday, September 5, 6-9PM
Artists reception, Saturday, September 14, 4-7PM
Another election year is upon us, and it looks scary. There is so much going on. Before making a decision it is important to reflect and look at the overall picture. We all have issues we feel passionate about, so even though our options look bleak, consider what you are voting for, the advantage is that we already know what each candidate has done and will continue to do.
For this year’s Hispanic Heritage month we are inspired by the portmanteau - Artivism.
Artivism “was first coined in 1997 in reference to the gathering of Chicano artists. . .”. (https://www.soundoflife.com/.../artivism-artists-artwork...)
The Chicano art movement focused on the work of Mexican-American artists who aimed to establish a strong artistic identity, influenced by the Chicano movement in the 1960s. https://www.soundoflife.com/.../artivism-artists-artwork...
The Chicano movement was a social and political movement that emerged in the 1960s. It was a response to the discrimination and marginalization faced by Mexican-Americans in the United States. The movement sought to promote the rights and interests of Chicano people and to challenge the negative stereotypes that were often associated with them. https://skyryedesign.com/art/chicano-art-style/
The Chicano art movement utilized artivism to address issues like immigration, human rights, cultural identity, and social justice. Their platforms of expressions and preservation included murals depicting the struggles of immigrants, protest songs that voice resistance against oppression, performance art that critiqued societal norms, and literature that explores the complexities of cultural identity.
Inspired by the Chicano art movement, Artists of various ethnic backgrounds will cultivate awareness, push boundaries, provoke thought, and advocate for change. Their art is meant to challenge stereotypes, highlight systemic inequalities, celebrate cultural heritage, and inspire action.
The goal is to engage the community, the nation, and the world by showcasing the bold and unexpected in hopes of forming new perspectives
Art has the power to communicate and promote and open dialogue.
Overall, artivism is a powerful means of storytelling, community building, and advocacy, reflecting the diversity and resilience of peoples worldwide.
Show will run from August 1 to September 30.
ARTISTS EXHIBITING
Harmony A. Vasquez
Eric Almanza
Jesse Ramirez
Martin Bustamante
Cora Ramirez-V
Brandon Harrison
K. Leistikow
Ray Vasquez
Black Heritage Month
A group exhibition celebrating the creative endeavors of black visual artists of our time.
Join us for our black heritage exhibition. Come by and experience work by some amazing working artists who are making their contributions to the world. The purpose of black history month is to acknowledge and remember the contributions of our black sisters and brothers. Let us remember the words of historian Carter G. Woodson: If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world.
Artists Exhibiting:
John Moore, Lisa Mosely, Brandon Harrison, Adrian White, Kamaria Shepherd, LP AEkili Ross, Bart Ross
Show Dates:
February 6 - March 5, 2020
14 Annual Dia de Los Muertos Group Art exhibit
Show Dates:
Nov. 1 - Nov. 20, 2019
Poe, 3rd Annual Art Exhibition
Show Dates:
October 3-October 20, 2019
Artists Exhibiting
Brian Bernhard, James Muscarello, K. Leistikow, Karina Massengil, Katherine Chiu, Alexandrea Stiller, Chiho Harazaki, Katarina Stiller, Mark Metzner, Lillian Abel, Larry Talavera, Michael Ramstead
Pandora's Box - A Group Art exhibition about Chaos and Hope
Show Dates:
September 5,
September 14, 2019
The vast majority of us are familiar with the myth of Pandora’s box. We use this term often to refer to a release of negative or bad situations, to the unleashing of chaos.
According to www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/pandoras-box-myth/, the purpose of Pandora’s box is to answer the question of evil and why it exists. This myth has inspired artists throughout time to create their perception of Pandora opening this box.
Pandora was given a box by Zeus and told to never open it. Pandora did, and unleashed evil in all of its forms. Pandora regretted it and closed the box keeping hope inside of it. As humans we are curious and flawed. It is our weakness but also our strength. Our curiosity can get us into trouble but this curiosity can lead to insight and knowledge about our limits and the limits of others.
