Habitual Artistry: Sunhee Joo, Betzi Stein, Pam Douglas, Judy Zimbert

A number of TAG Member Artists are featured in Habitual, a new exhibition by Gallery 825, Los Angeles Art Association. Check out these exciting works from Sunhee Joo, Betzi Stein, Pam Douglas, and Judy Zimbert.

Los Angeles Art Association proudly presents Habitual - an all media exploration of repetition and pattern in contemporary art practice. Habitual is an online exhibition and sale featuring artwork by LAAA artists running July 25- August 10, 2020.

InstaCycle+of+LifeFinal2.jpg

Sunhee Joo

Cycle of Life ll

“One day I went to beach near the water and found a seabird dipping and feeding in the waves. While I was watching it, I realized that life is a big cycle of events in our lives. Then I later made a collage with photos I took there.” – Sunhee Joo

Cycle of Life II, Habitual | Sunhee Joo, TAG Member Artist

Pattern+10.jpg

Betzi Stein

Pattern 10

“Pattern 10 is tenth in a series of gel pen pattern drawings on black paper that I did some years ago. This is the only one in the series where I combined two of the drawings together in a collage.” – Betzi Stein

Pattern 10, Habitual | Betzi Stein, TAG Member Artist

Primal+Rhythms+copy.jpg

Pam Douglas

Primal Rhythms

“Primal Rhythms measures pulses of energy in tough mediums including rope, spray paint, inks, acrylic on canvas. Around 4 feet square, it was part of the 2016 series ‘Rhythms’ that explored heartbeats in a year of tension. We sense universal tempos in the timing of our days.” – Pam Douglas

Primal Rhythms, Habitual | Pam Douglas, TAG Member Artist

OBLIVION+#2.jpeg

Judy Zimbert

OBLIVION #2

“Oblivion 2 is a mixed media piece using a Chinese stamp and charcoal as well as both acrylic and oil paint. It is 8”x8” on canvas.” – Judy Zimbert

OBLIVION #2, Habitual | Judy Zimbert, TAG Member Artist

August Delights At TAG Gallery: Michael Burnham, Gianna Vargas, Garo Ourfalian, California Open

TAG Gallery is delighted to share the works of artists Michael Burnham, Gianna Vargas, and Garo Ourfalian. Their upcoming solo exhibits open August 11. Visit our website and social  media for updates on opportunities to view the works virtually and in person. Please call TAG Gallery for viewing opportunities when Stay Home orders are lifted.

August 11 – September 5

Michael Burnham
Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously 

Gianna Vargas
Shelter At Home

Garo Ourfalian
0 to 1

Michael Burnham
Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously

584453cc-ebef-49fd-aa9a-8bf53e822141.jpg

Existentialist philosopher Jean Paul Sarte once stated “We are all condemned to be free.” In Sarte’s mind and philosophy life functions as a weight of sorts around one’s neck, a heavy sentence of responsibility in a dark meaningless world. In Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously, Burnham challenges the notion that life is a constant burden, instead opting to find humor and levity amongst the randomness of the constant adversity of everyday life. As such, Burnham has mastered the art of leaning into accepting the concept of personal responsibility, finding meaning and purpose within his life.  Burnham applies these principles to his practice as well, photographing his subjects from unique and interesting angles, inserting a sense of child-like inquisitiveness in each composition. 

Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously revels in the “burden” of responsibility with a celebratory tone, to the point of giddiness, subscribing to the idea that accepting responsibility for one’s own life opens the door to incalculable possibilities that can overwhelm the mind to the point of nonsensical absurdity.

25799b56-6767-4592-967e-260e5d49c9e0.jpg

Gianna Vargas
Shelter At Home

6ea467f5-9c80-4551-8abc-f94c51a5433c.jpeg

In creating the paintings for this show, Vargas strove to create beautiful artwork that is both dynamic and optimistic. “I wanted the work to project an idea:  though often changeable and unsettling, life can be beautiful and hopeful. I recognize the value of belonging and community and also that many people lack this opportunity. For foster youth aging out of their foster home, being thrust into the world without a family can be depressing and daunting. ASOH supports foster youth as they transition into independent housing by transforming empty apartments into beautiful homes.”

How does one create a sense of home? Quality furnishings designed with care and beautiful art on the walls can impart prestige and a sense of worth to the individual who resides there. It says, “You are worth having wonderful things.” 

My technique for these paintings was to use layer and abstraction to create amorphous organic shapes that draw in the viewer and allow them to escape into color. I used a variety of marks such as drips, brushstrokes, and line. I mostly let the paint do what it wanted with my gentle direction. The end result is work that is engaging and will leave the viewer with a sense of hope. I am so proud that this work will help to create a sense of home." 100% of net proceeds will be donated to ASOH.

19428ed6-1421-45fe-8dde-209f01012d66.jpeg
6612d96f-1514-4607-bc8d-3d460f5acff4.jpg

In 0 to 1, Ourfalian utilizes oil paints and mark making in an effort to investigate and traverse the powerful ability of art to shift our consciousness and emotional state. As such, this work is aimed at molding the viewers sensibilities into what it is they so desire to receive from within. Whether it be broadening our perspectives or finding value in the unexpected, the intent is to reach uncharted territories.

A self taught artist who moved to Los Angeles in his 20’s, Ourfalian found a fertile ground for more inspiration through Southern California’s profound diversity. As a result, he aimed to expand his inquisitive mind by branching out from his Middle Eastern traditions, creating an abyss that was eventually filled with cultural influence from all over the world. The melting of different cultures, styles, and languages assisted in Ourfalian uncovering a new realm of complexities within himself along with the sudden realization that his current location was just a sizably larger version of what he experienced in the Middle East.

