Jan. 8-29, 2022
Opening reception:
Jan. 8, 7-10pm
Hours:
Saturdays, noon-5pm, and by appointment
Curated by Brian Thomas Jones and Jorin Bossen
Curator contact:
Brian Thomas Jones btjphoto@gmail.com
Artists include:
Jorin Bossen, Laura Krifka, Atilio Pernisco, Luis Antonio Rodriguez, Erica Ryan-Stallones, and Daena Title
Durden and Ray presents Momentous Occasions, an exhibition of six figurative painters whose work explores narratives that are contained within brief periods of time, enticing the viewer to imagine moments before and after a depiction. The artists in Momentous Occasions create scenarios — both real and imagined — that provide insight into their subjects’ lifestyle, psyche, and environments through richly-painted figurative works.
Featured artists include Atilio Pernisco, whose dream-like depictions utilize dueling modes of portrayal. His work often inhabits the space between representation and abstraction, ambiguity and certainty, reason and intuition, and personal and public space. Pernisco's work summons our innermost fears, dreams and fantasies, offering its own shortcuts to that deep-rooted anxiety.
Using the visual language of cinema and photography, Laura Krifka’s carefully-crafted paintings occupy various states of undress, preparation, and play. Krifka’s work invites the viewer to become comfortable with intimacy, where the act of looking is a central component of desire.
Daena Title’s painterly works are commentaries on Western society’s obsession with the female image. Her work explores the contradictory messaging exploited by popular media, including authenticity vs. conformity; beauty vs. distortion; and complicity vs. rebellion.
By interpreting the figure within an environment, the artists in Momentous Occasions have opened a specific world for the viewer, allowing them to provide their own response with momentary prompts from the artist.
Durden and Ray
1206 Maple Ave. #832
Los Angeles, 90015
THE L.A. SIX
ON VIEW: OCT. 9 - 31, 2021 AT DURDEN AND RAY
OPENING RECEPTION: OCT. 9, 6-10PM
Artists: Angela Boatwright, Gilbert Godoy, Merrick Morton, Estevan Oriol, Frankie Orozco, and Suitcase Joe
Organized by Max Presneill
Durden and Ray presents The L.A. Six, an exhibition of six prolific Los Angeles documentary and street photographers that provides a unique glimpse into the lesser-known reaches of Los Angeles.
Works in the exhibition include photographs of 1980s L.A. gang culture; the low rider scene of the '90s; the hip-hop generation; the Mongols Motorcycle Club; East L.A. and South Central backyard punk scenes; landscapes of the city; and intimate views of Los Angeles’ Skid Row.
The prevailing image of Los Angeles is one shaped by the glamour and glitz of Hollywood celebrity culture. Yet underneath this shimmering facade lies a city that remains largely hidden. The L.A. Six is a creative response to this cultural underrepresentation. Photographs from The L.A. Six reveal the beating heart of the city, filled with hard-working people who build strong communities, often without public assistance or recognition
The exhibition will be open the following:
SATURDAY, July 10, 2021, 12 PM PST – 5 PM PST
SATURDAY, July 17, 2021, 12 PM PST – 5 PM PST
SATURDAY, July 24, 2021, 12 PM PST – 5 PM PST
SATURDAY, July 31, 2021, 6 PM - 9 PM PST (Reception)
OTHER WAYS TO HELP:
GOFUNDME: If you are unable to contribute items to the fundraiser, but would like to donate directly, ArtShareLA has a GoFundMe page for the LTAC artists. Please boost and share as well.
DONATE ART SUPPLIES: Many of these artists lost art supplies they have been collecting for decades. Could you imagine losing your favorite brush or your sculpting tools? If you have art supplies that you are not using or feel compelled to purchase new supplies, we are collecting supplies for the victims of this horrible event. Donate supplies at Art Share LA anytime Monday - Thursday 10AM - 4PM OR at the event at Durden and Ray 6/27 1-6pm.
Feel free to pass along to others who may be interested in supporting the LTAC community.