This is a political show. To what degree, under the current administration, do you feel this box has been open, perhaps it has always been open, but since 2016 there has been an increase in the chaos. A women’s right to choose is under attack, the LGBTQ community is under attack, minority communities are under attack, families seeking asylum are being separated, immigrants are being villainized. Hate appears to be more visible, there has been an increase in suicide, we see more of people’s explicit and implicit biases.
Artists were encouraged to create art about their perception of Pandora opening this box during this time of political turmoil.
What has been impacting you and your loved ones? What are you troubled about? What keeps you hopeful?
Artists Exhibiting
Emily Wiseman, MER Young, James Muscarello, K. Leistikow, Joshua Freeman, Adam Prince, John Grady, Mariona Barkus, Dr Larue, Cora Ramirez-V, Ray Vasquez, Lisa Ferguson, Khara Cloutier, Maria Phipps
Latinx LGBTQ Pride
Show dates:
June 6 - June 30, 2019
Art by Ernesto Ramirez
Join us as we celebrate diversity and Pride. In honor of San Pedro's 1st Pride at the Port, Gallery Azul will be showcasing the creative contributions of the Latinx artists from the LGBTQ community.
Artists Exhibiting:
Ernesto Ramirez, Hector Silva, David Flores, Rick Macias, Tania Jazz Alvarez, Carlos Anthony Bosselle, Andrea Jubé Mont, Luis Sanchez, and more
Teacher as Artist-Artist as Teacher
Closing show: Saturday, June 1, 10am-1pm
Gallery Azul is highlighting teacher who are artist for Teacher appreciation month. Come check out our creative teachers and their gifts to not only teach but to also create. There are distinctions between artists of a discipline and the teachers in that discipline. As teachers we understand the key factor in teaching, at any level, involves creating conditions in which students can learn the joy and excitement of learning something new.
Teacher/Artists Exhibiting
Hugo Lomel, Rick Macias, Roxanne Bayang, Estela Gama, Tania Jazz Alvarez, Steven Amado (Chatismo), Andrea Albarragan, Ray Vasquez, Eric Almanza, Diego "Yeyo" Aguirre Macedo, Chuymosca
PAINT and SIP
Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, 6-9pm
Theme for this paint is sip is this Still Life painting by Frida Kahlo. This paint and sip will be taught by Artist/Educator Ray Vasquez. We will also have guest artist/educator Yeyo international Arte.
Learn the fundamentals of color theory, and to put together a color scheme that will guarantee a successful painting. There will also be a small lecture about Frida Kahlo's life and inspiration Diego Rivera.
Fee: $40
Includes materials, wine, and beer.
ADULT ONLY EVENT
PAST EVENTS
Mis Raices (My Roots)
New Works by
Ernesto Ramirez
Show Dates: January 19- March 16, 2019
Come by for the first solo art show, for the talented Ernesto Ramirez, titled Mis Raices (My Roots). This exhibition is a body of work of his Mexican Heritage. It consists of eight portraits of historical indigenous people from Mexico prior to the European's arrival. Ernesto travels back in time to provide the viewer with a creative perspective of these indigenous people’s dress and embellishments.
Ernesto was born in Guanajuato Mexico and grew up in Mazatlan. His passion for the arts emerged at a very young age. At age 12 he won a school art competition with his first painting of a horse. His focus was not on art, rather in architecture. He obtained his degree in architecture and worked and lived in several cities in Mexico. He made Los Angeles his home in 2001, and began a career in construction and bathroom and kitchen design. He has lived in Long Beach, Ca since 2007. Ernesto credits Frida Kahlo as his most significant influence. 2017 has been the year that he rediscovered his passion for painting, and he has finally dedicated more time to this part of him.
POE 2nd Annual
Show Dates: October 4 - October 20, 2018
Poets: Richard Leddy & Paul Manchester
Artists' Exhibiting: Mayra Zaragoza, Warren Patrick Casey, Paul Manchester, Brian A. Bernhard, Cambria Ullom, Mark Metzner, Tiffany Graham, K. Leistikow, James Muscarello, Roma Sanches, Gregorio Nocon, Karen Bellone, Larry Talavera, Amanda F. Turner, Diego Yeyo Aguirre, Ricky Hernandez, Raymond Vasquez, Harmony Azul Vasquez, Cora Ramirez-V.