Ourfalian uses his practice as a means of understanding himself, human behavior, and social interactions. Shapes, symbols, colors, and are key figures in his work; as such, his practice elicits a timeless, yet emotional impact on viewers. “Every human interaction drives me to create symbolic art and images that penetrate the psyche behind action and behavior.” He also states, “Life may be a series of choices, but art never was... It is as basic a need as air and water.”

78311f5e-fdf4-42b6-b51a-3dae9c34957d.jpg

Now Accepting Art: 2020 California Open

Deadline To Submit: August 8.

Acceptance Announced August 18. Apple Here.

The 15th Annual 2020 California Open is a national juried competition celebrating contemporary and modern art hosted by TAG Gallery.

FIRST PLACE $1000
SECOND PLACE $500
THIRD PLACE $250
HONORABLE MENTION X3

Application & Prospectus

BlackLivesMatter.jpg

TAG gallery supports diversity, equity and inclusivity. #BlackLivesMatter

Contemporary Fine Art Now Showing At TAG Gallery: Liliana D' Ambrosio, Damon Reinagle, Fielden Harper, David Stewart Klein

Explore the works of artists Liliana D'Ambrosio, Damon Reinagle, Fielder Harper, and David Stewart Klein, now on display at TAG Gallery. Our artists' exhibitions are also available online.

Contemporary Fine Art Now Showing At TAG Gallery- Liliana D' Ambrosio, Damon Reinagle, Fielden Harper, David Stewart Klein.jpg
bd8b174a-ddfe-42fc-9a1b-b96509127fca.jpg

David Stewart Klein

David Stewart Klein’s fine art is unified by the need to express something strong, volatile, fragile, fleeting. These expressions are true in his latest exhibition at TAG Gallery, "Welcome to the New World: As It's Always Been."

David's work is currently on display.

See More…

Maggie Having a Very Human Moment and (Self Portrait) Man Awaiting You Outside the Market are oil, acrylic, and pencil on canvas. David's portraiture reflects on the emotionality of our day, encouraging a more intimate view of our often impersonal world. Shop Fine Art

26db86dd-957f-4268-b31f-051e2fea3a7c.jpg

Fielden Harper

In "I am a Material Girl," artist Fielden Harper focuses on storytelling though material. Using textiles and fabrics, Fielden narrates the story of her upbringing through the rich heritage of quitting and women's traditions in Appalachia.

"I am a Material Girl" is on display at TAG Gallery through August 8.

See More…

Which Came First, the painting or the quilt? Using an urban quilt design, Fielden explores the relationships between art, tradition, and story in both acrylic paint and fabric. The matched pair unite Fielden's art practice with her family traditions. Shop Fine Art

b6dd6943-92ec-4f96-a47c-e5efaf0f6ef1.jpg

Damon Reinagle

Artist Damon Reinagle embeds his free flowing abstract colors with depictions of endangered species and surreal portraiture. In "Hallucinations," Damon shares the unexpected, often blurring the lines between fantasy and reality using familiar shapes, colors, and patterns in innovative and unfamiliar ways.

Damon's work is currently on display.

See More…

Hallucinations and Tiger Moon showcase Damon's attention to detail. His talent with materials creates environments that draw you into their depths. In his work, Damon compels the viewer to question their own vulnerability in the context of our contemporary era. Shop Fine Art

0b046695-24b6-4509-b9bc-d82ee54ac86a.jpg

Liliana D’Ambrosio

Artist Liliana D’Ambrosio shares her experiences through abstract paintings in "Trip to the Borders of Inequalities." The rhythmic and nature-inspired pieces reflect on the beauty of the world, as experienced by the artist.

In "Trip to the Borders of Inequalities," Liliana shares works that expand on neo-figurativism and expression.

See More…

Middle East and x Amy are currently on display. Liliana was greatly influenced by her global travels, having lived in Europe, India, Africa, and the Middle East. The Italian-born artist currently splits her time between Southern California and Florence.  Shop Fine Art >

Now accepting art for our 15th Annual California Open 

FIRST PLACE $1000
SECOND PLACE $500
THIRD PLACE $250
HONORABLE MENTION X3

Submission Deadline is August 8. Acceptance to be announced August 18.

2020 California Open Application & Information

Karen Hochman Brown And Shana Nys Dambrot In Conversation About Botanic Geometry

TAG Member Artist Karen Hochman Brown discusses her solo exhibition "Botanic Geometry" with Shana Nys Dambrot, now showing at Alhambra City Hall Art Gallery through July 31, 2020.

Karen Hochman Brown

Botanic Geometry

June 1 – July 31, 2020

Alhambra City Hall Art Gallery 
111 South First Street
Alhambra, CA 91801

Karen Hochman Brown uses math and science to digitally dissect the natural world.

The Alhambra City Hall Art Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibit with Los Angeles-based artist Karen Hochman Brown whose digital photographs have redefined the possibilities of abstraction. Taking inspiration from nature’s intricate patterns, delicate colors, and ethereal shapes, the artist constructs symmetrical forms from source material she photographs from botanic gardens around the world. The photos are mapped kaleidoscopically and undergo extensive digital intervention.

In previous work the artist engaged questions about cultural identity. Her works referenced Judaic iconography with their six-point structures and formed the basis of the artist’s technical, expressive, and conceptual investigations. Currently, Hochman Brown’s subject has evolved to a broader consideration of the natural world and its irreducible makeup of fractal geometries. Comprised of multiple layers of floral imagery, Hochman Brown isolates and pieces together their disparate elements into abstracted kaleidoscopic tapestries. The artist’s painterly process utilizes various digital photographic editing tools and software in her meticulous manipulations of tonality, brightness, and saturation to create an illusion of depth.

Read More…

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter