Art Spotting: Gallery (P)reviews
By Andie Villafañe


Art Slave Gallery is the newest addition to Gallery Row and showcases contemporary paintings and mixed media works by emerging and mid-career artists. Its second show features character portraits by Vanessa Lemen. The characters, referred to as “Refugees from the Entrenched Attitude Society,” can be described as post-apocalyptic carnies of sorts. A choir of clowns, a singing robot-woman with a cornucopia head, and a human with gills breathes and sings underwater. In most of the images the characters are surrounded by mechanical devices. Their expressions evoke a feeling of nostalgia, as if they’ve succumbed to a technological evolution of humankind that has supplanted a less tech-dominated era. The oil paintings range from as small as 2” x 2” to as large as 36” x 48”; with a few mixed media works. Reception: Nov 10th, 7 pm-midnight. Show runs from Nov. 7th – Dec 7th. 216 S. Spring St. on Gallery Row. 213.598.3155. www.artslavegallery.com

Bonelli Contemporary Gallery seeks to create a dialogue amongst established, international artists (particularly Italian) and emerging LA artists. Located in Chinatown since June, its third show features works by Canadian Kim Dorland and his views on the disenchanted suburban life. "Somewhere in the Neighborhood" is a collection of large-scale paintings of brightly coloured boys and girls, sketched in with thick, simple strokes. He slaps on thick paint, creating texture and tension within familiar neighborhood scenes. Youngsters wander about peacefully through the community or clash with others at local hangouts as they express their teenage frustration with violence. Dorland presents visions of adolescent discontent, trapped in a desolate landscape. He mixes acrylics, oils and spray paint to create images that are inspired by his past and his observations of self-contained communities. Show ends Nov 22. Tues – Sat, Noon – 6 pm. 936 Mei Ling Way in Chinatown. 213.793.1291. www.bonellicontemporary.com

JUNC Gallery exhibits emerging and established artists at the heart of the Sunset Junction. “Parallels Of Obstruction” brings together three friends and recent Art Center graduates as they explore physical and psychological boundaries. Drew Beckmeyer creates collages based on belief systems, social constructs and language. His works are of familiar events and every day objects, with a surrealistic and diagrammatic quality. The connection between nature and Self is the basis of the works by Kate Guillen. She uses sculpture, photography, digital manipulation, printmaking and paint to craft landscapes in which benign phantoms meditate, congregate and endure ethereal burdens. Inspired by cartoons and scientific illustration, Brian Rush uses whimsy to drive a wedge between what he sees as facts and his interpretation of those facts. Show ends Nov 24. Fri 1-6 pm, Sat and Sun 12-7 pm or by appointment. 4017 Sunset Blvd. in Silverlake. 213.814.2640 www.juncgallery.com

Thinkspace Gallery was established to encourage and support emerging artists. “Unsung” is a group show introducing the work of four contemporary artists who use a variety of media and techniques. Portland’s Timothy Karpinski creates mixed media works using graphite, house paint, acrylic and stitching on paper or wood. Winnipeg’s Kenneth Lavalle and Saskatoon’s Matthew Feyld use graphite, gouache and acrylic to create stark illustrations. Feyld’s subjects are humorous, while Lavalle’s are dark. Los Angeles’ Anthony Clarkson uses acrylic to paint his characters on paper, then cuts out the detailed renderings to apply on previously painted board or canvas, creating multi-layered pieces that are truly his own. Opening reception: Friday, Nov. 9 from 7-11 pm, sponsored by Grolsch and Dewar’s which translates into free drinking goods. Thurs-Sun 1-6 pm. 4210 Santa Monica Blvd. in Silverlake. 323.913.3375. www.thinkspacegallery.com

rampART is a community art gallery focusing on LA-based photographers and their take on Los Angeles and environs. The proprietors are currently presenting “LAcentric,” a year-long show headlining one photographer each month. The project is now in its sixth month; a review of the works of all twelve featured photographers will cap the series in early summer of 2008. Opening receptions are the first Saturday of every month. Featured his month is John Sofio. photographer and owner of rampART. Sofio’s view is of Los Angeles as high desert. “What can be seen in this discovery is a future lost and promises unkept. On the fringe of one of the nations largest city lies a desolate wasteland of hopes and dreams gone bad. A visual exploration of L.A.’s edge reminds us of the frailty of this desert paradise.” Also on display are works by fashion photographer Gabriel Serafin, and in stark contrast, Michael Anthony Jackson’s vivid street scenes. Mon – Fri, 10 – 4 pm and by appointment. 2619 Wilshire Blvd., in the flourishing Rampart district near MacArthur Park. 323.857.0409 www.rampARTspace.com