New Works
by
Robyn Feeley
LUCHA URBANA
Show Dates: March 17-April 21, 2018
Lucha Libre (Free fight) began in the 1930s in Mexico. It took place in small venues all around Mexico, however the origins of lucha libre proper, dates as far back as 1863. Salavador Lutteroth Gonzalez created La Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre, he hired wrestlers from the Texas area to compete in Mexico, these wrestlers along with their moves, costumes, and masks helped to form Lucha Libre.
The lucha libre mask has its own history, which apparently dates back to 1933. A wrestler by the name of El Ciclón McKey commissioned Don Antonio Martinez to make him a mask for his upcoming fight. The mask, was almost impossible to pull off mid-fight, and left mark on the history of the lucha libre, and resulted in a wave of copycat enmascarados.
The 50s and 60s are considered the Golden Age of Lucha Libre and was probably spurred on by the huge popularity of El Santo, one of Mexican wrestling’s most legendary and beloved names. El Santo maintained his mask throughout his career which originated in t 1942, his true identity was revealed shortly before his death in 1984. He was buried wearing his trademark silver mask. He, along with the advent of television, helped launch the lucha libre into the home of the common man as fights started to be broadcast nationwide.
Other luchadores that have had as an impact on the art similar to El Santo include Blue Demon, Mil Máscaras (one of the first wrestlers to cross over into the US wrestling spectacles) and Huracán Ramírez (who put his own twist on the classic rana move, calling it the huracán rana).
Many wrestlers have a family history in the industry, inheriting both the mask and title of their forebear before stepping into the ring themselves. Some include El Hijo del Santo, is the son of El Santo, and Rey Mysterio Jr. is the great-nephew of Rey Mysterio, whereas Hijo de Rey Mysterio is his son. A strange twist to this familial tale though is that Villano IV is the fifth son of Ray Mendoza, whereas Villano V is rather confusingly the fourth!
Artists created art inspired by Lucha Libre.
Live painting: Yeyo International Arte
Artists Exhibiting:
Ray Vasquez, Glenda A. Hernandez Q., Chuymosca Jesus Martinez, Ryosuke Ishi, Mark Metzner, John Moore, Gina Palafox, Jonathan Bueno, Steven Amado, Ernesto Ramirez, Ocho Vargas, Robyn Feeley, Eric Almanza, Francisco Franco, Wolf Karrillo
Organized Chaos
Organized Chaos
Reidar Schopp
Show Dates
November 18-December 16, 2017
Reidar Schopp
Show Dates
November 18-December 16, 2017
This series is the culmination of 40 years shooting long time exposures abstracts usually while driving or flying at night during commutes. My targets were any bright lights that I was passing: Times Square, Carl’s Jr, car tail lights, Déjà Vu, Highway Patrol flashing lights, anything with bright and vibrant colors. These images loosely resemble “Jackson Pollock” paintings on a black canvas.
On a flight from New York to Los Angeles a little more than a year ago, I was playing with one of these images. I found that by replicating the original image and shifting the positions, symmetrical patterns emerged, organizing these random colored lines into complex patterns. These patterns may appear kaleidoscopic, as Mandalas, even carpets or space stations. The appearances depend upon the number of times the initial image is replicated and organized on the digital canvas. By incorporating two or more different images, the patterns become more complex.
My selection of images and how to organize is initially based on the colors and shape, then by moving the images across each other until I see a pattern I like. At that point the pair is locked and the replication begins to create the pattern that fits the images. From these images on the wall you can see circles, stars, rectangles, all in the shape of geometric patterns.
The finished images usually measure several feet in height and length and commonly about 12 gigabytes in file size. For this series, although most are printed on canvas and stretched on wooden frames, included are two images printed on aluminum which adds tremendously to the visual impact. Anyone looking for a 12 foot by 20 foot metal print?
