LA Art Show 2013: Celebrating 18 Years of Presenting Amazing Art

LA ART SHOW 2013: CELEBRATING 18 YEARS OF PRESENTING AMAZING ART -- Pop! Crackle! Sizzle! It was truly an eyeful of imagery! The 18th Annual Los Angeles Art Show, presented by The Palm Beach Show Group at the Los Angeles Convention Center January 24 - 27, 2013 has always been one of those must-see events when it comes to town -- and for good reason. Whatever your art inclinations, there was something for everyone, so that means there was aisle after aisle of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, art installations and so much more (see two related stories posted below). Not only were there premium galleries represented from the U.S. and Europe, but a gathering of Asian galleries from China, Korea and Japan added to the truly international array of works to see and appreciate. And, of course, there was style -- and lots of it! Some of the many things that caught our eye: the super-sexy "Kate Moss" (above center) a 2012 original silkscreen with hand-painting by Mr. Brainwash (né Thierry Guetta) shown by Denis Bloch Fine Art; a detail (top left) of a vibrant Davyd Whaley painting shown by Galerie Michael; one of our favorite pieces of art from Japan -- an electric fruit bowl print (bottom left) by the  highly original artist and writer Yayoi Kusama shown by Watanabe Fine Art of Osaka, Japan; the colorfully striking "Untitled (Gold Face Elvis)" at lower left -- a 2012 silkscreen on canvas by Ron English shown by Rosenbaum Contemporary; and one of twelve lithograph posters (middle right) titled "A Spectacle and Nothing Strange" by L.A.-based artist Eve Fowler using text from Gertrude Stein's 1914 book Tender Buttons -- curated by Jack Rutberg Fine Arts of Los Angeles as part of the special exhibition "Letters from Los Angeles".

LA Art Show:  http://www.laartshow.com/
Denis Bloch Fine Art:  http://denisbloch.com/
Watanabe Fine Art:  http://www.watanabe-fineart.com/
Galerie Michael:  http://galeriemichael.com/
Rosenbaum Contemporary:  http://www.rosenbaumcontemporary.com/
Jack Rutberg Fine Arts:  http://www.jackrutbergfinearts.com/ 
Show photos by Greg Firlotte

LA Art Show 2013: Hiroko Tsuchida Reflects on Infinite Possibilities

LA ART SHOW 2013: HIROKO TSUCHIDA REFLECTS ON INFINITE POSSIBILITIES -- The 18th Annual Los Angeles Art Show, presented by The Palm Beach Show Group at the Los Angeles Convention Center, has brought the world of the arts to the doorsteps of Angelino citizens -- there is so much to see and do, learn about and explore in the realms of historic, modern and contemporary art that one's head is turning at every aisle intersection to take in the colors, mediums and range of pieces being displayed. One of the best aspects of the show is the participation of galleries from China, Korea and Japan which alerts us here in L.A. about what is going on across the great Pacific and finally see up close and personal what the booming Asian art market is all about. One of the many highlights at the show for Studio of Style came quite by surprise! We came upon a lovely young lady sitting in a chair, seemingly chained to a large piece of mirrored jewelry -- and we didn't know what to think.  But as we studied her more closely, we realized that she was a living art piece -- still, silent and with an intense gaze peering into her giant mirrored medallion.  We learned that she is Japanese artist Hiroko Tsuchida and that she has a lot to say -- by saying nothing at all. So we stood there, along with the fairgoers and pondered what she was indeed attempting to say with her artistic silence. Not only is Tsuchida an award-winning jewelry designer in her native Japan, but she is also adept at creating large-scale conceptual artworks that are most impressive indeed. So let's hear what she is saying about her conceptual piece as presented on the floor of the LA Art Show.  "Jewelry acts as a mirror where I can see more than my reflection. I see my true self. Something so small and delicate like jewelry can leave a huge impression and is a powerful tool of my self-expression. When I wear my jewelry, it is a big part of me expressing who I am. By wearing this large necklace and anchoring it to the ground, I'm forced to view myself objectively from common eyes. It is like me dressed in a silver frame. There are many thoughts in the world that are pointed or rounded. I wonder what the world sees when I wear my jewelry. How do I look from the ground? We as human beings have infinite possibilities. We can change our perspective of the world and ourselves by using our hands and creating something new. I hope that you can look at yourself differently now with a new perspective and look at your reflection in others." Very interesting, Ms. Tsuchida. The next time we gaze into a mirror, we will be thinking of you!

Hiroko Tsuchido:  http://hiroko-tsuchida.com/
LA Art Show:  http://www.laartshow.com/
Photos by Greg Firlotte

Hooray for Hollywood....and Tippi Hedren, Andre Miripolsky & Red Line Tours!

