A Southern California native now based in West Hollywood, Christopher Alberico is a self-taught artist who brings a raw, intuitive energy to the canvas. Working primarily with acrylics, oils, charcoal, aerosol, and mixed media, he creates bold, emotive works that explore themes of duality, movement, and emotion, often intertwined with pop culture and political commentary. After a decade-long career in health and fitness, a chance encounter with a local street artist and the life-changing isolation of the pandemic set Alberico on a new path: one of relentless creativity and self-discovery through art. Without formal training but fueled by an obsessive passion, he built his practice through experimentation, drawing inspiration from street artists, abstract expressionists, architecture, and daily life.

Q: How long have you been an artist? What has been your professional trajectory/arc?

A: I started painting in 2019, just before the pandemic. Although I always enjoyed drawing as a kid, I never pursued art seriously until adulthood. My journey really began after trading personal training sessions for a piece of art from a client, which sparked my curiosity. Without any formal training, I taught myself through trial and error, heavily influenced by street artists like Domingo Zapata and ThankYouX. When the pandemic hit, I focused on painting full-time, which allowed me to develop my unique style and start selling pieces to friends and family.

Q: How has your practice changed over time?

A: Over time, I’ve become more confident in my skills, more willing to experiment, and better at recognizing when a piece is complete. My work has shifted from being chaotic and color-heavy to more refined, calm, and balanced, using more negative space. I’ve also expanded the mediums I work with, adding oil, charcoal, spray paint, and other materials to my original acrylic-on-canvas practice.

Q: What media do you use to create your art? What process do you use?

A: I use canvas, acrylics, oil paints, charcoal, spray paint, crayon, gel, and latex house paint. For mixed media pieces, I often incorporate old street signs and magazine ads. My creative process is very intuitive — usually with music or a podcast playing — and I often work on 4–5 pieces simultaneously, moving between them as inspiration strikes.

Q: What is your inspiration? Who inspires you personally and professionally?

A: Pop culture, daily life, politics, my Catholic upbringing, and my emotions all inspire my work. Artists like ThankYouX, Retna, Willem and Elaine de Kooning, Jacques Villeglé, Raymond Hains, Flore, Louis Carreon, Damien Hirst, Domingo Zapata, Picasso, and architects like Richard Neutra and Kengo Kuma have had a big influence on me.

Q:  What is life like as an artist?

A: It’s a mix of fun, stress, chaos, and fulfillment. While painting itself feels freeing and joyful, the business side — like marketing, website management, and networking — is the real grind. I balance my art career with a second job, which requires careful time management.

Q:  What artistic challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

A: The biggest challenge has been dedicating enough time to the business side of art. I’m overcoming it by being more intentional about my schedule, making sure that about 25% of my art time each week goes toward marketing and business tasks.

Q: What project or piece of work are you most proud of?

A: I don’t have a single piece I’m most proud of — I tend to favor my latest work because I can see my growth and skill improvement over time.

Through a constantly evolving process that blends structured technique with spontaneous intuition, Alberico has carved out a distinct visual language that is both powerful and personal. Life as an artist has proven to be a balancing act — full of highs, challenges, and tireless behind-the-scenes work — but it’s also a life driven by passion and a commitment to authentic expression. With each new piece, their voice grows louder, more confident, and more refined. Though the journey is still unfolding, one thing remains clear: the art is not just about creating images; it’s about creating a feeling, a connection, and a space for reflection in an often chaotic world.

Keep up with Chris Alberico:

Instagram: @calberico

TikTok: @calberico7

Website: http://www.saatchiart.com/account/profile/2758385

The post Artist Q&A | Christopher Alberico appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

When you think of an artist, you might picture someone solitary, lost in their craft. But for Ramsess, art is about connection, education, and giving back to the community. His journey, which began in 1976, has taken him through an array of mediums—quilting, stained glass, mosaics, illustration—but his underlying purpose remains the same: to inspire and uplift others.

A Lifelong Creative Journey

Ramsess’ artistic career began with drawing, but it wasn’t long before he was experimenting with a variety of artistic forms. Working at the Los Angeles Times, he secured an internship in the art department, which fueled his desire to explore new techniques. Over the years, he expanded into quilting, mosaics, and stained glass, often pushing himself to master skills he initially knew little about.

