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 Dennis Richardson | Mar 8, 2024
March is here, which means so is a warming trend in the weather. As we move into Spring, more people will be venturing out to appreciate Southern California’s natural beauty, events, and more. This month, art lovers can rejoice as Andaz West Hollywood has teamed up with Valence Projects for “Ours,” showcasing 20 LA-based artists as part of their “black in every color” series.
A nod to both the series’ 1-Year Anniversary and Black History Month, “Ours” is the next installation of their “black in every color” exhibition series, which highlights 20 LA-based artists. The exhibition celebrated the 1-Year Anniversary of black in every color and Black History Month, while also running through March 29th.
Credit: Valence Projects
“A nod to the future of creativity, community, and expression, “Ours” is posed as an ode to innovation born from detachment. The exhibition invites you to navigate the expansive terrain of artistic exploration as artists of color and recontextualize the fine art space.”
The concept of time, ever-present, underscores this exhibition. “Ours” is a reflection on the epochs it has taken for us to arrive at this juncture, yet it is equally a portal to the future—a nexus where innovation intertwines with history, and forward thinking dances with tradition,” said the exhibition’s Curator, Josiah David Jones.
Artists serve as pioneers of transformation, navigating the uncharted territories of self-expression and collective introspection. Highlighting a range of artists like established fashion photographer Micaiah Carter’s “Preserve”, to first time exhibitor Natasha Rivero’s “Alori”, and multi-disciplinary artist Doug Hickman’s fabric dressed transformation of the Andaz Mezzanine. black in every color’s goal is to elevate artist’s practice through community, collaboration and visibility.
“Ours” will be exhibited at the Andaz West Hollywood (8401 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069) through March 29, 2024. Visit www.blackineverycolor.com for more information.
Featured Artists Include:
● Dom King
● Brittney S. Price
● Isis Dua
● Kipkemoi
● Kader Ampka
● Mary Harris
● Natasha Rivero
● Peyton The Artist
● Micaiah Carter
● Perry White
● Liam Woods
● Carrington Mitchell
● Jonah Elijah
● Dez Porter
● Doug Hickman Jr.
● Kodjovi Sevon
● Brandon Gastinell
● Yashua Bloom
● Shaylen Nelson
● Stvteoftheart
About Valence Projects & ‘black in every color.’ Curation
The ‘black in every color.’ exhibition series was conceived by Josiah David Jones, founder of Valence Projects. Valence Project’s mission is to empower underrepresented artist communities internationally. Valence Projects strives to build a world where creativity meets purpose, where artists thrive, and where impactful campaigns are born to make a profound difference in the world.
The ‘black in every color’ exhibitions aim to highlight emerging creative communities of color internationally. Valence Projects plans to bring the exhibition to other cities across the US and globally. Among the line-up planned for 2024, the exhibition will be held at Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor and Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills.
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 239 stylish guest rooms including 20 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.
by Dennis Richardson | Feb 23, 2024
It stirs and soothes hearts, minds, souls, and bodies across the world, all while taking on a variety of forms: silent, loud, simple, complex, bold, or abstract. In some cases, doing all of the above, all at once. That ever-changing thing that traverses mediums is art, and it is all around us.
As art aficionados continue to make their pilgrimages to the iconic art meccas in a post-COVID world, Paris, Italy, Tokyo, Jakarta, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles have seen renewed popularity. But for those seeking the burgeoning art scenes and creative hubs where it’s still easy to spend a day popping in and out of galleries and curated local shops, a Los Angeles community known as Culver City has them all beat.
If you caught our coverage of The Shay Hotel last year, then it may come as no surprise that Culver City continues to deliver with its incredible support of small businesses and local artists.The Culver City Arts District encompasses a rich community of over thirty art galleries within its small footprint that showcase a wide variety of fine art, contemporary art, sculpture, pop, graphic, and street art. All the while, The Shay continues to be a lighthouse for wonderers far and wide in 2024 – remaining the best place to stay for those exploring and discovering art in Culver City.
