COLLECTION OF CURIOSITIES
Opening: Saturday, November 21st, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Exhibition: November 21st - December 15th, 2015
On Saturday, November 21st, Flower Pepper Gallery is pleased to present Collection of Curiosities, a two-person exhibition featuring the works of Alex Louisa and Roland Tamayo. Both of these artists’ bold and playful portrayal of their subjects, allows us to see through their eyes and witness what sparks their curiosity and imagination. By observing the world around them they are able to extract what many overlook and infuse their own unique style to create something both new and intriguing.
Endlessly inspired by nature, Alex Louisa loves to pair highly detailed subjects next to unexpected backgrounds, such as geometric patterns, experimental splashy abstracts, or the sheer beauty of untouched wood grain. This current body of work (comprised of four mini-series of works) has allowed Alex to explore her love of oil painting with the smallest of brushes, the suspense of watching the unpredictable mingling of acrylic paint and water on the surface of a piece, and the endless mark-making capabilities of lone charcoal. Each piece is linked in its feature of a winged subject, all drawn or painted either from a still life or the artist's own photographs.
These natural subjects are both studied and delicately transformed through her precise painting. By capturing every detail and layer within her subject, she honors the sanctity of each creature with meticulous care and devotion. The time she spends rendering each feature elevates even the most seemingly mundane subject and challenges our own ability to stop and take notice.
While Alex Louisa finds her muse through exploring nature, Roland Tamayo’s inspiration is found very close to home. He is able to integrate memories of his own childhood with the beloved activities of his sons, creating a truly unadulterated combination of playfulness and nostalgia. His work thus surpasses any barrier of age and brings a spark of joy to young and old alike. The high level of execution only adds to the delightful illusion of these tasty-treat Star Destroyers. The common phrase, it looks good enough to eat has never held more true. The result is a body of work that feels both new and enchanting as well as familiar and compelling simply because the foundation is built upon the child within all of us.
In a statement about this exhibition, Tamayo has said, "These pieces are a collection of treats enjoyed by my sons, along with nostalgic treats from my childhood, connected by a mutual love and enjoyment of Star Wars. One of my favorite childhood memories was going to Fedco here in Pasadena, who employed my grandfather as an Optometrist. Because of his employment there, we would go often to buy family supplies, toys, etc., at a discount, and there would always be Toblerone candy at the checkout isle. It was my first introduction to that candy, and whenever I see it, it reminds me of my grandfather. Never would I have thought that a Toblerone candy would be a subject of a painting, especially combined with a Star Destroyer. But I'm so grateful for this opportunity, that it has."
While there is a great diversity of subject and style between these two incredible artists, Alex Louisa and Roland Tamayo both share a common source of inspiration through their examination of the world around them. Both find pleasure in the small things and their work is a great reflection of what is precious in their eyes. This exhibition is sure to spark the examiner in all of us as we delve into a Collection of Curiosities that has been cultivated and crafted with such care and devotion.
The reception is open to the public and on view until December 15th, 2015.
Artists: Alex Louisa & Roland Tamayo
Special Window Installation: Roland Tamayo and Yetis & Friends
Alex Louisa
Artist Website: http://alexlouisa.com
http://www.flower-pepper.com/product-tag/alex-louisa/
Roland Tamayo
Artist Website: http://rolandtamayo.com
http://www.flower-pepper.com/product-tag/roland-tamayo/
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1534243310199348/
Opening Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1161646807196413.1073741872.327221773972258&type=3
Email pr@flower-pepper.com for Press Release
Roland Tamayo Interview for Collection of Curiosities, shot and edited by David Chung aka The Chung!:
https://youtu.be/RZ9LSfpLf1A
Cicade 1: Ayuthia by Alex Louisa WIP Video, shot and edited by Alex Louisa:
https://youtu.be/dZlpt9QAXEA