LA CATRINA
LA CATRINA
Show Dates:
Sunday, October 29th - Thursday, November 2, 2017
La Catrina has come to symbolize El Día de los Muertos and the Mexican culture’s willingness to laugh at death itself. Originally a catrina was an elegant or well-dressed woman wearing a large fancy hat, representing high society. Created by Jose Posada, a Mexican, political, printmaker, and engraver whose work has influenced many Latin American artists and cartoonists because of its satirical acuteness and social engagement. Death brings this neutralizing force; everyone is equal in the end. Sometimes people have to be reminded of it.
In light of today’s current events, satire is ubiquitous in modern pop culture and politics. In honor of Jose Posada, Gallery Azul is announcing this years theme “La Catrina.” Gallery Azul would like to invite artist to re-create their own satirical version of the “Catrina” or their own version of the classic.
Artists Exhibiting:
Dana Wyss, Ray Vasquez, David Martinez, Mark Metzner, Brandon Harrison, Ryosuke, Reidar Schopp, Maribel Navarro, Robyn Feeley, Barbara Rivera, Rachel Madrigal, Aleysha Anthony, Eric Almanza, and Diego Yeyo Aguirre
POE
Show Dates
October 5-21, 2017
“Were I called on to define, very briefly, the term Art, I should call it 'the reproduction of what the Senses perceive in Nature through the veil of the soul.’”
—-Edgar Allan Poe—-
This year for the month of October, Gallery Azul is inspired to have an art show inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. Poe gained worldwide fame for his dark, macabre tales of horror, practically inventing the genre of Gothic Literature. Artists are encouraged to create anything Poe.
ARTISTS EXHIBITING
Dana Wyss, Robert Fernandes, Reidar Schopp, Karen Lukesh, Roxanne Bayang, Janet Le, Kitty Gallanis, A. Abuana, Cora Ramirez-V, Diego Yeyo Aguirre, Jaime Becker, Maribel Navarro, Diane Siegel, Elizabeth Ibarra, Krystal Messer, Ms. Chaidez, Ryosuke, Robert LaPorta, Chuymosca, Roxanna Rendon Agin, Mark Metzner, Alepsis Hernandez, Harmony Azul Vasquez, Ray Vasquez, Robyn Feeley
MER YOUNG SOLO EXHIBIT
MEYOUWE (me-you-we) is an oeuvre that explores beliefs in immigration, supports indigenous and native cultures, and women. It commemorates women who have fought for women’s rights and uplifts those who continue to overcome adversities, barriers, and social discrimination. While schematics of discrimination across the globe remain, the women who carry on rapid efforts to combat and position themselves to have equality should be acknowledged. This artwork collection aims to inspire, celebrate and elevate women of color, immigrants and indigenous cultures.
The collage works are mixed-media compositions with a variant of black and white photographs of women. The use of mixed-media intends to express emblem to a mixed people. Black and white images of native and indigenous women are sought out and implemented to the works to demonstrate the kaleidoscope of people we are without adhering color. These photographs are found from postcards to magazines and printouts. The background of each piece is hand painted in color with acrylic or watercolor paints. Cut out motifs are arranged and layered with glue. Gold paint is used to display symbolism of illumination, understanding, enlightenment, love, compassion, courage and wisdom. The objective of these collage works is to promote attention of women from different ethnic, cultural backgrounds and dedicated to people who have migrated to other parts of the world for a better life.
The painting works were inspired by quilts from different cultures. Quilt making is traditionally a communal activity among young girls and women. They are made for various purposes such as commemorating a major life event. Internalizing these notions of community and cultural tradition dawned a narrative. The comparisons between quilting fabrics and the characteristics or relationship people have are similar. Some fabrics, comparable to people, overlap. Some are too close; some are hanging on by a thread; some pieces are new and some are old; some are different colors; shapes and sizes but once they are all layered and sewn together it creates one gorgeous spectacle just as people do. People like quilts are bonded together by the hands of other people. The intent of these works is to show how cultures and traditions cannot be possible without the human touch.
The drawings are small works that adhere to the ideas placed on women globally that they are small or less than. These drawings, however, display courage, resilience, and strength of women from different walks of life who have faced different hardships and overcame them.
While this body of work pays tribute to women, embraces immigration, and salutes indigenous and native cultures, it is also a response to repel the hostility shown to women and immigrants under the current U.S. Administration. After all, without ME without YOU, there would be no WE.