His quilting journey began as a collaboration—teaching a class on a technique he was also learning himself. This willingness to dive into new challenges has defined his career. Now, he travels the country teaching others the art of portrait quilting, sometimes astonishing his students by proving they can create a portrait quilt in a single day.

Evolution of an Artist

For Ramsess, growth as an artist means embracing new creative challenges. He lives by the philosophy that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. His mentors at the Los Angeles Times encouraged him to study and deconstruct techniques on his own, and he now passes that wisdom on to others. If he can teach something, he does—often charging far less than the market rate for his classes because he believes in accessibility.

A Multi-Media Visionary

In addition to his fine art, Ramsess creates calendars, note cards, and coloring books. His upcoming books focus on themes of jazz history and the wonders of creation, featuring figures that children love to color. Inspired by his own grandchildren, he views these books as an opportunity to blend education with creativity.

Inspiration Through History and Community

Ramsess finds inspiration in figures like Paul Robeson, the subject of his first portrait. His Tools of History exhibit brought to life historical figures he had previously only heard about, emphasizing the power of visual storytelling. His work frequently highlights lesser-known musicians and historical figures, much like a quilt piecing together fragments of a story that deserve to be remembered.

One of his most impactful pieces featured Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat who issued visas to Jewish refugees during World War II. The quilt, featuring a Japanese flag and a Star of David, sparked deep emotional responses from viewers, proving the power of art to educate and evoke strong memories.

Art as a Tool for Change

At his core, Ramsess wants his art to inspire thought and conversation. Whether through editorial cartoons at the Los Angeles Times or portraits of historical figures, his goal is to encourage independent thinking. He values accessibility, ensuring that his work is available at affordable prices so people can walk away with a piece of history.

Beyond art, he is deeply committed to education. He once worked in a juvenile court school, teaching troubled youth how to create mosaics, murals, and masks. For many of these students, art became an escape, a path they might never have considered otherwise. He spent the majority of his budget on high-quality materials, prioritizing the students’ experiences over personal gain.

Overcoming Artistic Challenges

While Ramsess has faced challenges, he has learned to steer clear of bureaucratic roadblocks, particularly in city-funded projects that often yield little tangible result. Instead, he focuses on meaningful work that brings immediate value to the community.

His Proudest Work and Dream Projects

His most recent work is always his proudest. Currently, that’s a massive 24 ft x 16 ft quilt inspired by a 1958 photograph of jazz musicians. Every piece of fabric is unique, mirroring the diversity of the musicians it depicts.

As for the future, Ramsess dreams of creating a large, publicly displayed stained glass installation, possibly in the Crenshaw district. He envisions a rotating display made by and for the community, ensuring that art remains a living, evolving presence in the neighborhood.

A Legacy of Generosity and Passion

For Ramsess, being an artist is about more than creating beautiful work. It’s about sharing knowledge, building connections, and ensuring that history and culture remain accessible to all. His unwavering generosity and passion make him not just an artist, but a true community builder. Whether through teaching, creating, or inspiring, he leaves behind a legacy far greater than the sum of his works—a legacy of creativity, education, and kindness.

Follow Ramsess for the latest

https://www.facebook.com/Ramsessartonline

The post Ramsess: The Artist Who Builds Community Through Creativity appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

The LA Art Show has proven once again that longevity does not equate to stagnation. Even as it celebrated its 30th anniversary, the show continues to evolve, bringing fresh perspectives and deepening its connection with both the Los Angeles art scene and the wider community.

By maintaining its commitment to innovation and cultural dialogue, it remains one of the most anticipated events in the art world. The organizers have already announced that the next edition will take place from January 7 to 11, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The 2025 edition of the LA Art Show commenced on February 19 with an electrifying opening night premiere party, hosted by actress and producer Jenna Dewan. The event benefited the American Heart Association and the California Community Foundation’s Wildlife Recovery Fund. The evening also honored first responders, including members of the LA County Fire Department, who have been on the front lines of recent wildfires. To pay tribute to these heroes, renowned LA muralist Robert Vargas created a monumental live painting, aptly titled “HEROES,” capturing the resilience and bravery of those who protect the community.

Over the course of the fair, which concluded on February 23, attendees were greeted by Viktor Freso’s striking 30-foot “Bear Sculpture.” The imposing figure served as a metaphor for perseverance and fortitude, setting the tone for the powerful narratives shared throughout the show. The event featured over 90 international galleries, with representation from Ukraine, South Korea, Turkey, Canada, and beyond. Fredy Hadorn of Licht Feld Gallery (Switzerland) remarked on the event’s success, noting significant engagement and sales. Bernard Markowicz of Markowicz Fine Art observed the emotional impact of the show, sharing how individuals who had lost homes found solace and renewal in acquiring new artworks.

