So, this little blog has been in hibernation for most of the winter, for a variety of reasons, not least of which is that there isn't always an exhibit worth recommending. I don't want to send anybody to a show that's weak and/or half-assed. If I'm asking for a moment of your time, I better make it count. I owe you that much. Last night however, I was able to preview the "
Cartwheel Street and Outsider Art Pop-Up Show" at
Project Gallery. This show is the reason I do what I do. This is why I make art. This is why I write about art. The passion, the pure emotion, and raw honesty of the eight artists featured emanates off the walls, reaching out and embracing everyone standing anywhere near the work. These are hard-won artistic voices. They've undoubtedly suffered immeasurable pain and heartache. Were it not for creative outlets, there's no telling exactly how hollow our lives would be.
Full disclosure here, yes, I write for
Cartwheel, but I assure you that holds no sway here. This is solely my soapbox, and I pull no punches here. If I recommend something, trust that I'm sincere about it.When I woke up this morning, I had no intention of writing this, but I just couldn't stop thinking about the art. From the Haitian influenced paintings of
Lyle Carbajal and
Scott Michael Ackerman, the dreamy assemblage altars and thrones of
Evo Love, to the chaotic mixed media testaments of
Greg Haberny, this show is all heart, no filler.
Lydia Emily paints gorgeous, aching images on collaged newsprint, while
Roy Gonzales keeps the Kustum Kulture Rick Griffin tradtion alive. The dark whimsy of
RADICAL! and
Corey Hagberg embody the invasion of art from the grimy streets to the snooty galleries. Having seen many of these pieces hanging at curator
Cindy Schwarzstein's house, I wasn't expecting this show to move me so profoundly, but it did. I really can't over-sell this exhibit, not even a little bit. You only have four days to see it. Go now!
Cartwheel Street and Outsider Art Pop-Up Show
Opening reception tonight (3/21/2013) at 7pm
Show runs through March 24, 2013
Project Gallery
1553 N Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 462-1100
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| Untitled by Lyle Carbajal |
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| Boat Ghosts by Scott Ackerman |
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| The Beethoven by Evo Love |
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| He Eats You by Greg Haberny |
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| Carve (print) by Lydia Emily |
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| Attack Of The Killer waves by Roy Gonzalez |
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| Dying To Be The Life Of The Party by RADICAL! |
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| Litmus Ghost by Corey Hagberg |
Photos courtesy of
CartwheelArt
