32nd Annual Group Show
March 2nd-April 1st, 2018
Opening Reception: Friday, March 2nd, 8-11 PM
La Luz de Jesus Gallery
4633 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. 90027
La Luz de Jesus proudly presents their annual juried group exhibition, LALUZAPALOOZA. This gigantic, no-theme show features works from some of the freshest and most relevant artists working today. Once again, the gallery sorted through tens of thousands of submissions from commercial illustrators, graphic designers, tattooists, scenics, students, street taggers, animators and working gallery artists, deciding on 160 plus pieces from 65 or so artists, continuing the tradition of the most exclusive selection of tastefully, jam-packed salon-style exhibited works.
This show is also a milestone as gallery director Matt Kennedy departs from La Luz de Jesus as of the March 2nd opening, to be replaced by Matthew Gardocki. Matthew is an experienced curator and was part of the crew when Soap Plant/Wacko/La Luz de Jesus was on Melrose in the 1990s.
Come see the show, say goodbye to Matt, and hello to Matthew!
THE HISTORY
Previously our annual group show was called “Everything but the Kitschen Sync,” but it began life in October 1986 as the “Día de los Muertos” show which was entirely focused on the folk art, sculptures and imagery of Mexico’s “Day of the Dead” celebration. By 1995, gallery owner and curator Billy Shire felt the show had run its course and presented other themed group exhibitions such as the 1996 “21st Century Tiki Show.” In 1998 Shire decided to present a non-themed show dedicated to illustrative and narrative artwork. As many local artists work in commercial graphic art fields such as illustration, cartooning, animation, etc., the show was named “Uncommercial Art by Commercial Artists.” In 2004, Shire changed the show title to the more encompassing and less-cumbersome “Everything But the Kitschen Synch.” Several spelling and name variations later, here we are…
“Everyone looks at this show for new and interesting artists” states Shire – “and indeed, not only does La Luz de Jesus pick artists from the group show for smaller group and solo shows down the line–numerous curators and owners of other galleries also keep their eyes on the yearly show for potential artists to add to their rosters.” “This is the one show annually that most patrons look forward to seeing, as it’s a chance to discover new artists in the venue that has launched so many careers,” notes gallery director Matt Kennedy. “Every year we manage to discover a new conglomeration of fresh talent, and among them a class of breakout successes. That’s really a credit to the accessible talent pool. The quality and availability of instruction (both in schools and through independent study) coupled with the the culture that this city attracts, fosters a welcoming environment for people with the ability to create –often in reaction to their individual situations.”
Join La Luz de Jesus Gallery as we continue to support the latest and most original efforts from the world’s alternative art scene. Contact the gallery director for availability and purchase info: (323) 666-7667
I am once again honored to be included in Lowbrow-Art quintessential annual event at the Gallery that gave it that name. This year four of my paintings have been selected for the always well attended opening night event and the month-long exhibition at Billy Shire’s La Luz de Jesus Gallery in LA.