Contemporary Art « Arrested Motion

Category Archives: Contemporary Art

Openings: Quam Odunsi – “Anachronistic Capture: Motion & Stills” @ Design Matters

Posted by sleepboy, April 8, 2012

Opening a couple of weeks back in Los Angeles was Quam Odunsi’s debut solo exhibition (curated by AM’s Khoi Nguyen) of captivating film, still images, slides, and Polaroid collage-based artwork. The well thought-out and displayed exhibition was one of the first shows in the new Design Matters space (down the street and on the other side of the 405 from their former location). Consisting of a film projector, two slide projectors, a wall of 100 Polaroids, and framed pieces throughout, the show of completely new […]

Ron English – Kinkade Bunny

Posted by sleepboy, April 8, 2012

As this is Easter Sunday, Ron English (featured) has decided to paint something with imagery that has a two-fold tribute. One is obviously for the holiday with his interpretation of the Easter Bunny. As seen in the background for the piece, the piece is also in remembrance of painter Thomas Kinkade and his signature “idyllic cottages and bucolic garden gates” as sad news came of his untimely death just this Friday. Discuss Ron English here.

Rewind: April 2 – April 8

Posted by sleepboy, April 8, 2012

One of the stories dominating AM of recent weeks has been the behind-the-scenes look at Cai Guo-Qiang and his Sky Ladder exhibition opening today at the LA MOCA. We had the pleasure of attending the explosive Chinese artist’s creative sessions (here, here, and here) as well as the setup for his amazing pyrotechnic event last night. Before heading over to check out the exhibition for yourself, take a look at the video above from Art.sy films (via NOWNESS) that sees Cai talk about his choice of […]

Overtime: April 2 – April 8

Posted by Khoi, April 7, 2012

Trayvon Martin street art goes up in Baltimore, courtesy of Justin Nether. A look at places where REVOK acquires his found materials for his work. New print from Mear One now on sale. Mr. Cartoon honored by LA Weekly as one of the 10 Awesome Tattoo Artists in L.A. Bobby Hundreds pays a visit to Futura. The market for Banksy works seems to be experiencing a revival. Photos from the INSA “Self Reflection” installation. Virtual room view here. In tribute: friends and collaborators remember the life and […]

Setup: Cai Guo-Qiang – “Sky Ladder” @ MOCA

Posted by sleepboy, April 6, 2012

After joining in on the three explosive creative sessions (here, here, and here) held by Cai Guo-Qiang, his crew, and a group of volunteers as they readied pieces for his upcoming exhibition, Sky Ladder, at the Los Angeles MOCA, we are really looking forward to the opening this Sunday. First up though is the public outdoor explosion event, Mystery Circle to be held on the exterior wall of The Geffen Contemporary (facing Temple Street) at 7:00pm on Saturday. AM stopped by to check in on the setup progress of the three-stage pyrotechnic extravaganza themed […]

Videos: Damien Hirst Retrospective @ Tate Modern

Posted by sleepboy, April 6, 2012

For those whose interest was piqued by photos we posted earlier this week from Damien Hirst’s retrospective at the Tate Modern, you may want to check out the video above. Vernissage TV stopped by the polarizing art figure’s preview showing and captured footage of many of the highlights as they went from room to room. Discuss Damien Hirst here.

Teaser: Kenny Scharf @ Honor Fraser

Posted by sleepboy, April 6, 2012

In about a week, April 14 to be exact, Kenny Scharf (interviewed) will be opening his newest show at the Honor Fraser Gallery in Los Angeles. Although we spied his animated character on TV recently for his cameo on The Simpsons, we haven’t attended a solo from him since NY early last year. If you are lucky, there may be the customary free donuts – besides the amazing art of course – for those attending although you may have to be satisfied with a performance […]

Videos: Paddle8TV – “Inside the Artist’s Studio: Chris Burden”

Posted by Khoi, April 5, 2012

Paddle8 has just launched their newest editorial project, which involves originally produced video. Their first Paddle8TV episode features Chris Burden, one of LA’s most well-known and respected artists. Watch as he discusses his landmark projects Urban Lights (which is one of the most popular art installations at LACMA and in the city) and Metropolis II (currently on view at LACMA as well). Among other topics, he discusses why he chose Topanga Canyon and his transition from performance artist to object-based/installation artist. Discuss Chris Burden here.

Showing: Do Ho Suh – “Home Within Home” @ Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

Posted by sleepboy, April 5, 2012

Currently showing at the Leeum Samsung Museum of Arts is native son Do Ho Suh’s Home Within Home. Bringing his signature sculptural works made from sheer fabric, the Korean artist explores the idea of his nomadic lifestyle lying in various major metropolitan areas of the world. With colorful and ethereal suspended structures greeting visitors when entering, the exhibition certainly makes an impression. We even saw some of the household items from last December’s Art Basel on display. More photos via Designboom after the jump…

Openings: Olek & David Peterson – “Synthetic Nature” @ Krause Gallery

Posted by juggernut3, April 5, 2012

AM recently attended the Olek’s latest show at New York City’s Krause Gallery. Yes, we said NYC. The rogue urban crocheter was out on bail from the UK and returned to her hometown to do a show with David Peterson entitled Synthetic Nature. For this special event, Olek ditched her signature yarn and utilized balloons. Using synthetic rubber, she built an cave installation by weaving semi-inflated balloons in a way that would make even Krusty the Clown blush. Designed to obscure the viewer’s vision, the cave is […]