STAND WITH STANDING ROCK
11th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Group Art Exhibition
For The Love of Guitar
2 artists one show
Ray Vasquez
and
Mark Metzner
Gallery Azul Presents
10 Year Anniversary Artists Showcase
Show dates
June 2 - July 16, 2015
es! It has been 10 years. Gallery Azul opened its doors in 2006. We have moved 3 times, it can be a challenge to maintain an art gallery part time, but we have hung in there due to our passion and desire to support the arts. The arts are always the first cuts when it comes to education or other government funding. Our vision has been to provide a platform for emerging artists that are proud of their heritage and cultura, who have a message for the masses, and who are open to creative growth.
Artist's Exhibiting
Mark Metzner, Paulina, Cora Ramirez-V, David Flores, Robyn Feeley, Ray Vasquez, Alexia Kutchner, Rick Rodriguez, Jonathan Bueno, MER, Tania Jazz Alvarez, Rachel Madrigal, Chuymosca, Alan Papaleo, Gerry Bonilla, Mado, Nancy Webber, Navia Alejandro, Reidar Schopp, Chatismo, Brandon Harrison, Alex Rios, David Martinez, Velia Martinez, Estela Gama, Zuela, Daniel Quinones, Harmony Azul, Peter Buchan, Pinchi Michi, Pervo
Revolutionary Women
Group Art Exhibition
Show dates
April 7 - May 6, 2015
Join us for the artists' reception of Revolutionary Women. This show is dedicated to the women who through their efforts promoted change and caused waves regardless of consequences.
Artist's Exhibiting
Ryosuke Ishii, Mark Metzner, Paulina, Cora Ramirez-V, Annie Appel, David Flores, Robyn Feeley, Ray Vasquez, and Jesus Ortiz
PERSONA NON GRATA
WORKS BY
ERIC DANIEL ALMANZA
Show Dates:
March 3 - April 7, 2016
Artist Statement
My current body of work examines social and political issues such as Chicano identity, the criminalization of immigrants, urban life both present and future, and visualizes how they are weaved into the fabric of mainstream twenty-first century American society. Often it is said that Chicanos feel caught between cultures. Not fully American, yet at the same time unable to identify as Mexican. I was born in the United States to parents of Mexican ancestry and I have struggled my entire life justifying my identity to others as well as to myself. I am not fluent in Spanish and I am told that I don’t particularly “look Mexican”. With a plethora of labels such as American, Mexican, Mexican-American, Hispanic, Latino and Chicano in which I may use to categorize myself, one can see how I might struggle with the idea of self. Thus, I craft my work through the lens of a Chicano Artist because it is the only label that seems to fit.
The calculated objective of my work is to revise what mainstream twenty-first century American society looks like with the inclusion of both immigrant and minority populations. Over the past 50 years the demographic of Los Angeles, California, and the nation has slowly shifted to a majority that consists of Latino Americans. However, that same demographic shift has not translated into the art world. My work continues to establish both the existence and relevancy of classically trained narrative painters who identify as Chicano, Mexican, or Latino American to the national artistic dialogue.
My work draws inspiration from traditional history and easel painting and artists such as Michelangelo Caravaggio, Jacques Louis David, Gustave Courbet, José Guadalupe Posada, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Diego Rivera, John Valadez and Vincent Valdez.
Iconic Mugshots
Iconic Mugshots
Show Dates
September 3 - October 25, 2015
ARTIST'S EXHIBITING
Mark Metzner, Alan Papaleo, Reidar Schopp, Steven Amado (Chatismo), Cora Ramirez-V, Ray Vasquez, and Harmony Azul Vasquez
Saturday, August 15, 2015, 5PM - 9PM
ONE NIGHT ONLY!!!
Trilogy:
Tango/Nudes/Tango Nudes
A one night only photo exhibition and artist's reception.
Featuring original works by
Gayle Goodrich
Show Date:
Saturday, August 15, 2015
5PM - 9PM
Complimentary Wine and Cheese
La Sirena (The Mermaid)
A group art exhibition dedicated to La Sirena (The Mermaid)
Show Dates
June 27 - August 8, 2015
Las Sirenas (The Mermaids) legendary aquatic creatures with the upper body of a female and the tail of a fish. Mermaids are part of folklore in many cultures worldwide. The first stories appeared in ancient Assyria in which the goddess Atargatis transformed herself into a mermaid out of shame for accidentally killing her human lover. Artists created their version of La Sirena.
