by Dennis Richardson | Apr 12, 2024
The highly anticipated art exhibition will showcase Lavera’s artworks from her collection called “I’m not a robot” from April 4 to June 28, 2024
Andaz West Hollywood, located on the legendary Sunset Strip, has partnered with Buenos-Aires-born, artist Fernanda Lavera to unveil her highly-anticipated solo art exhibition in Los Angeles. The visiting exhibition at the registered art gallery in Andaz West Hollywood is showcasing Lavera’s artworks from her acclaimed collection called “I’m not a robot,” over a three-month period from April 4 to June 28, 2024. On Thursday, April 18th, Andaz West Hollywood held a special launch party to celebrate the beginning of the exhibit, where Lavera attended and spoke to attendees. Those in attendance included media, influencers, artists, hotel guests, and the general public.
Credit: Chelsea Patricia
A natural fit for Andaz West Hollywood, known for its rich history as an eclectic gateway to West Hollywood, Lavera’s vibrant artworks are marked by eccentric shapes and vivid colors that draw on inspiration from Lavera’s daily life. The idea for the, “I’m not a robot,” collection was sparked when the artist encountered an obstacle attempting to log in to her computer, a system requesting verification of her humanity through a test involving identifying objects in images. “I’m at the computer filling out some online forms, and once again, a series of urban images and symbols appear on the screen, drawing my full attention: bicycles, traffic lights, signs, and signals that I have to accept. I’m not a robot,” states Lavera.
This experience ignited an internal protest within Lavera: “Why must I prove my humanity when I am unquestionably human and an artist?” As a result, “I’m not a robot,” is a series of four paintings that invite individuals to slow down despite living in a society filled with automatic consumption.
Distinct from her usual format which typically employs larger canvases, “I’m not a robot,”will showcase four smaller paintings presented collectively in the form of a puzzle. Utilizing resources such as pixelation, QR codes, puzzles, and verifications, the exhibition incorporates and blends these technological facets of modernity, forging the creation of a protest with space for amusement, engagement, and human connection. Whether viewed digitally or experienced in person, the art encourages audiences to connect with the artist on a human level and join this protest.
Credit: Chelsea Patricia
Lavera believes in pushing the boundaries that exist in the world. Unique and revolutionary, the artist emerges from the masses holding strong convictions, her brushes, and vision. Lavera communicates a message that will make individuals think and question themselves, leaving them wanting more.
Lavera’s exciting rise to fame began when Greg Schriefer and Clive Davis stumbled upon her work during their trip to Buenos Aires. Enamored by her artistic technique and message, both were deeply impressed, and Greg decided to take on the role of managing her career.
For more information about Andaz West Hollywood, please visit: www.andazwesthollywood.com. Andaz West Hollywood’s registered art gallery rotates quarterly, featuring the work of local and international artists. QR codes are displayed throughout the gallery with their respective art pieces for purchasing and browsing of artists’ other works.
About Andaz West Hollywood:
“With its iconic history as the first hotel on the Sunset Strip, Andaz West Hollywood offers guests the rare opportunity to trace the footsteps of a long list of legendary rockers who frequented the property throughout the 60s and 70s and earned it the nickname “Riot House,” including The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses, The Doors and more. The historic property experienced past lives as Hyatt on Sunset and Hyatt West Hollywood, before rebranding as Andaz West Hollywood in Hyatt’s boutique lifestyle collection in 2009. The modernized hotel features 240 stylish guest rooms including 21 suites with chic aesthetics, coveted views of the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Boulevard, a rotating art gallery exhibition, and the highest rooftop pool in Los Angeles. An eclectic and fashionable destination, Andaz West Hollywood provides the ultimate LA experience with elevated comforts and amenities for guests to unleash their inner celebrity and indulge like no one, or everyone, is watching.”
