Tag Archives: Los Angeles

Art

L A Art Show 2015

January 20, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Gino Miles Sculpture 'Over, Under, Sideways, Down', Photo Romi Cortier — Gino Miles Sculpture ‘Over, Under, Sideways, Down’, Photo Romi Cortier

Unix Gallery New York, Photo Romi Cortier — ‘Ring pop’ by Desire Obtain Cherish – Married to Success, Unix Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier

Axiom Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier — Balancing Sumo by Irina Daylene, Photo Romi Cortier

Lollipop Production, Photo Romi Cortier — ‘Meltdown, 2014’ by Desire Obtain Cherish, Unix GAllery, Photo Romi Cortier

CakeWalk, Photo Romi Cortier — Cake Walk (?) by Scott Hove, Photo Romi Cortier

Kim on Ice, Photo Romi Cortier — ‘Always Kim’ from the series ‘Refrigerator Dictators’ by Eugnio Merino, UNIX Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier

Andy Warhol Sculpture, Photo Romi Cortier — Andy Warhol Sculpture by Kazuhiro Tsuji, Copro Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier

Salvador Dali Sculpture, Photo Romi Cortier — Salvador Dali Sculpture by Kazuhiro Tsuji, Copro Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier

The 2015 L A Art Show just wrapped up at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The tone of the show has continued to evolve over the years. It seems sculpture and contemporary art are the big players that are drawing, delighting, and even shocking the crowds. I can’t tell you how many people I saw during the opening night gala taking selfies with Dali, Warhol and Kim. The Warhol and Dali silicone sculptures were almost twice the size of a normal head, and as you can see by these images, remarkably lifelike. I’m sure all of these men would love being brought back from the grave in such a grandiose way… except Kim. He’s basically in what looks like a Coca-Cola branded Machine, forever on ice, as part of the artists series Refrigerator Dictators.

When I go to this particular art show I’m usually looking forward to seeing remarkable paintings that will both inform and inspire my own paintings. However, on this particular night, that didn’t happen. What inspired me to lift my camera were the sculptures seen above, along with a few really great Korean paintings. Unfortunately, so many of the paintings that I did see, didn’t seem well crafted, which in my mind translates to they won’t stand the test of time. Dare I say that to the gallery owner who represents those artists? I simply look at the artwork and pricing and make my mental notes. Usually that mental note is I wouldn’t spend MY money on that… but what do I know? So I look, and I ponder, and do my best to understand what I’m missing. I’m not immersed enough in the art world to know what the current thought is regarding contemporary painting. And to be honest with you, I’m quite bored by this entire Street Art scene, where anything that looks like it’s been made with cans of spray paint qualifies as art. I believe it will be recognized in the annals of art history as a bonafide art movement, however, I have absolutely no interest in collecting it. Give me true technique that requires the thoughtful and skilled process of applying layers and layers of oil paint to create an image, whether its abstract or representational. Or the skill required to apply layers of resin and then sand away bits of it to create an image. Spray paint or acrylic paint thrown on a canvas or board with a high sticker price simply doesn’t impress me… I think there’s a name for it: THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES!

These are the reasons we should all go to gallery exhibitions and museum exhibitions, to educate ourselves and form our own opinions. Once you’ve seen a few thousand paintings you start to know what resonates with you and whether or not you’d like to live with it. Does it take you someplace when you look at it? Are you exhilarated or depressed by it? Would you want the energy of that artist living in your home with you on a day to day basis, especially if money were no object?

The Palm Springs Fine Art Fair is coming up February 12 – 15 during Modernism Week 2015. My experience with that show in years past has always been very favorable. I could easily drop six figures on paintings at that show and not think twice about it. I wish I could afford to support the arts in that manor. The quality of the paintings at that show always inspire me. Lets hope this years show is more of the same.

Lastly I find it very interesting that artnet News, an online publication that I subscribe to, singled out six of the eight pieces I’ve featured above, as newsworthy to write about…. I must be on the right track.

Art, Decorative Arts, Interior Design

Curated Vintage at m[E]

December 5, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

m[E] Neon Art at material environment, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Photography by Gregory Romeo at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Gold Plated Film Reels at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Vintage Chairs at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Jimmy Achenbach Plexiglass Art at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

The curated vintage furniture, art and lighting at m[E] is nothing short of amazing. It’s no surprise that this little store on Beverly Boulevard and Gardner boasts 5 stars on yelp… how could it not. Store owner Ramon Delgado-Maynes is the renaissance man that creates the magic within it’s walls. With a background in architecture, art and interior design this gem of a space is clearly his passion. Nothing is mundane in this store. Pick up any item and Ramon can give you a complete rundown on it’s history. He’s a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge and is more than happy to share it with you.

I’ve visited this store countless times since it opened in 2009. I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t bought anything substantial as of yet, but there’s plenty that I would love to have. And that’s what keeps me coming back… the possibilities. Besides the great conversation, it’s always exciting to see what new theme Ramon has put together. He rotates merchandise in and out of the store, brings in the work of new artists, as well as older artists, changes his color scheme on the walls, has art openings and social gatherings, as well as collections of furniture by the likes of Gio Ponti and Charles Hollis-Jones.