ARTISTS SHOWING
Tania Jazz Alvarez, Jose Flores, Kitty Gallanis, Robyn Feeley, Edie Pfeifer, Gayle Goodrich, Reidar Schopp, Melissa Nebrida, Divad de la Rama, Rachel Madrigal, David Flores, Mado, Mark Canto, Blanca Soloria, Alan Papaleo, Chatismo, Chee-Bo, Gerri Chow, Lorena Maese, Mark Metzner, Cora Ramirez-V
The Tarot of Ray
NEW WORKS
By
Ray Vasquez
May 2, 2015 - June 20, 2015
Ray used the Tarot deck to guide his show. The Tarot is centuries old and the ancestor to our modern playing cards. A journey through the Taros is a journey of the self. Utilizing the tarot deck Ray embarked on a journey of the self. He has projected his inner world onto the outer via artworks. Join us for this in depth show and see what is triggered for you.
Un Mundo Raro
new works by
Navia Alejandro
9th Annual Dia de Los Muertos Group Art Exhibition
Recordando a Nuestros Idolos
Remembering our Idols/Icons
Show dates
October 2-November 6, 2014
Artist's Exhibiting
Reidar Schopp, Ray Vasquez, Robyn Feeley, Mark Metzner, Grace Schwab (age 12), Cora Ramirez-Vasquez, Michael Falzone, Tony Bozanic, Crystal Karr, Rachel Madrigal, Fabian Rodriguez, Paulina Clothing, Elaina Soto, Shannon Mulvaney, Ricky Hernandez, and Melissa Nebrida
About Dogs and Cats
celebrating the gift of love, loyalty, trust, and wisdom
a fundraiser for Dharma Rescue (www.dharmarescue.org)
Show Dates
August 7 -September 14, 2014
Dogs and cats, for many of us are family, we could never imaging our lives without them. But not all dogs and cats are fortunate enough to stay with their families. Sometimes, financial hardships, death of their owner, homelessness, or healht problems lead owners to have to let go of their beloved pets. For many owners the aging or disability of a pet becomes the impetus to turn their pet in to an animal shelter. These elderly or disabled pets will eventually be euthanized, because the odds of adopting them out are minimal. Luckily, organizations like Dharma Rescue exsists and focuses on saving these cats and dogs, providing them another chance at life.
Crossing Over
A Dialogue about immigration via art
Show Dates
April 3 - June 1, 2014
Immigration appears to be an issue that is grey. There are those in favor of helping those that are here already, and those that are against those that are here. They have committed a crime by entering illegally, how could we condone that? They should all be deported, but what about the babies that were brought here without their knowledge, who grew up in America and knowing America as their home, should they be deported to a land they don't know? What about those that have married and have children in America. It seems that maybe we are seeking a one size fits all solution, when there is none. Denying non-citizens benefits, driver's license, health insurance, jobs, --is that the solution? If theyare deported and have no connection in this other country --they are destitute, is that ok? Non-citizens who commit crimes in America, should be deported? What if their crime was a non-violent crime? Will that matter? Should Justin Bieber have been deported, he is an immigrant after all?
Artist's exhibiting
Navia Alejandro, Mark Metzner, Ray Vasquez, Diego Yeyo Aguirre, Tania Jazz Alvarez, Cora Ramirez-V, Lee Frank Perez, and Jose Flores
Gallery Azul Presents:
PEACE IN CHAOS
New Works
by
Estela Gama
Show Dates
Sept. 5 - Oct. 12, 2013
Estela Gama: Peace in the Chaos
Peace in the Chaos is an exhibition that echoes that struggle of trying to feel happy despite the environment that surrounds us. That fight every human has with themselves, of trying to fit into a society that has forgotten about the true meaning of coexisting. The way beautiful people should look, what kind of music we should listen to, what we should watch on TV and when, what kind of clothes make you better than the person sitting next to you. We become mental slaves to norms that are put upon us, norms that make us question our individuality.