Nestled at the heart of the renowned Sunset Strip, Andaz West Hollywood epitomizes the vibrant spirit of WeHo, alongside its acclaimed neighbors, like The Comedy Store and iconic Saddle Ranch Chop House. Its prime location in West Hollywood makes exploring the area on foot a breeze, with the hotel itself offering exceptional accommodations and top-notch hospitality. In addition, its proximity to both Bob Hope Airport (BUR) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) makes travel convenient, with BUR just 10 miles away and LAX only 16 miles away.
The hotel features a recently-renovated rooftop pool features a pool bar, glamorous views, private cabanas, day beds, and lounge chairs – all available to hotel guests and non-hotel guests via a reservation.
About Fernanda Lavera:
Fernanda Lavera is a Buenos Aires-based contemporary artist. At a young age, she discovered her fascination for art and painting through an aunt and has since had a passion for sketching and textures. Neo-expressionist art is notorious in Lavera’s monumental and vibrant artworks. From each, eccentric shapes and vivid colors of contrasting expressions escape, providing a glimpse into her unconscious imagination. Lavera’s art includes symbols, objects, and everyday forms that align closely with the style of Pop Art. Psychedelic cartoons, rabid cats, race cars, tables, and blurred faces, are some of the heterogeneous elements that are presented. For further information, visit laverart.com.
by Anthony Stafford | Apr 12, 2024
Traveling may not be friendly on the wallet these days, but food is always a great way to take your tongue on an international adventure. If you’re looking for an escape this Spring,
White Elephant is calling your name.
This modern Thai concept is serving up traditional and globally-inspired cuisine, and conveniently located in two SoCal areas: Downtown Los Angeles and Anaheim, at the infamous Anaheim Packing House.
Credit: Jasveer Sidhu
If you’re unfamiliar, White Elephant (
@whiteelephant_thai) is a family-owned restaurant specializing in elevated, yet approachable Thai dishes with fresh twists. Whether you’re a classic Thai food enthusiast or seeking something new, White Elephant’s menu is packed with offerings that will satisfy every craving, while enticing you to come back again and again.
Some menu highlights include:
- Delectable Salmon Belly Tartare and Basil Chicken Wings.
- Timeless Thai staples like Pad Thai, Thai Fried Rice, and Tom Kha.
- New flavors in White Elephant’s signature dishes like the Crispy Branzino, Imperial Crab Curry, and Braised A5 Panang or the customizable contemporary platters including the Crying Tiger Steak, Honey Pork Belly and Coconut Milk Fried Chicken.
With two locations in Southern California, White Elephant’s menu remains true to Thailand roots while also featuring ingredients and recipes influenced by the region, such as seafood, plant-based ingredients, and alternative meats. This allows diners to feel right at home in a warm and lively atmosphere while exploring authentic Thai fare.
A Special Earth Day Celebration
In addition to being an exceptional experience any day of the year, White Elephant is making Earth Day week, even more spectacular with a special menu!
This limited-time menu highlights plant-based offerings and alternative meat choices for the week of Earth Day (4/21 – 4/27). Additionally, all food waste from the week will also be donated to LA Compost to help local ecosystems thrive.
The briefly available menu includes:
- Basil Puffy Tofu, with marinated tofu, miso tofu cream, fried garlic, crispy basil, and sweet and spicy sauce
- Roasted Miso Cabbage, with miso tofu cream, miso honey glaze, Chunk shreds, crispy onions, and chives.
And light menu items offer a mix of seafood and chicken paired with fresh vegetables including:
- Salmon Belly Tartare
- Papaya Salad
- Pad Thai Seafood
- Turmeric Grilled Chicken
- and Chilean Seabass.
by Dennis Richardson | Apr 12, 2024
Cowritten by Anthony C. Stafford
Last year, we covered our experience after an overnight stay at The Shay Hotel. During that time, we had a complete blast seeing the uniqueness that makes The Shay what it is: a platform and incubator for small and local businesses and artists, while also a thriving scene for guests to stay in comfort, style, and excitement. In addition, we highlighted a restaurant that helped put the cherry on top of our stay — though that restaurant has closed and an entirely new concept has sprung up in its place!