One of the show’s standout features, DIVERSEartLA, under the guidance of curator Marisa Caichiolo, took a retrospective approach this year, reflecting on eight years of thought-provoking projects. Each showcased piece pushed boundaries, advocating for inclusivity and diversity in the arts. Among the most engaging installations was Antuan Rodriguez’s “Left” or “Right,” which invited attendees to vent frustrations through punching bags adorned with images of global political figures. Meanwhile, Argentinian duo Chiachio & Giannone (MOLAA) exhibited their expansive 120-foot-long textile Pride flag, previously carried through the Long Beach Pride Parade, as a symbol of unity and celebration.

The 2025 edition of the LA Art Show also featured a diverse array of standout presentations:

• Building Bridges Art Exchange: The “Breathing Resilience” exhibition highlighted the work of artists who, despite losing homes or studios in the wildfires, continued to create, emphasizing the strength and solidarity of the artistic community.
• Gallery Dana Bay: Renowned lyricist Bernie Taupin CBE, best known for his collaboration with Elton John, unveiled “The Wall,” a mixed media mural centered on the American flag. The piece’s distressed yet enduring imagery conveyed the resilience of a nation.
• Snisarenko Gallery (Ukraine): “She, Unbroken” paid tribute to Ukrainian female artists who have lived through war, using their artwork to tell stories of endurance and survival.
• Daphne Alazraki Fine Art: Artist Elizabeth Healey’s life-sized sculpture of a dog, “Bowie,” made from an array of precious materials such as quartz, glass, and ceramic, took inspiration from the legendary musician David Bowie. The sculpture incorporated his iconic lightning bolt and heterochromatic eyes. Additionally, the booth showcased abstract expressionist pieces from the 1950s and 1960s by artists like Paul Wonner and Julian Schnabel.
• Licht Feld Gallery (Switzerland): Multidisciplinary artist Arch Hades presented “Isle,” an evocative sculpture inspired by the Venetian island of San Michele, often referred to as the “island of the dead.” The piece featured an inscription that read, “poems are like gravestones, marking where love lies,” adding a deeply poetic element to the installation.

With another successful year in the books, the LA Art Show continues to reaffirm its place as a cultural touchstone for both the art world and the city of Los Angeles. Through its unwavering commitment to artistic innovation, diversity, and community engagement, it remains a premier destination for collectors, creators, and art lovers alike.

For more information on the LA Art Show visit https://www.laartshow.com/

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LA Art Show (@laartshow)

All photography is courtesy of the LA Art Show

The post LA Art Show 30th Anniversary appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

The LA Art Show is returning to the Los Angeles Convention Center from February 19 to 23, 2025, marking its milestone 30th anniversary. This iconic event celebrates the city’s vital role in shaping the global art scene. In light of the recent tragic fires, organizers have chosen to move forward with the fair to support the local creative community. “As LA’s longest-standing art fair, our mission is clear: to uplift the artists and galleries that are integral to our cultural identity,” says Kassandra Voyagis, the fair’s director and producer. “Our decision is rooted in a strong commitment to help with healing and recovery, offering solace and support during these difficult times.”

In a special gesture of appreciation, the LA Art Show will offer free entry to firefighters and their families from February 20-23 as a thank you for their unwavering dedication to the city. Additionally, the fair will be making a donation to a charity focused on aiding the rebuilding efforts, with the exact recipient still being determined. Visitors will also have the chance to contribute online to this cause.

To honor the first responders, well-known LA artist Robert Vargas will create a monumental live mural, titled Heroes, during the Opening Night event. This tribute will celebrate the courage of those who have selflessly served the community while also embodying the enduring spirit of Los Angeles as it rises from adversity.

Building Bridges Art Exchange, a local initiative dedicated to fostering cultural exchange through art, will showcase works by artists who lost their homes and studios in the fires. All proceeds from the sale of these artworks will go directly to support the affected artists.