In this exhibition I intend to expose my own self-struggles and the battles that I've overcome, simply by getting to know myself as an individual first, then a mother, a friend, a partner, and a lover. Spending time with myself I began to realize that I am capable of reaching peace from within. That peace is what allows me to feel happiness in the middle of the chaos that surrounds me.
Gallery Azul Presents
L.A. Shine
New Works
by Mark Metzner
Show Dates
July 13th - August 24, 2013
Artist: Mark Metzner
Born in New York City and Raised in Detroit, Michigan. Currently Mark is a 15 Year resident of Venice, CA
Style: His own combination of Freestyle Fine Art and Expressionism.
Mediums: Oil on canvas, Acrylic on Canvas/Wood/Vinyl, and pen on paper
Subjects: People, Experiences, the Inanimate, and Abstract Thought
Influences: Takashi Murakami, Banksy, Gerhard Richter, Picasso, Van Gogh, Escher, Goya..life itself..and so many more
Artist Statement
When I first arrived in Los Angeles 15 years ago I had to take the first available job I could get so I could get an apartment, pay the rent. I was hired by a housecleaning service in Santa Monica and spent my time cleaning mansions in the Hollywood Hills and Malibu. The person training me, Joe, noticed I was taking too long to get the job done. He said "Don't spend too much time with the deep cleaning ...just focus on anything that shines like the chrome on the faucets, sinks, showerheads..etc. Polish that stuff so it sparkles and you can go lighter on the rest of the house. That's the 'LA Shine'!!". I took advice and my tips went up and customers specifically started requesting me by name. That was my first introduction to the superficial nature of Los Angeles. Since then I have been amazed to find a contrast to this; deep people doing courageous things, wonderful culture and some of the best friends I have ever had.
There is much more to Los Angeles than vanity and I am making Los Angeles my muse for this show......This show will be called "The L.A. Shine". The show will consist of street influenced paintings, with fine art sensibilities, on Wood Panel, Canvas, Paper and Vinyl Figurines. Each piece has a central object, theme or idea that comes from what the artist has seen/experienced while living in Los Angeles. Around the object, embedded in the detail, are personal stories, thoughts, comments and observations all of which challenge the viewer.
The focus of this show was an exploration of what encompasses the wild feminine. The wild feminine is a free spirit, she is not restrained, rather she gives in to the wild and passionate side, maybe sometimes or maybe all of the time. Artists, both male and female, submitted art work for this show and created art about their perspective of the wild feminine; what she looks like, what she would do, and/or what she is willing to release from within.
Artists' Exhibiting
Mado, Brandon H. Harrison, Tania Jazz Alvarez, Rick Rodriguez, Maribel Nuno, Reidar Schopp, Erick Guadarrama, Vanessa Beckrum, Jennifer Siegal, Estela Gama, Cora Ramirez-Vasquez, Gus Brethome-Avila, and Ray Vasquez
April 4 - May 11, 2013
The Speckinside your eye
new works by Gus Brethome-Avila
This exhibition brought together an array of eclectic mix of artworks combined and interpreted creatively to challenge the imagination. The “Speck Inside your Eye” was an interpretation of the artist's view of how the world sees us and how quick we are to be judgmental. No matter how different things may appear on the surface, appearance isn’t the whole story. Each piece of work has its own meaning in which we can create our own story
behind it.
You can't depend on your eyes when your
imagination is out of focus.”
― Mark Twain
Artist's Bio:
Gus Avila enjoys working with vibrant colors with different subjects of his Artwork. Gus earned his Bachelor degree in Urban Sustainability studies from the University of Antioch Los Angeles and also an Associate of Science degree in Graphic design from the Art Institute of Los Angeles. Gus uses materials that are all recyclable, from the hand-made wood frames to recycled paint; he calls it “sustainable art”. Gus creates all his work himself, from making his own wooden frames, to mixing his own unique color palates. Gus’ favorite philosophy statement quote is “Our expression comes from the beliefs and choices within our own
composition, it could also come in forms of colors, patterns, human beauty and nature gift”. As a Graphic designer and naturalist resource advocate, Gus connects his artwork with what he sees in the everyday’s of life. His subjects are connections of his past, present and future. Gus’ Art is fun, energetic, colorful and lighthearted with a hint of old and new pop culture.