Credit: The Shay Hotel
We recently had the opportunity to revisit the hotel, and were introduced to the newest restaurant to grace the ground floor of The Shay: Prima Donna.
Familiar, Yet Fresh: Prima Donna
Prima Donna is in many ways a sigh of relief, and in other ways, an exciting addition to look forward to.
Officially opened in January of this year, Prima Donna is an elevated Italian restaurant, featuring everything from pizzas to pastas cooked in the iconic hearth and brick oven that so many recognize. They also recently began live music on Friday nights, making the evening atmosphere that much more energetic and memorable.
We were surprised to find familiarity in Prima Donna, with the overall experience being upbeat, lively, and playful. We recognized some of the same friendly faces that graced the previous establishment returned at Prima Donna — like the impressionable Kelly, who knows the dishes inside and out while giving the best descriptions of them. We learned that The Shay helped take care of the team after the previous restaurant’s departure, which smoothly transition them into this new chapter with Prima Donna. The crowds flocked in soon after the restaurant opened, proving that the love lives on.
Prima Donna Menu
If you’re comparing Prima Donna to what existed before, don’t. Instead, think about your favorite Italian dishes, and how they can possibly be any better. The Prima Donna team came in with their own vision and you can rest assured that you’re in for a familiar, yet new and elevated experience with many options to look forward to. For example, Prima Donna’s lamb meatballs with garlic bread rang bells in our memories, but packed an incredible punch – a reminder that this is a new restaurant with its own identity. The crispy-soft garlic bread stood out on its own, decorated with mouthwatering flakes of salt and the pungent burst of buttery garlic flavor. It deserved to be its own plate and still paired perfectly with the tender and juicy lamb meatballs wading in tomato sauce.
We chowed through Grilled Prawns bathed in fennel pollen, burnt lemon, and a subtle smoky oil, a White Lotus Pizza (fennel sausage, white sauce, caciocavallo, crispy potato, and red onion), and Rigatoni Pasta as the heavier selections for the evening. And a notable mention we just couldn’t get enough of remains the Crispy Brussels, complete with farro and sitting delicately atop a cloud of lemon-yogurt bagna cauda and golden raisins. Finally, the Lemon Pistachio Cake and Magic Sundae were both incredible. Tangy, lemony sweetness of cake alongside the smooth, creamy and crunchy sundae made for a perfect ending to our evening.
According to Mosaic, Prima Donna will be around until at least June 2024, but given the popularity and immediate embrace from the community, they’ll likely and hopefully be around for years to come.
Comfort, Style, and Excitement: The Shay
In regard to The Shay itself, not much has changed, as it continues to lift its small business community up high and periodically hosts events of all types for these businesses and artists to gain exposure. This time around, there were no events during our visit, but still ongoing support of the community, with the lobby’s Gallery Shop bursting with products just waiting to be bought. From shirts and dresses, to spa goods and essentials, there’s almost no stone unturned when it comes to what you can expect to find at The Shay’s Gallery Shop. In fact, it beckons you to come back from time to time to see what’s new in stock.
Next up, rather than a room with a view of the Hollywood Sign and DTLA, we enjoyed a larger space thanks to a private and spacious patio on the inward-facing side of the building. This allowed for fresh, cool air during the night hours, and even a space to sit out for a drink, a book, or editing. But even then, you’ve got the rooftop where the pool and Canopy Club await for unique views, more irresistible dishes and cocktails, and exclusive lounging.
We can’t recommend The Shay enough, as it lies in the heart of Culver City’s Arts District with more than enough going on to never get bored. Plentiful shopping, nightlife, fine dining, and small business & local artist support all in one place gives the hotel an advantage that others should be hungry for. Having the opportunity to visit The Shay once again feels like a return to home. Some things have changed, but enough has stayed the same, even with the addition of Prima Donna. It’s nice to not feel like a stranger and know that you can count on consistency from The Shay Hotel.
Read our previous coverage of The Shay Hotel and their Mercado y Más event, here.