Global Art Highlights:

• DIVERSEartLA: Curated by Marisa Caichiolo, this non-commercial platform returns with an exhibition that reflects its transformative journey over the past eight years. The show is dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices, featuring works from eight notable art institutions.
• LICHT FELD GALLERY (Switzerland): Arch Hades, the multidisciplinary artist and bestselling poet who became the highest-paid living poet in 2021, will present her sculpture Isle, a tribute to the island of San Michele in Veneto.
• COLUMBIA ROAD GALLERY (London, UK): Bringing the vibrant energy of East London’s art scene to LA, this gallery will showcase works by Kate Boxer, Thomas Gosebruch, Hannah Ludnow, and Jonathan Schofield.
• SNISARENKO GALLERY (Ukraine): The exhibition She, Unbroken features the works of Ukrainian-born female artists who have endured the horrors of war. Their art speaks to resilience, strength, and perseverance.
• CORAL GALLERY (Miami): Roberto Vivo will present his sculptural pieces, including The Human Tribe Totem, a large-scale bronze sculpture that made its debut at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
• CASTERLINE|GOODMAN GALLERY (Aspen): Daniel Yocum, an emerging American artist known for his bold fusion of figurative abstraction and hip-hop influences, will showcase works that feature vibrant color schemes, dynamic shapes, and motifs such as cars and flowers.
• ART IN DONGSAN (South Korea): Sculptor Steel Che (Youngkwan Choi) will present his piece Steam Robot, which transforms industrial materials into striking sculptures, reflecting both his mastery of traditional techniques and innovative approach to modern art.
• DANUBIANA MUSEUM (Slovakia): Viktor Freso’s monumental Bear Sculpture, standing an impressive 30 feet tall, will welcome visitors at the entrance as a symbol of strength and resilience, setting an ambitious tone for the event.

For three decades, the LA Art Show has been committed to making art accessible to everyone, offering a broad range of artworks in various mediums and price points to appeal to both new collectors and established art lovers. Tickets are available at www.laartshow.com, and 15% of all ticket sales will be donated to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign.

Tickets:

You can purchase tickets for the LA Art Show at www.laartshow.com.

Location:

Los Angeles Convention Center

1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015.

The post LA Art Show Celebrates 30th Anniversary and Community Support Amidst Fire Recovery appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

I turned the corner, and GASP! Where traditionally stood a room of TVs, didn’t. TVs used to adorn full walls of the apartment at Brewery Artwalk, with TVs even serving as partitions in the living room. Manikins (with TV heads) used to watch the TVs littering the space. I’d really appreciated that particular space at Brewery Artwalk, but what I appreciate even more is Alex Moaveni’s contemporary Artwalk installation.

Minimalist, but somehow both functional and cutting-edge art, Alex Moaevni’s artwork is universally attractive. Now, with my granola self (I enjoy café lights, a well organized but quirky space, and certainly gemstones and crystals – because, let’s face it, who doesn’t?), I had a particular appreciation for the type of art Moaveni produces. It’s personal, and yet still commercial.

Moaveni has somehow produced an exhibition of 1) fine art, 2) commercially viable art for mass audiences, and 3) large-scale experience-worthy art (think Meow Wolf or Refinery29 art shows).

NoHo Arts District had the pleasure of virtually sitting down with Moaveni for a very special Q&A.

Q: How long have you been an artist? What has been your professional trajectory/arc?

A: I was hired at the Mill LA in 2010 as a runner which was a pretty great way to discover the city as a new transplant. Running errands and delivering tapes to various editors and color grading houses around town gave me a feel for LA fairly quickly. I worked on commercial visual effects there for a couple years as a Houdini FX artist before I got the opportunity to do feature film animation on Sony Imageworks Hotel Transylvania. I did a couple more features with them and then got hired on at Disney Animation for Moana. Working on Moana was an incredible experience partnering with animation legends Ron Clements and John Musker. I remember once I got a note from them asking if I could make the water in one of my shots “feel more sad” which perplexed me at the time, simulated effects typically try to resemble real-world physics but that comment shifted my perspective away from technical realism into how to use math and technology to affect emotional response in visuals. I was frustrated in the moment but now I’m eternally grateful for that insight. I got the opportunity to expand further on that idea when I partnered with another animation legend Dan Lund on Frozen 2. Dan was and is very influential with the visual language of the magic in the Frozen franchise. The software I use Houdini excels in replicating physical properties of natural phenomena such as fire, water, clouds, etc. but his background in 2d hand-drawn effects is very connected with more emotional, theatrical feelings so under his mentorship we found ways to “break” CG animation tendencies of being very literal, physically based, and made the graphics more emotional often by doing things by hand frame-by-frame. Frozen 2 I consider the high watermark of my animation career. I won my second Annie Award for that, but the Covid pandemic caused another massive shift in my creative perspective. During that time I grew sick of living life through screens and I realized all of my work up until then had been virtual pixels and I craved something more tangible, I wanted a visceral direct experience. In the summer of 2020 I started building electric skateboards, I discovered a group of dudes that were building these machines that resembled race cars more than what we first think of as a skateboard. They were constructed of a chromoly tube frame with aluminum plating capable of over 40 mph, check out Moe of Stooge Raceboards truly incredible work. I wanted to be a part of that so I learned how to design parts in CAD and built a CNC machine to mill masters from which I made fiberglass molds and then carbon fiber parts to build my own electric skateboards, on which I later raced and won. For me, the fun part was painting these boards with 70’s style chopper/muscle car graphics but all my potential customers wanted them in matte black matte black matte black. So I grew tired of that prospect and desired to do something more creative. My marriage didn’t survive the pandemic and one week after I learned of my impending divorce a friend from university reached out after 12 years since we last spoke asking if I’d like to come to Burning Man, which hell yeah I’ve never had a better opportunity in my life. At the event, I was blown away by the light art and LED sculptures and decided I needed to be a part of that. Given my background in digital art and experience working with resin, it felt like a very natural transition to making emissive objects that impart emotion. For me it’s about the transmission of light and animation, the crystals happen to be a very interesting shape that picks up the light properties. One of my inspirations came from my work I did on Frozen 2, during the “Show Yourself” sequence Elsa breaks through an ice wall shattering the fragments into a dark void which then shows her visions of the elements of nature. When animating the sequence Dan and myself took inspiration from kinetic sculptures and I’ve felt since then I’d love to recreate that effect in real life, that was the idea behind my crystal flag fixtures.

Q: How has your practice changed over time?

A: I started off with a focus on realism but transitioned to more emotional, semi-abstract during my time with Disney. Today I’m most interested in conveying feelings of serenity through the use of light and form.

Q: What media do you use to create your art?

A: I’m interested in bridging the gap from virtual digital art with the physical world. I consider LEDs to be physical pixels but the properties of direct emissive light have qualities of their own, darks are hard to portray for example I find you can get away with it using contrast. Light is so incredibly interesting it actually has a somatic response on the viewer. I’m not super scientific with my color choices I go on feel but a lot of people tell me the pieces are so soothing which is what I’m going for.

Q: What message do you hope your audience imparts from your work?

A: It’s not so much a story as it is a feeling of calm, of reconnection with the Tao, God, the Universe whatever you want to call it. I live with this stuff every day and I want to feel peace and at home.

Q: What is life like as an artist?

A: Lol omg. Not easy. I could have used my skills to secure a much more comfortable life but I deliberately chose to do something that felt authentic to my core self. My spiritual practice is strong, so when I realized that life is just energy recycled and this particular human at this particular time has a yearning to make cool stuff that makes other humans feel nice, it feels like a responsibility to keep pulling that thread. Day to day it’s a constant balance of trying to stay inspired while getting things done. It’s too easy to get stuck in “I need to get it done” mode during which inspiration and the quality of work suffers. You need to center yourself on why you’re doing what you’re doing and it’s easy to lose perspective working alone in your studio.

Q: What is your dream project?

A: I would absolutely love to build a crystal starfield room for Meow Wolf LA, or if money was no object make my own outdoor-light-wonderland thing out in Joshua Tree

Moaveni’s seemed to achieve a particular enlightenment. An enlightenment that circulates as platitudes from parents to children (especially parents to children who pursue artistic endeavors). But Moaveni has embraced art for art’s sake – something to share with others and quite literally brighten their days. Versus getting caught in the trap of cranking out pieces of work because that’s the expectation.

NoHo Arts looks forward to seeing Moaveni’s work in large-scale installations for art experiences enjoyed by the many. We are certain this is what’s to come for Moaveni, and excited to have shared some time on his path.

• Instagram
• TikTok

The post Artist Spotlight | Alex Moaveni appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

It’s not often that you find a successful artist gifting away art as ancillary packaging. Typically the artwork is the gift itself. But Todd Westover’s rise to acclaim was a bit atypical, to say the least.

