Reframe
Reframe
Reframe is an introspection of Angelenos and how we present/re-present ourselves to others as we physically re-engage with the city. Artists are not necessarily making art about the pandemic, instead, because of the long duration of the quarantine, elements of the pandemic have begun to make themselves part of the work without being the subject. Reframe begins with the self-reflection that only a quarantine could provide with two portraits by Anahid Boghosian and Shahram Shiva.
Next, the abstract work of Strette and Danny Escalante reflects on the anxiety during the pandemic and its impact on creativity. Kevin Cotteleer, Stephanie Melissa, and Candyce Fabré provide a glimpse into the public spaces that have been at the center of the pandemic: the virtual program, the exploration of the outdoors, and the multigenerational home. These experiences and public spaces helped us connect and cope with isolation. We close by revisiting the portrait with the work of Stephanie Inagaki, Septerhed, Rosanne Kleinerman, and Kevin Scanlon as they explore how masks have become a part of our collective identity, both in safety, function, and even aesthetic. As the selections in Reframe exemplify: the self and private and public spaces have become part of our art and the stories we tell. Is this reframing purposeful?
On Community and Public Art
A guiding question posed to artists for Reimagine Public Art: Vol. 2 included: What do you look forward to exploring in your neighborhood in terms of public art and/or community as the city reopens? Their answers are highlighted in the showcase below.
Anahid
Boghosian
Living Together, 2021
Mixed Media
Image courtesy of Michelle DerVartanian
Initially Covid seemed to be a blessing. I was forced to stay in, hunker down and focus on my work without too many distractions. but when I was unable to get supplies and my family decided to quarantine together, it felt like my world became very small. I cleaned out the garage to set up a studio, when I came across boxes of old magazines that I had kept. I started to look though them and became very nostalgic. I decided that I would not discard these and instead use them in my art. […] I have cut thousands of the same shape but in different colors, textures, and images and have collaged them together to created movement and flow. For this piece I have used over 1700 pieces of magazine. Initially the goal was to get lost in the flow but now I see it is just as easy to focus on the single individual papers that some how work with the completely different one next to it.
Shahram
Shiva
Self-Portrait in the Time of COVID, 2021
Mixed Media
Watercolor with Digital Overlay
The “self-portrait” in watercolor dedicated to the COVID era and my gratitude to the individuals and agencies that have helped maintain my life (perhaps even more appropriate to say ‘save my life’) during some of the most difficult times of my life. The artwork also incorporates an inspiring quote from Rumi, carrying a message of hope and gratitude.
On Community and Public Art
“[On Community and Public Art] I live in Hollywood area on the border of Hollywood Hills and close to the very commercial and touristy part of Hollywood,[…] My neighborhood would in fact be a very good area for an expanded public arts program, because it attracts massive foot traffic from international tourists to out of state and local visitors alike.”
Strette
The Great Impact Covid-19, 2021
Acrylic
This piece represents Covid-19 and how it has impacted our world. This piece shows you the statistics, the top countries who have been affected by Covid the most. I feel our lives have kind of been put on pause a lot of people have had to postpone things they’ve wanted to do the last year and this year. I feel we have been very limited. Art is very vital in our community. Painting during the pandemic has saved me, this pandemic has affected me and so many others mentally art is such a great outlet for that. I hope everyone can look at this piece and kind of get an understanding of how serious the pandemic has been and how much of an impact it has had on us all.
On Community and Public Art
“We are facing critical challenges every day within our communities. I believe the challenges we face could use artist’s minds, and I look forward seeing how our creative, innovative, and critical thinkers will come forward, and share their work, their experiences, and their ideas.”
Upcoming Event
My Friend’s Place Virtual Art Show
(In collaboration with Stars on Hollywood)
Event information
Danny
Escalante
Peak, 2021
Cold Press on Cotton Rag
Gradient 1, 2021
Cold Press on Cotton Rag
I wouldn’t necessarily say the pandemic influenced my work directly. However, what has been affected is my drive and need to get back into a routine that can continuously support my practice. […] What began as illustrations or ‘exercises’, quickly developed into this branching set of ideas and projects. These ‘exercises’ as I call them, are fairly typical for the inception of any of my pieces. […] The idea never occurred to finish one of these illustrations till I caught myself filling the entire page with shape arrangements and color schemes. I was drawn to then finish past ideas or pursue new sketches as they allowed me to somewhat connect with them as I would to a large scale installation or sculpture. Important to my work is this attraction. Scale and the ability to be completely be immersed by shape, form and color arrangement.
On Community and Public Art
“What I’m most excited about is the response by local artists, curators and galleries to open their doors. I’ve already been to a handful of shows since the city’s reopening and don’t plan on stopping. Simply happy to see what everyone has been working on during this difficult time [in Echo Park (Originally from South Central LA—Crenshaw)].”
Young
Choreographers
Project
Artists of Lockdown, 2021
Performance
Image courtesy of Alex Floyd
In the past, Young Choreographers Project always conducted our dance programs for teens in-person and on-site, either at a school or dance studio. The pandemic allowed us to explore online dance programming for the first time. The benefit was working with teens from various Los Angeles schools and teens from out of state. Students even received instruction and mentoring from professional dancers and choreographers from places such as Mumbai and France. The result of our very first online dance program was ‘Artists of Lockdown,’ an online showcase of original dance pieces choreographed and performed by teens.
