I eventually ended up downtown at the Hive Gallery on Spring st. I have a long association with the Hive having been a resident artist there for it's first 2 years. I usually go to their openings but have been so busy I haven't been able to in the last few months. I was pleasantly reminded of what an alive place it is.
The Hive's selection of Lo Brow, Visionary, Illustration, Pop Surrealism, and Outsider work may or may not be your thing. But, what the Hive has that no other gallery in Los Angeles can compete with is ENERGY. It bursts from every saturated cranny in that long and narrow space. There is always lots to see and hear. A swirling din of performers, live painting, working resident artists, costumed freaks, and young hipsters greets you as you step inside for a first Saturday of the month opening. This month was a rare sculpture show for the Hive which usually features painting. Insanely meticulous work is a constant for the Hive and this show was no exception.
One of the highlights for me was Randy Horton's bizarre miniature conceptual pieces. They feature landscapes and pastoral scenes set next to proportionally gigantic fast food. I'm not even sure how to describe this but, they are fantastic. With titles like "The Tragedy of Latin American Monoculture" you can tell there is something going on here. I'm not sure what but, I want to know more.
Another of my favorites was Akihito. The sculptures feature flowing, ornamental shapes and are semi figurative. There are lots of metallics and embellishments. Victorian Futurism? Who knows. Just look at the pictures!
"MASTER BLASTERS OF SCULPTURE" show up through the end of the month.
The Hive Gallery
729 S. Spring st.
http://www.hivegallery.com
I haven't been to the Hive Gallery in far too long. The director (owner?) of the Hive is Nathan Cartwright and he is one of the most outstanding people in the LA art scene. A heart of gold. Loved the shots of those food pieces. I'm hungry.
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