Currently on display is the photography of artist and former model Gregory Romeo, the Plexiglass and mirror works of Jimmy Achenbach featuring hand painted paper with minute and highly detailed cut-outs, and the petite works of artist Plastic God.

Visit m[E] here to learn more about upcoming shows and design services.

Architecture

The Stahl House… the most famous home in Los Angeles

October 7, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com 1 Comment

Case Study House #22, Stahl House, Photo Romi Cortier — Stahl House aka Case Study House #22, Photo Romi Cortier

Case House Study #22, Stahl Residence, Photo Romi Cortier — Stahl House aka Case Study House #22, Photo Romi Cortier

Case Study House #22, Stahl Residence, Photo Romi Cortier — Stahl House aka Case Study House #22, Photo Romi Cortier

Mrs. Stahl of the Stahl Residence, Case Study House #22, Photo 2009 — Mrs. Stahl of the Stahl House, Case Study House #22, Photo 2009

The Stahl House, also known as Case Study House #22, is without a doubt one of the most famous homes in all of Los Angeles… and maybe the world. Built in 1959 as part of the Case Study House Program, it’s probably one of thee most photographed homes ever.

The late Julius Shulman made the residence famous with his iconic black and white photo of the home which featured two elegant women lounging in the home at dusk, as the city sparkled behind them. This happened in 1960, and the home has been on a roll ever since. Movies, editorial fashion shoots, tv commercials… I guarantee you’ve seen this home and it’s stunning panoramic view more often then you realize.

I was beyond excited when I was able to join an architectural tour to see this home in ’09. While it appears larger than life in photos, the square footage is in reality only about 2200 Square feet. It’s the balanced proportions that makes this residence looks so massive. Designed by Pierre Koenig for Buck Stahl and his family, the modernist glass and steel constructed home has become one of the most iconic mid-century homes in southern California.

Located in the Hollywood Hills above the Sunset Strip, the house was declared an LA Historical Cultural Monument in 1999. While the homes address is easy to find, 1635 Woods Drive, LA Ca. 90069, you’ll need to think twice about doing a drive by to catch a glimpse of it and the remarkable views. I learned when I visited the home that it’s on one of those gated private roads. But, if you’d really like to see the home, you can schedule a private tour that is remarkably affordable. For as little as $60, one person in one car, can have access to the home for an hour. Why not bring your significant other, a picnic basket and a bottle of wine, and sit and chill by the pool at dusk. I guarantee you it’s a ‘date night’ either of you would soon forget.

StahlHouse.com

FYI The 2010 Documentary Visual Acoustics revisited this home with Photographer Julius Shulman, where he briefly talks about what it took to create his iconic image at the Sthal House.

Art

Art Auction at Los Angeles Modern Auctions, October 12th, 2014.

October 3, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Lot 224, Vapor Drawing, Larry Bell, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 154, Cat Person #1, Fritz Scholder, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 258, Phenomena Byron's Hunch, Paul Jenkins, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions — Lot 258, Phenomena Byron’s Hunch, Paul Jenkins, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 407, Untitled, Edmond Kohn, 1950's, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions — Lot 407, Untitled, Edmond Kohn, 1950’s, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 374, Balloon Dog (Blue) Jeff Koons, 1995, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 524, Untitled (Boat) Raimonds Staprans, 1963, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 362, #7, Karl Benjamin, 1986, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 377, Platter, Takashi Murakami, 2007, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 364, #18, Karl Benjamin, Image courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auction — Lot 364, #18, Karl Benjamin, 1983, Image courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auction

Lot 75, Double Standard, Ed Ruscha, 1969, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

There’s another hot Art Auction coming up at Los Angeles Modern Auctions on October 12, 2014. I’ve been shopping at art auctions for over a decade because they’re an amazing way to add to a collection, plus they’re also a great opportunity to find items that are rarely on the market. Yes, some items are rather pricey, but others can be a relative steal, especially when compared to gallery pricing. An educated eye can easily spot the good stuff, even if it’s not expensive. The more you look at art, the more refined your eye becomes. Line, shape, color, texture, nuances in the thickness of the paint, it all adds up. And if all else fails, then trust your curator. And in this case, your curator would be Peter Loughrey.

Peter Loughrey is the Director of Modern Design & Fine Art at LA Modern Auctions. As a prominent figure in the L A art and design community, he’s been responsible for curating several gallery shows and is a member of the Decorative Arts and Design Council and Contemporary Friends. Therefore, when it comes to Los Angeles Modern Auctions, you can have faith in the quality of their lots. They’re very careful about vetting their pieces… I know because they’ve even refused a few of my own items, items that I thought were worthy. Fortunately they have strict guidelines to protect their collectors. The price point of this upcoming auction ranges from $1,000 – $100,000. I’m sharing a few of my favorite pieces here, simply because they appeal to my eye. I haven’t seen them in person, nor do I have a vested interest in their sale. I hope to attend the preview which runs till October 11, 2014, from 10am – 6pm, at 16145 Hart Street, Van Nuys, Ca. 91406.

