Recommendations of what to see in the LA art scene this month by our local guide, Sharon Zoldan. Discover even more on a private tour.
I.
Exhibition: Vija Celmins
Artist: Vija Celmins
Venue: Matthew Marks Gallery
Dates: Until March 31st, 2018
Vija Celmins creates luminous monochromatic paintings. However simple their content, her depictions of stars in the night sky or an undulating body of water organically give way to existential interpretations of our universe and painting itself. Her sense of depth pulls us into the void of familiar, surreal landscapes.
II.
Exhibition: Paintings + Propaganda Pots
Artists: Jansson Stegner + Bari Ziperstein
Venue: Nino Mier Gallery
Dates: Until March 3rd, 2018
The new series of oil paintings featuring predominantly female athletes by Jansson Stegner sensually draws attention to the elongated bodies of their subjects. Exuding eroticism, strength, and beauty they exist in a psychologically skewed reality playing on the rich history of portraiture.
Two Brothers, 2013, Oil on linen, 48 x 60 in (121.9 x 152.4 cm), JAS13.001
Propaganda Pots is an impressive installation of over twenty-five figurative ceramic sculptures based on 1980’s propaganda posters from former Easter Bloc countries. Ziperstein’s conversation of the imagery into modestly-sized objects addresses themes of domesticity, femininity, and gender roles, driving home her use of “craft” materials and functionality. while simultaneously critiquing those very ideals.
Hello Youth!, 2018, Stoneware, linen, underglaze & glaze, 14 x 29 x 22 1/4 in (35.6 x 73.7 x 56.5 cm), BZ18.003
III.
Exhibition: Temazcal
Artist: Martin Soto Climent
Venue: Michael Benevento
Dates: Until March 17th, 2018
Mexican artist Martin Soto Climent’s new body of work are inspired by the ancient Mesoamerican ritual baths of Temazcal. His experimental and unique uses for burnt wood, stone, metal, tights, and even butterflies pull from the rich spiritual traditions of the culture. His elegant and ephemeral interpretations of these ancient practices leave one questioning the very nature of Climent’s materials.
Flechazos, 2018, Charred wood, thorns, wood plinth, acrylic, 23.5 x 28.25 x 9 inches