Somos Animales
New Works by
Rick Rodriguez
Show Dates:
February 7th - March 16th, 2013
For the past two years I have been living and spending time inJoshua tree. During this time, I have been embarking on a spiritual evolution,a subject that has always been a part of me. In this journey my art has alsobeen influenced. Somos Animales is about realizing that we are animals,therefore we have an animal spirit, and as such, we should to be in the samerhythm with the elements and the planet. It is about realizing that goingagainst the elements, the planet, and against our own evolution is leading toour destruction. --Rick Rodriguez Artist
Gallery Azul Presents:
7th Annual Dia de Los Muertos Group Art Exhibition
November 1st, 2012 - December 6th, 2012
Artists Exhibiting
Pat Estes, Estela Gama, Cora Ramirez-V, Dana Wyss, Ray Vasquez, MER, Rachel Madrigal, Mark Metzner, Patty Grau, Maribel Nuno Navarro, Zuelaforce, David Flores, Jonathan Bueno, David Martinez, Paula Herrera, and Harmony Vasquez
Gallery Azul Presents
The TRUTH Means NOTHING
A solo Art Exhibition by
BRANDON HARRISON
Show Dates:
September 6, 2012 - October 6, 2012
In 1799 Spanish artist Francisco Goya published a controversial body of work known as Los Caprichos; a series of 80 aquatint prints that condemned the decline of rationality that was prevalent in Spanish society. Los Caprichos were comprised of works that dealt with anti-clerical themes, the lack of morality within the ruling class, and the common prejudices and ignorance that contribute to the decline of most so-called civilized societies. Shortly after publishing Los Caprichos, Goya withdrew them from public sale due to fear of reprisal from the Catholic Church during the Inquisition.
Bank collapses, monetary disparities between the rich and the poor and increasing militarization of the police have created an atmosphere of increasing tension and frustration for the average person. Artist, Brandon Harrison, has decided to delve deep into the deterioration of our present condition and present a visual dialogue about the nefarious and disconnected forces behind politics, religion, and law enforcement; and the psychological impact these forces impose upon our society. “The Truth Means Nothing” is a collection of brand new works from artist Brandon Harrison meant to emulate Los Caprichos with respect to their classical composition, but also to reference contemporary atrocities and social injustices which the artist is known for throughout his past and present bodies of work.
“The sleep of reason produces monsters.” – Francisco de Goya
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Brandon Harrison (b. 1973) is an American artist based in Long Beach California whose intention is to comment on and analyze contemporary popular culture, politics and social injustices through the artistic mediums of fine art and graphic design.
Educated in graphic design in 2006, after years of doing freelance graphic design projects for high profile clients, Brandon was commissioned to paint his first mural for Harbor View Adolescent Center. In 2007, Brandon was awarded two additional commissions to paint murals for Bayfront Youth and Family Services in Long Beach and College Hospital in Cerritos. Later that year, he was introduced to the owners of Gallery Azul and participated in his first gallery group exhibition themed for the celebration of Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
In February 2010, Brandon had his first solo exhibition named “Uncivil Disobedience” at Gallery Azul in San Pedro. Brandon continues to participate in group shows at different galleries and venues throughout Los Angeles and the South Bay Area. “The Truth Means Nothing” will be his second solo exhibition with Gallery Azul.
1950's and 1960's ICONS
Show Dates:
July 21st - September 7th, 2012
Featured Artists:
MER, Diego Yeyo Aguirre, Cora Ramirez-V, Hector Silva, Steven Chatismo Amado, Brandon Harrison, Mark Metzner, Annie Dubber, Ray Vasquez, Mario Torero, Scooter, Nancy Webber, Gabe Razo, Marisol de las Casas, Gus Brethome Avila, Krystal Campos, Gerry Bonilla, Pat Estes, Erick Guadarrama, Guadalupe Maria Garcia, and Angel Amado
Femme Fatale
March 1st - April 5th, 2012
