Artist Minjae Kim has transformed Marta in Los Angeles into a surreal and whimsical setting for his latest exhibition, Phantom-22. Drawing inspiration from silent films, urban life, and the legendary mountain lion P-22 of Griffith Park, the show merges sculpture, furniture, and set design to create an immersive environment. The space features fiberglass palm trees, plaster animals, and clay figures frozen in contemplative poses, blurring the boundaries between art and functionality.
Kim’s work is a nod to Buster Keaton’s film “One Week,” where chaos transforms into creativity. Phantom-22 offers a unique perspective on Los Angeles, blending dreamlike elements with a touch of brokenness, humor, history, and peculiar beauty. The exhibition invites visitors to slow down, observe closely, and engage with the intricate details of the space.
By infusing fantasy with reality, Kim’s art transforms the city’s natural landscapes, architectural elements, and myths into a tangible experience. Phantom-22 is currently on display at Marta until May 31, inviting audiences to explore a world where imagination and reality intertwine.
Delving into the historical context of art and activism, Art at a Time Like This emerged in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Co-founded by Anne Verhallen and Barbara Pollack, the platform provides a space for artists to reflect on the role of art during times of crisis. Through online group shows, solo exhibitions, and public art projects, ATLT encourages artists to explore new perspectives and respond creatively to societal challenges.
Verhallen and Pollack view artists as thought leaders, aiming to showcase their works in a nonprofit setting that allows the art to speak for itself. By addressing issues like mass incarceration and climate change, ATLT fosters collaboration and dialogue within the artistic community. The platform’s commitment to supporting artists during uncertain times underscores the importance of art as a tool for social change.
Artist Judith Bernstein, known for her politically charged works, emphasizes the enduring relevance of art in addressing social injustices. Reflecting on her iconic pieces and ongoing projects, Bernstein’s art serves as a form of activism, challenging systemic inequalities and advocating for social change. Through her powerful imagery and unapologetic approach, Bernstein continues to provoke critical conversations and inspire action.
Helina Metaferia, an artist and activist, explores the intersection of art and social justice through her work. By engaging with themes of gender, activism, and archival research, Metaferia’s art highlights marginalized voices and addresses pressing social issues. Her commitment to using art as a platform for activism underscores the transformative power of creative expression in driving social change.
Lily Kwong, a multidisciplinary artist, focuses on reconnecting people with nature and their communities through her work. By creating immersive installations that blend art and environmental activism, Kwong aims to raise awareness about sustainability and biodiversity. Her projects, such as “Gardens of Renewal,” embody a vision of harmony between humans and nature, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship with the environment.
Ross Knight, a sculptor based in Brooklyn, explores the nuances of visual pleasure and organic forms in his work. Through his sculptural practice, Knight navigates the boundaries between the organic and inorganic, creating hybrid structures that challenge traditional categorizations. By experimenting with materials and dimensions, Knight invites viewers to engage with the sensory and emotional aspects of his art.
Colleen Rodgers delves into the legacy of female artists who challenged societal norms and redefined figurative painting in the 1960s. Through their bold depictions of the female form, artists like Alice Neel, Joan Semmel, and Anita Steckel sought to reclaim agency over their bodies and narratives. Their works, featured in exhibitions like “Giant Women On New York,” continue to inspire conversations about gender, representation, and activism in the art world.
The exhibition “Giant Women On New York” showcases the groundbreaking works of female artists who defied conventions and championed the female experience in art. From Anita Steckel’s provocative imagery to Alice Neel’s empathetic portrayals, these artists challenged traditional notions of beauty and power. Through their art, they paved the way for future generations of women artists to express themselves authentically and unapologetically.