Both a successful individual in the corporate space, but more importantly, a successful father, Westover’s entry into the art world was about as unlinear and propelled as they get. Todd Westover would often paint with his two daughters growing up. He eventually pulled out a large piece of butcher paper and began to make doodles with his daughters on the paper. These doodles on butcher paper eventually became giftwrap. Giftwrap that was given to his daughters’ friends for birthday parties, and giftwrap which adorned presents throughout the calendar year. Until that is, the parents and family members started asking to purchase Westover’s work. The rest is history!

Westover’s work is refreshingly apolitical. Westover just wants people to enjoy art and understand a visual expression of his own internalizations and experiences of the beauty in this world. And isn’t that simply….beautiful?

With artwork as vibrant and open-hearted as the artist himself, Westover was gracious enough to sit down with the NoHo Arts District for a virtual Q&A. We are honored and encouraged to have broken bread with such a likable and passionate individual.

Q: How long have you been an artist? What has been your professional trajectory/arc?

A: I started painting in 2013. 11 years ago. I now have painted over 200 original paintings (half of them sold) and I’ve sold dozens of prints. I started painting with my kids when they were young and it completely took over my life. I moved to the Brewery Arts Complex in 2017 and started selling work right away. I knew that I had to make a move into the art world as I wasn’t going to sell much from my kitchen table in the suburbs.

Q: How has your practice changed over time? 

A: I try to paint every day. Lately, I am working exclusively on commissions. Also, I am selling prints, clothing, greeting cards, and a book of my art. It has become a full-time job. And certainly my main focus professionally.

Q: What media do you use to create your art?

A: Acrylic paint, usually on canvas or wood.

Q: What is your inspiration? Who has been an inspiration to you personally and professionally?

A: I started painting with my children when they were little. I owe it all to them. When I was a kid, I loved the flower power graphics I saw all around me in the 60s. On TV, record covers, stickers, clothing, etc. I would draw and doodle that flower image often and into my adulthood. The Beatles movie Yellow Submarine was a huge influence, also the artist Peter Max. Andy Warhol as well although I really didn’t understand what he did. But I liked it. My uncle gave me the first edition of Zap Comics. Robert Crumb was definitely an influence. I’m completely self-taught. I’ve always loved Picasso, but I’ve never taken an art history class so I’m still learning about other famous artists.

Q: What message do you hope your audience imparts from your work?

A: The comment I hear most about my art is that it makes people happy. It certainly makes me happy to paint it. There is no real message other than enjoy life in the moment. I’m glad it can make someone feel good inside even for a minute.

Q: What is life like as an artist?

A: My favorite days are the ones where I get up in the morning, paint, have lunch, take a nap, and continue painting until I go to bed at night. My favorite time to paint is the late afternoon until it gets dark. My studio has amazing light all day long, but it is absolutely sublime late in the day. There’s also a big part of being an artist that is just work… delivering paintings, packing, getting it in the mail, fulfilling print orders, etc. There’s a lot of running around and on-line shopping (canvases, paint, shipping tubes) that might not seem obvious. Sometimes it’s just work and not much fun. I’d rather be painting.

Q: What has been an artistic challenge you have faced and how did you overcome this?

A: The first mural I painted was 50 feet long and two stories tall. It takes me months to finish a normal-sized painting that is only a couple feet tall. I remember looking at that empty wall and thinking I might have to tell them I can’t do it because it will take me too long. It seemed like such a daunting project. A fellow artist then told me that muralists often use brooms as brushes. Also house paint rollers. When the brush got bigger it all made sense.

Q: What project or piece of work have you been most proud of to date?

A: I recently painted a commissioned portrait of Marie Antoinette. The painting has recreations of my work shown on the wall behind her as if it were her art collection. I had to re-create my paintings with ornate frames around each one. And the rest of the painting was also very detailed and challenging. The hair, the dress, her face. All of it was a huge challenge. Somehow it all worked. During the process I felt like I could do no wrong and that whatever I did, whenever the brush hit the canvas, it would be right. And it was. I felt like I turned a corner with that painting. It was a huge confidence booster.

Q: What is your dream project?

A: I would like to see my work on the side of large buildings, several stories tall. I want to paint on one of those large scaffoldings that is mechanically controlled. It would be wonderful to have the love and happiness conveyed in my work showcased on a massive international level.

• Facebook
• Instagram

The post Artist Spotlight | Todd Westover appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

The Brewery Artwalk 2024, a vibrant celebration of creativity and community, showcased an impressive array of artworks from resident artists in one of Los Angeles’ largest live/work artist communities. Spanning over two days, the event transformed the industrial space into a dynamic gallery filled with diverse artistic expressions.

Art at its core is intimate and personal to the creators and viewers. But Brewery Artwalk is hyper intimate – artists literally welcome you into their homes. Some have clearly been rearranged to transform into galleries, some obviously are permanent galleries the artist lives amongst. This year’s Brewery Artwalk did not disappoint. The eclectic variety of artworks represents the event’s spirit: inclusive, colorful, and deeply rooted in personal narrative.

As visitors entered the Brewery, they were greeted by an eclectic mix of media, ranging from painting and sculpture to multimedia installations. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, punctuated by familiar chatter and the scent of food trucks serving a variety of culinary delights. 

A notable trend this year was the emphasis on interactivity. Several artists, like Alex Reyes, invited attendees to engage directly with their installations. Reyes’ piece, “Echoes of the Past,” encouraged visitors to leave their thoughts on interactive boards, creating a living tapestry of community reflections. This participatory element added a layer of depth to the experience, allowing the audience to become part of the artwork itself.

Emerging Voices

The Brewery Artwalk also provided a platform for both established and emerging artists, showcasing their innovative approaches and fresh perspectives. This year was the first that I saw fashion on display and for sale. The use of recycled materials and immersive soundscapes sparked conversations about ecological responsibility, demonstrating the power of art as a vehicle for social change.

Community Connection

Beyond the artwork, the event fostered a sense of community. Artists opened their studios to share their creative processes and stories, inviting dialogue with visitors. The warmth and openness of the Brewery’s resident artists created an inviting atmosphere that encouraged connections and collaborations.

Many attendees expressed appreciation for the event’s focus on local talent. Conversations about art flowed freely, and several guests mentioned feeling inspired to explore their own creativity after witnessing the passion and dedication of the artists.

The Brewery Artwalk 2024 was more than just an exhibition; it was a celebration of the creative spirit that thrives in Los Angeles. With its rich tapestry of artistic expression, interactive installations, and a strong sense of community, the event not only showcased the work of talented artists but also underscored the importance of art in bringing people together.

This year’s event reaffirmed that art is not just to be observed; it is to be experienced, shared, and celebrated together.

Location:

The Brewery, Los Angeles  

621 Ave 21, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Date:

October 21-22 2024

Upcoming:

Spring 2025

More Info:

• Facebook
• Instagram

The post Brewery Artwalk Fall 2024 appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

Kyungmi Shin’s Origin Stories exhibition is a captivating exploration of identity, memory, and cultural heritage that invites viewers to engage deeply with the layers of personal and collective narratives. Presented in a thoughtfully curated space, the exhibition seamlessly blends various media, including painting, installation, and digital art, creating an immersive experience that reflects Shin’s multifaceted approach to storytelling.

Shin’s work often employs a rich color palette and intricate textures that evoke a sense of nostalgia and introspection. In Origin Stories, she uses these elements to weave together her own experiences as an immigrant and artist, highlighting the complexities of belonging and displacement. Each piece serves as a fragment of a larger narrative, inviting viewers to piece together their own interpretations of identity.

One striking installation features a series of large canvases adorned with layered imagery that reflects both personal memories and broader cultural motifs. The juxtaposition of abstract forms and figurative elements creates a dialogue between the intimate and the universal, allowing the audience to resonate with the emotions conveyed. This interplay between personal history and collective experience is a recurring theme throughout the exhibition.

Shin’s exploration of memory is particularly poignant. Her work delves into the idea of memory as a construct—both fragile and malleable. Through a combination of visual storytelling and text, she challenges the viewer to consider how memories shape our understanding of ourselves and our connections to others. The incorporation of familial and cultural references adds depth, prompting reflections on the ways in which our origins influence our present.

In one notable piece, Shin utilizes multimedia projections that animate her paintings, creating a dynamic experience that shifts the perception of static art. This innovative approach not only enhances the narrative but also underscores the idea that stories are not fixed; they evolve and adapt over time.

The emotional resonance of Origin Stories is palpable. Shin’s ability to convey vulnerability while simultaneously celebrating resilience invites a profound connection with the audience. Viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own origins, histories, and the narratives that shape their lives. This universal invitation to introspection is one of the exhibition’s greatest strengths, making it accessible to a diverse audience.

Kyungmi Shin’s Origin Stories is an evocative exhibition that deftly navigates the intersections of identity, memory, and culture. With her innovative use of materials and multimedia, Shin creates an immersive experience that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. As viewers traverse the exhibition, they are not merely passive observers but active participants in the unfolding narratives, prompting a deeper understanding of their own stories in relation to those depicted in Shin’s work.

In sum, Origin Stories is a testament to the power of art as a medium for exploring complex themes of belonging and identity. It is an exhibition that lingers long after the final viewing, inspiring conversations about the stories that define us and the connections we forge across cultural boundaries.

• Instagram
• Facebook

The post Kyungmi Shin’s Origin Stories appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

Terry Arena’s “Natural Capital” offers a compelling commentary on our relationship with the environment through a striking mix of multimedia and traditional techniques. Arena’s latest exhibition explores the intersections between nature, commerce, and the human condition, presenting a body of work that is as thought-provoking as it is visually arresting.

Arena’s artistic voice is familiar and homey, though with global reach. Arena speaks directly to our collective conscience. “Natural Capital” provokes dialogue and encourages critical reflection on our role in the degradation and preservation of our environment. In a time when environmental issues are more pressing than ever, Arena’s work is both a call to action and a celebration of the natural world’s inherent value.

Arena’s use of mixed media creates a dialogue between the organic and the synthetic, capturing the essence of natural beauty while critiquing its commodification. 

Arena’s work cleverly juxtaposes past and present, illustrating how economic interests have historically shaped environmental policies. Arena’s use of archival paper and contemporary data visuals creates a textured narrative that challenges viewers to reconsider the ways in which economic systems dictate environmental outcomes.

In summary, Terry Arena’s “Natural Capital” is a must-see for anyone invested in the discourse surrounding environmental art. It’s a powerful testament to how art can illuminate complex issues and inspire change, all while providing a visually familiar experience. Natural Capital is a vital conversation starter about our ecological future.

https://www.instagram.com/terryarenaart/?hl=en

The post Terry Arena’s “Natural Capital” appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

Picture the 20th century and the heavy hitters who shaped the art world of the time. Imagine Basquiat, Dalí, Delaunay, Haring, Hockney, and Lichtenstein all had an art exhibition together. Okay, now imagine that this exhibition was a carnival. But an art carnival! No, this isn’t some caffeine-fueled AI pipedream, this actually happened. The world’s first “art amusement park” was curated by André Heller in 1987, and featured in Hamburg, Germany at a popup fairground. Oh yeah, and Miles Davis and Philip Glass gave Heller permission to play their music.

Are you ready for this to get a little more weird (in the best of ways)? Drake, Canadian rap star/pop star was the one to inject $100 million into exhuming this Luna Luna Forgotten Fantasy. While almost a quarter million visitors frequented Luna Luna in 1987, the theme park lost funding. So off the exhibition went into 44 shipping containers, destination, Texas. Through Drake’s media company, DreamCrew, Heller’s park was brought to Los Angeles. This is the first of many planned stops as Luna Luna begins its tour.

Nested within a huge two-warehouse bay, Luna Luna was resurrected in Los Angeles in a near facsimile of the layout in Hamburg, Germany.

While warehouse spaces can feel commercial and an “art amusement park” seems slanted for the social media influencers of today, Luna Luna wasn’t gimmicky. Luna Luna seemed like a massive art exhibition which blended art movements, generations, and disciplines.

While you couldn’t ride the Keith Haring merry-go-rounds, nor the Basquiat Ferris Wheel (yes, I said that), you could enter the Dalí mirrored funhouse dome for a nominal upgrade in the experience.

Luna Luna’s original location, Hamburg, was intentional. Not only was Luna Luna meant as an inaugural immersive experience that combined the traditionally high-brow with the low, but it was meant to stand as a symbol of anti-discrimination and to fight against antisemitism. Heller’s own father was detained by Nazis in World War II (WWII), and Hamburg was a former deportation site during WWII. 

As a postwar project, Luna Luna remains hyper-relevant today. The dim lighting which mimics the carnival at dusk, helps us filter enough of the world’s visual noise, so that we may focus on what is beautiful and priority in this world.

Luna Luna: https://lunaluna.com/ 

Next Stop: Announced Soon

The post Luna Luna Forgotten Fantasy appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..