“Hotel California,” a wide array of works capturing the essence and evolution of the Los Angeles art scene of the ’90s, is the fourth installment in a series of exhibitions at the Glendale College Art Gallery, under the direction of Roger Dickes.
“The intention [of the show] was to do a small, scrappy survey of the significant and recognized painters from Los Angeles,” said Dickes.
Some of the artists whose works are featured in the show are Linda Besemer, Mari Eastman, Anoka Feruqee and Dennis Hollingsworth, among several others.
Co-produced by gallery owner Daniel Hug (Daniel Hug Gallery) and Dickes, this latest exhibition focuses on some of the most prominent women painters of the L.A. art scene as well as some male painters whose works resonate with that of their female counterparts.
The exhibition consists of 21 works, all of which are under 21-by-36-inches, and all of which are relatively bright and abstract.
Amy Bessone’s abstract rendition of a gargoyle is the focus of her work titled “Gargoyle.” Bessone keeps the oil and on canvas piece simple using only black and white paints, a contrast to some of the other works on display.
“Vines,” a painting by artist Mary Weatherford, is a flashes on linen piece depicting sequences of green vine-like figures, intertwining with several other colors and intricately whimsical lines.
“It’s [the show] is going to get people to think about why such works are placed together,” said Dickes. “All of the works are fantastic in their own ways.”
Sociology student John Lee took the time to visit the gallery along with some of his friends who were visiting from Korea.
“It’s very unique,” he said. “Every single painting is different from each other and the techniques and textures of each one differs.”
About 200 people attended the opening of this current exhibition, a number that Dickes credits to the selection of pieces and the magnitude of the show itself.
“What I like about this show in particular is that it brings incredible recognition to the gallery,” Dickes said. “It has generated interest in the community in a major way.”
The next show on display will be “Call of Japan,” which will run from April 1 to May 13.
“Call of Japan” will consist of several works by artists Christie Frields and Jessica Rath. Frields will offer a series of photographs inspired by ikebana (the art of arranging flowers aesthetically) and Rath will showcase a number of large sculptures.
Following the Frields and Rath exhibit, the gallery will present the student art show, which is still in development and will run from May 20 to June 14.
Aside from the student art show, the student body will now have more opportunities to display their works in the art gallery.
Jody Smith, a student worker and Dickes’s gallery assistant, has renovated an entire space specifically set aside for those students who wish to showcase their art.
Presently, the Gallery Annex is displaying three pieces by former art student Stephanie Ortega. Ortega has previously displayed her works on two separate occasions at the annual student art show.
Smith will be in charge of viewing student’s portfolio’s and individual body’s of works for selection. Once a student’s work is chosen and approved by Dickes, the student will be able to display their work for three weeks in conjunction with the main exhibits on display throughout the semester.
“I want the students in the art department to be able to have regular access to the gallery,” said Dickes. “There’s still going to be a student show, but if there are certain kinds of projects that they want to pitch to us, we’ll show them.”
“Hotel California” is on display until March 18. The gallery is located on the second floor of the LB building. Gallery hours are from Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.