A group show featuring new work by young artists Blinky, Downtimer, Dan Fleres, Josh Taylor, and Zoso. The showcase of pop-surrealist, lowbrow, and graffiti-inspired pieces encompasses a wide range of media, including acrylic, spray paint, oils, ink, collage, and sculpture.
Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art is pleased to announce Malicious Descent, a
five man group show featuring new artwork by young American artists Blinky,
Downtimer, Dan Fleres, Josh Taylor, and Zoso. The showcase of pop-surrealist,
lowbrow, and graffiti-inspired pieces encompasses a wide range of media, including
acrylic, spray paint, oils, ink, collage, and sculpture. An opening reception will
be held on Saturday, July 12 from 8PM - Midnight.
Los Angeles artist Blinky's confident hand infuses what are often dark, dangerous
scenes with vibrant colors and a wry sense of humor. Drawing inspiration from pop
culture and his infinite imagination, Blinky's works of acrylic, ink, and spray
paint on wood and canvas both startle and engage as his trademark girls, cats, and
monkeys play with and defend themselves from evil squid, giant milkshakes, and the
heroes and villains of comic books, cult films, and cartoons.
The juxtaposition and frequent battle between the natural and man-made worlds
provides Downtimer with the opportunity to explore the ways in which these opposing
forces interact, attack, and even complement each other. With a focus on depth,
flow, and perspective, Downtimer's new works range from abstract graffiti to
figurative and three-dimensional pieces. Although his technique often varies, the
interplay of natural patterns remains at the core of his art. "These patterns are
complex, yet totally sporadic and free," he says, "Perfect yet completely imperfect.
I call them 'planned imperfections'."
Life and all of its complexities is the source of artistic inspiration for Dan
Fleres and what pushes him to take his work to new levels. Through his
experimentations with acrylic, paper, and mixed media on canvas, wood, and found
objects, Fleres creates streamlined portraits of mournful yet vividly colored
characters against skillfully rendered backgrounds. His work is flavored with his
subtle yet insightful views of pop culture and society.
Florida's Josh Taylor unveils his latest collection of artwork, featuring many of
his much-loved characters plus some exciting new additions, who do not fail to
captivate the farthest regions of the viewer's imagination. For Malicious Descent,
Taylor builds upon past themes of girls, tentacles, and "Japanese things" to create
a private world peopled with oddly lovable, alien-like beings, their wide eyes
pooling with secret emotion. Taylor works mainly with acrylic and ink on wood,
dabbling occasionally in mixed media and collage to give each piece a unique texture
and depth.
Los Angeles based artist, Zoso, delves into the vast recesses of his imagination to
create his provocative artwork. The surreal edge to his newest pieces, which include
oils on panel and a hanging sculpture, reflect his current introspection and
observations of both home and abroad. The soft texture of oil paired with his
stimulating subject matter and distorted imagery complements the dualistic nature of
Zoso's personal wanderlust and his perception of the damaging effects of the media
and government on individuals.
Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art exhibits international, emerging artists with
backgrounds in street art, illustration, outsider art, and design. With an emphasis
on creating an environment for contemporary artists to experiment and exhibit new
directions of their work, Carmichael Gallery provides many of their artists their
first U.S. group and solo exhibitions, quickly establishing artist growth and
recognition in a global art marketplace and introducing eclectic cultural styles to
collectors and audiences. After moving to Los Angeles in September 2006, husband and
wife duo Seth and Elisa Carmichael began to curate shows in various locations around
the city, frequently converting raw retail spaces, high-end luxury lofts, and other
non-traditional spaces into alternative galleries. In August 2007, the co-curators
secured a permanent space on La Brea Avenue in West Hollywood, CA, founding
Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art. The Carmichaels bring the raw, spontaneous
aesthetic of a project space to their gallery, allowing for artist collaboration and
community.
Opening Reception: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 8PM - Midnight
Carmichael Gallery
1257 N. La Brea Avenue - Hollywood
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and by appointment
Free admission