Lot 224, Vapor Drawing by Larry Bell, Estimate: $4,000 – $6,000. I love this image because it reminds me of the corrugated metal fence at my home in Palm Springs. I’ve always wanted to do an oil painting to capture the reflective nature of the metal, however, this remarkable image has already done that.

Lot 154, Cat Person #1 by Fritz Scholder, Estimate: $6,000 – $9,000. At first glance this image looks like an abstract, but then the ears come into view. Plus who doesn’t love the sumptuous use of red with the chartreuse green accents.

Lot 258, Phenomena Byron’s Hunch by Paul Jenkins, Estimate: $3,000 – $5,000. Cool amorphous tones in violet and blue, with hints of magenta, a green flame glowing in the center with a contrasting Yellow rising sun. Pure joy.

Lot 407, Untitled by Edmond Kohn, Estimate: $800 – $1200. I just love this little midcentury gem. The line work of the bodies, the muted palette of green and orange tones with hints of salmon and apricot, it practically leaps from the canvas.

Lot 374, Balloon Dog (Blue) by Jeff Koons, Estimate $10,000 – $15,000. #1965 of 2300 MOCA Editions. I simply love any of Koons Cast Porcelain pieces with their lush reflective finishes, and if it comes in blue, even better.

Lot 524, Untitled (Boat) Raimonds Straprans, Estimate: $8,000 – $12,000. I love the use of black in this 1963 beauty, with accents of blue and orange. There’s such a graphic quality to the image that it reminds of Francoise Gilot.

Lot 362, #7 by Karl Benjamin, Estimate: $30,000 – $50,000. I’ve been a fan of Karl Benjamin since I discovered his work at ‘Birth of the Cool’ in Orange County about a decade ago. I’d love nothing more than to add one of his paintings to my collection, but they’re a bit out of my reach.

Lot 377, Platter by Takashi Murakami, Estimate $800 -$1200. Made on the occasion of the artist’s gala opening at MOCA in 2007, which was an amazing show and my first exposure to his work.

Lot 364, #18 by Karl Benjamin, Estimate: $12,000 – $15,000. I love how Benjamin has juxtaposed these bold geometric shapes in bold colors, married together with such a warm gray. I think I see the word LOVE being repeated…

Lot 75, Double Standard by Ed Ruscha, Estimate $50,000 – $70,000. It’s hard to imagine a screen print being valued at this price point, however, this is no ordinary screen print. It’s an 11-color screenprint on paper. I’ll presume that the white is the paper, plus there are 2 shades of blue for the sign. That leaves about 9 shades of orange, brown and black to create the gradation of tone in the sky.

Architecture, Interior Design

John Lautner’s Harpel House Restored

September 5, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

John Lautner's Harpel Residence, Photo Romi Cortier — Harpel House by John Lautner, Photo Romi Cortier

Harpel Residence by John Lautner, Photo Romi Cortier — Harpel House by John Lautner, Photo Romi Cortier

John Lautners 1956 Harpel House, Photo Romi Cortier — Harpel House by John Lautner, Photo Romi Cortier

John Lautner’s 1956 Harpel House may sit in the shadow of Chemosphere, his famous flying saucer home, but it’s a shining gem in its own right.

I visited this home in 2008 as part of the MAK Center tour, organized in conjunction with the Hammer Museum‘s John Lautner exhibit Between Earth and Heaven. This home was on the tour because recent renovations by Mark Haddawy had restored the home to its original design. Lets call it a ‘make under’ because that’s exactly what it was. Haddawy removed a second story addition, stucco walls, aluminum window frames, track lighting and a myriad of other ‘improvements’ by previous owners who thought they were modernizing and improving the mid-century home. Haddawy spent two years removing those improvements and then recreated Lautner’s door knobs, light fixtures and other details, returning the home to the architects original vision. His passion as a preservationist has given great hope and pride to architectural enthusiasts, and shows what’s possible at a time when many of these homes are on the brink of being bulldozed.

Thanks to Haddawy’s restoration, I was able to observe Lautner’s use of a ‘radial’ support system for the roof. While homes like Silver Top (lower level) and the Harvey Residence feature a single central support pillar with beams radiating out, this home features multiple concrete pillars with beams radiating out, ultimately creating a zig zag pattern. This remarkable construction gives more flexibility to the placement of walls both inside and out. Thus the exterior walls are no longer ‘load bearing’. This is what allows the hallway to exist on the outer perimeter of the homes north side, joining the bedrooms with the main living area. It also allows for the creation of the homes hexagonal living room. You’ll also notice in the photos that the stone flooring in the living room is continued out onto the patio by the pool. This helps blend the indoors with the out doors because there’s no threshold line with contrasting materials on either side. Thus, stone gives way to stone, versus hardwood floors against concrete or tile. Additionally, the stones are irregularly shaped, as is the pool, which again adds to the visual continuity of the homes overall design. Ultimately, this groundbreaking design serves a larger purpose, which is to maximize the stunning views of the San Fernando Valley. It’s to bad we weren’t allowed to bring our swimming suits on the home tour, because I would have loved nothing more then to run and jump on that amazing diving board, and canon ball into the pool.

Where Art Inspires Beauty