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD....AND TIPPI HEDREN, ANDRE MIRIPOLSKY & RED LINE TOURS!  It was one of those beautiful sun-drenched afternoons in Hollywood, California and the setting was the famed Grauman's Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Boulevard -- and the event was the star-filled reception for the 2nd Annual Commemorative Ticket issued by Red Line Tours and designed by renowned Los Angeles artist Andre Miripolsky (above right). (See artist's story below)  The toast of the event held yesterday, January 17, was legendary actress Tippi Hedren (above center) who was as radiant and gracious as ever! Later that evening, Hedren was feted at the world-renowned Grauman's Chinese Theater (just down the street) for the 50th anniversary tribute screening of that amazing Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds. Red Line Tours invited not only Hedren, but a host of film and television stars to salute the release of its four-part "Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes" ticket which is a premium keepsake for those taking the popular walking tour through the streets of Hollywood.  Red Line founder Tony Hoover (above left) created this top Hollywood attraction many years ago and it has since become a must-see tour for those who love everything about Hollywood (yes!). "Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes" presents a journey of Hollywood's most famous landmarks, how the town got its name, information about the Hollywood Sign and takes you to places during the 75-minute, three-block walking tour that you would never know about if you tried to do it on your own -- and it includes an amazing live audio system that allows you to hear what your guide is saying no matter how loud the street traffic is. During the commemorative event yesterday, all eyes were equally on the beautiful Ms. Hedren and those fabulous colorful tickets (given out to those in attendance) that were designed by Miripolsky. What's not to love about Hollywood, we ask?

Andre Miripolsky: http://miripolskystudio.com/
Tippi Hedren Shambala Preserve: http://www.shambala.org/
Red Line Tours: http://www.redlinetours.com
Group photo by Greg Firlotte / Tour images courtesy Red Line Tours

Hooray for Hollywood....and Andre Miripolsky & Red Line Tours!

HOORAY FOR HOLLYOOD....AND ANDRE MIRIPOLSKY & RED LINE TOURS!  For the second consecutive year, Red Line Tours of Hollywood has commissioned L.A.'s quintessential artist Andre Miripolsky (shown above) to design tickets for its popular "Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes" walking tour -- with this year's theme focusing on famous film directors (from above left, clockwise) Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Sofia Coppola and Clint Eastwood. With last year's ticket theme being famous Hollywood architectural landmarks, this year's theme proved to be both fun and challenging for Miripolsky. "I was approached once again by Red Line Tours owner and founder Tony Hoover," says the artist, "and the intent -- as with last year's commission -- is to give added value to his customer base by creating something that is both memorable and collectible while promoting the perception of Hollywood." For this particular theme, Hoover worked with the Directors Guild of America who decided upon the choice of the four directors spanning the history of Hollywood film making. Says Miripolsky, "I began designing the tickets by selecting a stock black and white photo of each director working with a film camera and then placing that photo in the center of each design -- and around it creating a collage of things symbolic to each director's career using both stock images and my original artwork. The visual end results is like a scavenger hunt of imagery to both entertain and educate the customer taking the Red Line Tour." On the Hitchcock ticket for example, one will find references to the films North by Northwest, The Birds, Psycho, Rope, Lifeboat, Rear Window, Vertigo, Dial M for Murder and The 39 Steps -- all on a 3.25" x 5.5" inch ticket! "It is my privilege and pleasure to represent the essence and allure of Hollywood through the color, content and vision of my art," sums up Miripolsky. Those taking the tour get to keep their commemorative ticket as an artistic souvenir of the very unique walking adventures on Hollywood Boulevard. And to that, we at Studio of Style say "Hooray!"

Andre Miripolsky: http://miripolskystudio.com/

Red Line Tours: http://www.redlinetours.co

Artist photo by Greg Firlotte / Ticket artwork courtesy Red Line Tours

Jodie Foster, Marie Claire, The Weinstein Company, The Golden Globes!!

JODIE FOSTER, MARIE CLAIRE, THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY, THE GOLDEN GLOBES!!!  Here in Hollywood, we LOVE a red carpet anytime! But when it comes to the where the action and excitement really happen in Hollywood, you gotta be at the after parties! And THE place to be after the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards this past Sunday evening was at The Weinstein Company (TWC) After Party at the famed Trader Vic's restaurant at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Sponsored by our favorite fashion magazine Marie Claire -- as well as Chopard, HP, Laura Mercier, Lexus and Yucaipa Films -- this party was dripping with some of Hollywood's hottest ladies!! And THE lady of the evening Jodie Foster (top right) was absolutely radiant in every way -- especially in her stunning Giorgio Armani gown and fresh from her Hollywood moment as the recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award! Jodie rocks!!! And we love catching a glimpse of our favorite TV hostess Heidi Klum (bottom left) from Project Runway snacking on fries slathered in ketchup -- yum!!! And it seems that the ladies have gone nude this year -- of course, we're talking about nude-colored gowns like the pale blush Marchesa number worn by the sexy Amy Adams (top left) with her Veronica Lake-inspired hairdo!! And how about Carmen Electra (bottom right) posing sensually for the cameras in her knockout Tom Ford dress and her well-slicked hair that was pure glamour?  And then Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudson (middle left) sparkled and dazzled everyone in their golden ensembles by Atelier Versace and Jenny Packham respectively. Dare we say that The Weinstein Company After Party was just as exciting as the awards ceremonies? With Marie Claire Editor in Chief Anne Fulenwider and TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein holding court among the truly star-studded crowd, we can easily say that, for sure! Hollywood is hot....and fabulously stylish! Hooray!!!!