Opened in October 2021, the young hotel has quickly become a mainstay that boasts the only rooftop pool in Culver City along with prime location at the helm of the incredibly walkable Culver City Arts District. On top of that, The Shay offers travelers and locals easy access to an enticing blend of posh accommodations, eclectic shopping experiences, and a dining scene that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
With prominent galleries like Blum (formerly Blum & Poe), Anat Egbi, Thinkspace and Sixty29 Contemporary, and the promising new openings of FP Contemporary, Reisig and Taylor Contemporary and CadFab Creative Gallery, Culver City is becoming a focal point for contemporary art. Along with specialty boutiques, hyper local design retailers and a thriving gastronomic culture, the dynamic neighborhood buzzes with creative energy from architecture enterprises, advertising agencies and culinary arts campuses, interior design showrooms and some of the world’s leading entertainment production studios – like Amazon, HBO Max and Apple TV.
The Shay is only steps away from these globally inspired art galleries and museums, and reflects the neighborhood’s artistic buzz by lining its walls with collections from local artists and hosting monthly pop-up shops from small businesses. In the true heart of Los Angeles, The Shay in Culver City is centrally located between Santa Monica, Downtown LA, Hollywood/West Hollywood and Beverly Hills and offers accessibility to all of the artistic corners of Los Angeles County. See some of the highlights below for just a few attractions sure to complement your own stay at The Shay.
Whether you’re a traveler looking for a memorable vacation, a shopper in search of unique finds, a food enthusiast ready to embark on a culinary journey, or an art aficionado looking for your next piece, The Shay and Culver City are all-encompassing destinations that cater to your every desire.
by Randy Dunbar | Feb 10, 2024
In 2011, MOCA presented a show called “Art in the Streets”, it was the first major U.S. museum survey of graffiti and street art. It was controversial and provoked an academic debate about the nature of graffiti. Today, one need only look up—downtown, South Park, for the moment, home to nearly 27 floors of typographical messages commonly known as graffiti. Derived from the Italian word graffio(“scratch”), graffiti (“incised inscriptions,” plural but often used as singular) has a long history. The graffiti seen here may be short lived as the the Los Angeles City Council.The buildings are part of the Oceanwide Plaza which was meant to be a $1 billion real estate project in downtown L.A., but it’s been empty since 2019. According to the Los Angeles Times’ Summer Lin and Robert Gauthier, the plan was to build three neighboring towers that would serve as luxury condominiums and apartments alongside hotel and retail space. However, construction stopped when the Beijing-based developer backing the project ran out of funds.The abandoned buildings have been an eyesore for locals, and currently the cause of great debate about just what graffiti is. The building looks like an electrical panel with dull cement gray exteriors that have sat for five years, and at some point provided an opportunity for local graffiti artists to decorate the building. Currently, the Los Angeles City Council has voted to invoke the owners to clean up the “mess” of they will and send a bill.
Graffiti can be found throughout the city, from the streets of downtown Los Angeles to the neighborhoods of East LA. Here are some key points about graffiti in Los Angeles:
- Historical Roots: Graffiti has a long history in Los Angeles, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s when it emerged as a form of expression among marginalized communities. The city played a significant role in the development of graffiti as an art form.
- Legal and Illegal Graffiti: While some graffiti is illegal and considered vandalism, there are designated areas and public spaces where street art is legal and even encouraged. The city has a complex relationship with graffiti, acknowledging its artistic value in certain contexts while also enforcing laws against illegal tagging.
- Venice Beach Walls: Venice Beach is known for its legal graffiti walls, where artists can freely express themselves without fear of legal repercussions. These walls attract both local and international graffiti artists, contributing to the vibrant street art culture of the city.
- Murals and Street Art Festivals: Los Angeles hosts various street art festivals and mural projects that bring together artists to create large-scale public artworks. The city has numerous murals that showcase a wide range of styles and themes, often reflecting the cultural diversity of the area.
- Melrose Avenue: Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood is famous for its street art scene. The walls of buildings along this iconic street often feature colorful murals and graffiti pieces, creating an outdoor gallery that reflects the trendy and artistic atmosphere of the neighborhood.
- Downtown Arts District: The Arts District in downtown Los Angeles is another hotspot for street art and graffiti. Former industrial buildings and warehouses in this area have been transformed into galleries and studios, attracting artists who contribute to the urban art landscape.
- Political and Social Commentary: Graffiti in Los Angeles often serves as a platform for political and social commentary. Artists use their work to address issues such as gentrification, inequality, and cultural identity, providing a visual voice for marginalized communities.
It’s important to note that opinions on graffiti vary, and while some view it as a form of artistic expression, others see it as a form of vandalism. The city’s approach to graffiti continues to evolve, with efforts to balance artistic freedom with the need to maintain public spaces.