On Community and Public Art
“We are most excited about getting back into the dance studio and classroom with our students [in Koreatown]. Watching our Young Choreographers explore choreography and tap into their creativity is a rewarding experience, and we love witnessing their growth.”
Upcoming Event
Dance Choreography Intensive for Teens
February to April 2022
Location: TBD
Event information
Kevin
Cotteleer
Self Tape, 2021
Digital Photography
During the Covid-19 Pandemic of 2020/21 the entire film industry was shuttered. Productions of TV/Film and Commercials were halted to stop the spread of the Covid-9 virus. All castings that took place were done remotely, usually from an Actor’s home. Actors had to become tech-savvy video producers and editors to get their auditions finished and out to Casting Directors. Kitchens, bedrooms, and dens became impromptu performance spaces. This is just one of the thousands of converted domiciles where the craft of acting refused to surrender.
Stephanie
Melissa
Self-Portrait in the Desert, 2021
Acrylic on Canvas
Image courtesy of Stephanie Gonzalez
Having moved to LA January of 2020, right before the pandemic hit, I felt robbed of the opportunity to traditionally introduce myself and show my work in this new city. This project is evidence of my moon landing. Showing myself, merged with my work, in the distinct southern CA desert.
On Community and Public Art
“[Public Art is:] giving, swoon, community.”
Candyce
Fabré
Proximity, 2021
Acrylic on Canvas
Prior to the pandemic I showcased and sold my artwork at various art shows and galleries. Due to COVID-19, art shows and galleries closed down or stopped operation. In compliance with government regulations, I have not been able to book any art shows or live painting gigs since March 2020. The shows that I participated in were a primary source for me to sell my art and further the reach of my message. Persevering through the pandemic in a multigenerational household. The painting features images of Carla Hockless, Vivian Hockless, Michelle Wright, and Bruce Crow Sr.
On Community and Public Art
“As the city opens back up, I am excited to explore how or if the pandemic has shifted the level of empathy in the community [in South Central LA]. Empathy has become a very prominent theme in my life over the last few years, and during the pandemic I found myself very interested in exploring the concept artistically.”
Upcoming Event
Candyce’s Halloween Virtual Sip & Paint!
October 16, 2021
Location: TBD
Event information
Stephanie
Inagaki
Familiars – Kitsune I, 2019
Charcoal and washi paper
Inspired by the mythology and folklore of my Japanese heritage, I have created my own visual narrative to symbolize these creatures as familiars. Familiars protect us, they are a part of who we essentially are, give us strength, and can help lead us to our ways. Sometimes they can be mischievous too. And throughout history, the creatures that I have portrayed have all had mystical qualities from shapeshifting, guiding the gods, to being gods themselves. “Kitsune” is fox in Japanese and also yōkai who have been known to transform themselves into human, to sacrifice themselves for humans they fall in love with, and can be mischievous tricksters too. There are numerous shrines throughout Japan that are guarded by kitsune statues. As they grow stronger and wiser, the more tails they grow.
On Community and Public Art
“In terms of community, Lincoln Heights is looking forward to the Brewery Art Walk which includes artist vendors. It is a staple event that used to happen twice a year.”
Upcoming Event
Oddities Flea Market
October 23-24, 10am-6pm
Globe Theatre in DTLA
Event information
Get directions
Septerhed
MASKED (safe and sound), 2020
Illustration/Digital
I have become overwhelmed with feelings and tripled my content production. The financial uncertainty paired with the isolation and stay at home orders has given me both a gift and a curse. I am grateful to make more of what I can, when I can.
On Community and Public Art
“Public Art and my Community [in South Central, Koreatown, Melrose]: [I’m looking forward to] creating dialogue and something the community can hopefully celebrate. It’s a mixed bag as far as reactions to public art. You can’t please everyone, but you can please most.”
Rosanne
Kleinerman
All Masked Up And Ready To Go: Los Angeles (Angela), 2021
Acrylic on Watercolor Paper
The COVID-19 pandemic and stay at home order presented many challenges. I used the time to draw and paint—mostly as a way to be comforted. I documented what I saw and what I was feeling. On my daily dog walks, I noticed cleaner air, birds I have never seen before, and nature’s sounds that the city blocked out. What I also saw, in troubling abundance, were my maskless neighbors exercising and congregating in the streets. It made me paint portraits of my neighbors who did mask. The only thing I hope that is contagious is their glamour.
On Community and Public Art
“As the city reopens, I am looking forward to seeing members of my [Mid‑City] community out walking, interacting with one another, dining outdoors and viewing public art in the neighborhood. I would love to see Pico Boulevard in Mid‑City turn into a walkable, vibrant and art filled meeting place for the community.”
Upcoming Event
Neighbors Portrait Series Unveiling
October 9, 2021, 10am
Reception at Pico and Hauser
Event information
Get directions
Kevin
Scanlon
Guy + Sasha, 2020
Silver-gelatin print
Serena, 2021
Silver-gelatin print
In May 2020, as Los Angeles began to loosen the stay-at-home order, I invited friends and neighbors to my driveway for a portrait with their mask. For some, it was the first time they left their house since the order began. I shot the project on film, and processed + printed from home.
On Community and Public Art
“I love seeing new murals [in Los Feliz] representing movers and shakers and people of note from the area [such as] Elliott Smith, Marc Abrams, Cesar Chavez, etc.”