Marie Claire: http://www.marieclaire.com/

The Weinstein Company: http://weinsteinco.com/

Photos by Ari Perilstein/Mike Windle/Jeff Vespa for Getty Images for The Weinstein Company

The Fantasmagorical World of Kahn & Selesnick at Kopeikin Gallery

THE FANTASMAGORICAL WORLD OF KAHN & SELESNICK AT KOPEIKIN GALLERY -- It's like a strange, bizarre, beautiful and disturbingly lovely dream -- and it's appearing at the Kopeikin Gallery in Los Angeles from January 12 to February 16, 2013 for those who want to make the journey to see this dreamy netherworld created by New York-state-based artists/photographers Nicholas Kahn and Richard Selesnick.  With a theme of "The Carnival at the End of the World," the exhibition depicts a fictitious cabaret troupe -- the Truppe Fledermaus -- who travel the countryside staging absurd and inscrutable performances in the abandoned landscapes beyond the town's edge. To create this "Theater of Memory," the Truppe are as apt to commemorate the passing of an unusual cloud as they are to be found documenting their own attempts to flee the rising waters of a warming planet, or using black humor to comment upon mass extinction. In addition to using this concept to address ecological themes, Kahn & Selesnick also use it as a metaphor for the manner in which seemingly inexhaustible quantities of information are disseminated to us in the modern world. Wow! We love the very idea of this and can't wait to be at the opening night reception on the 12th (you will join us, won't you?).  As you can see by the images shown above (some of which are details of the fuller works), there is so much to ponder, grasp and be amazed by. But since 1998, the duo photographers have been giving their followers lots to ponder and be amazed by with their joint collaborations of narrative photo-novellas and sculptural installations. Both born in 1964 and having met at Washington University in St. Louis where they informally collaborated in the 1980s while photography majors, Kahn & Selesnick have made a name for themselves with their documentary-style panoramic and square photographs depicting fictitious histories set in the past or the future -- incorporating elaborately crafted artifacts, costumes and sculpture. With more than 100 solo and group exhibitions under their collective belts, Kahn & Selesnick are guaranteed crowd-pleasers with their distinctive brand of photography.

http://www.kopeikingallery.com/
Images courtesy Kopeikin Gallery 

It's a Greco-Roman Holiday with Compas Stone and Tiles

IT'S A GRECO-ROMAN HOLIDAY WITH COMPAS STONE AND TILES -- Aaahhh...the Mediterranean! If there's one place we at Studio of Style love to be (other than our fabulous Hollywood, of course!) it's the warm, sun-drenched climes of that birthplace of those three great ancient cultures: Egypt, Greece and Rome. And it seems that there is no one in that also-sunny locale known as Los Angeles who knows more about the rich history of those ancient times in terms of architectural styles and details than the wonderful folks at Compas on La Cienega Boulevard (the setting for the annual Legends of La Cienega design event).  Using L.A. as their home base for more than 30 years, Compas has become the go-to expert on all things relating to stone and tile hailing from the Mediterranean region -- and walking into their La Cienega showroom is like taking a journey back to another day and time when artisans and craftsmen produced functional works of art from marble, limestone, terra cotta and ceramics for both inside and outside the home.  One of the company's specialties is finding only the finest specimens of reclaimed antique floor and wall tiles in majolica, limestone, terra cotta and marble that bring the authentic air of rusticity and timelessness to today's home -- be it modern, traditional or transitional. As you (our ever-stylish reader) know about us, we love to bring you the inside scoop on our reports -- and we can say that we at Studio of Style have actually accompanied Compas on a jaunt to the South of France and saw them firsthand scouring the countryside for amazing materials to bring to their longtime and very loyal clientele who demand and receive only the best of the best.  And one thing about reclaimed limestone and marble is that nothing from the Mediterranean ever goes to waste -- which means the stones offered from Compas may have very well had their beginnings in ancient palaces, churches, villas or just simple farm houses -- trodden over the centuries by who knows? All of this adds another level of enjoyment and intrigue to the company's products -- and we love that! Compas also offers a tasty array of fireplace surrounds, sinks, countertops, faucetry items and other items such as statues, fountains, columns and much more to add just the perfect touch to whatever room in or outside of your home that needs something fabulous -- which means that the Mediterranean is closer to you than you think! "I found Rome a city of bricks...and left it a city of marble," said ancient Roman Emperor Augustus. So what will you do with your bricks?  Why not transform them into a beautiful and functional marble-clad wonder by way of Compas?

http://www.compasstone.com/
Images courtesy Compas