LTFAC Fundraiser | Sunday, June 27th 1pm to 6pm at Durden and Ray Gallery
Dear Los Angeles Artists and Lovers,
During the early morning hours on Tuesday, June 8th 2021, the first floor of the building housing the Little Tokyo Art Complex (LTAC) on 211 E 3rd St. caught fire and became a structure fire. The 100-year old building was a historic structure as well as a storage for over 20 Angelino artists. This massive tragedy has destroyed years of stored artwork and products owned by 20+ local Angelino artists and their staff. All of these artists have lost years of incredible work, stock and supplies alongside their creative storage spaces. This is a loss that will undeniably hurt the Los Angeles art scene and culture as LTAC was a welcoming and popular brand for art show curations and ArtWalk events. An article was released yesterday by the LA Times about the event.
We are partnering with Luke and Cheyanne from ArtShareLA to raise funds to support this group of artists to replace their supplies, ease some financial stress and provide a little bit of hope and relief during an insurmountably tragic and traumatic experience. We will be hosting a fundraising event at Durden and Ray’s gallery space in the Bendix Building. We are asking for donations of artwork to be sold on Sunday, June 27th. 100% of proceeds will be distributed to LTAC artists affected by the fire via ArtShareLA. We are looking for smaller, low-priced artworks and/or artist-made gifts from you all with the goal of boosting the relief fund as best we can. A few big ticket items could be auctioned off at the event as well if you would like to donate something larger or pricier. We are asking for 100% donations for this cause. If you have items you would like to donate to the cause please complete THIS GOOGLE FORM for each item. For those who would like to donate items for the fundraiser we will be collecting artwork at various locations in the city until June 21st. We will be reaching out to coordinate the collections with confirmed artists.
Durden and Ray presents Cautious Optimism.
The work of the artists in this exhibition reflects both optimism and caution, as we move forward to create work in uncertain times. Through Color, Form, Light and Space, each artist renders their work as a celebration of their creative process and also reminds the viewer of the underlying potential for disharmony, which can be sensed through phenomenological experience of viewing art. The varying nuances of time, memory, escapism and joy are elements prevalent in these works, yet presented in a diverse visual language that best celebrates each artists’ voice and power to communicate.
There are socio-political tensions in our country that will only continue if nobody takes the time to talk, look and listen. In the spirit of open communication and mutual respect, this exhibition is a an effort to move forward with optimism, but maintain a cautious approach towards the belief that we all want democracy and will put aside our differences. It is a time to regain our most essential trust in humanity, community and kindness, to redefine the basic functions of being good citizens. Cautious Optimism is a step in the right direction as we begin a new chapter of communication and visual expression.
The Gallery will be open for limited viewing.
SATURDAY, May 08, 2021, 12 PM PST – 5 PM PST
SATURDAY, May 15, 2021, 12 PM PST – 5 PM PST
SATURDAY, May 22, 2021, 12 PM PST – 5 PM PST
SATURDAY, May 29, 2021, 12 PM PST – 5 PM PST
Masks are required and a maximum of 20 visitors in the gallery at any one time.
Cautious Optimism
May 8 to May 30, 2021
Durden and Ray
1206 Maple Ave. #832, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Welcome Back Reception!
Sat. May 22, 6pm to 8pm - (See Guidelines Below)
In-Person, Social Distanced and on our Durden and Ray Instagram LIVE @durdenandray
Artists:
Kim Abeles
Cherie Benner Davis
Jessica Goehring
Hasef
Brian Thomas Jones
Hagop Najarian
Molly Schulman
Curtis Stage
Participatory Performance during the reception by Gordon Winiemko
Organized by: Brian Thomas Jones, Hagop Najarian, and Curtis Stage
Reception Guidelines:
As our first priority is the health and safety of our visitors and artists, Durden and Ray has implemented new, enhanced, health and safety protocols and processes to provide a safe environment for all. Please read all the visitation guidelines before your visit. These new protocols and processes are in alignment with L.A. County Department of Public Health's guidelines for galleries and museums during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Durden and Ray encourages all planning to come to be fully vaccinated.
20 Visitors will be allowed in the gallery at any one time and we will have a door monitor ensuring capacity requirements.
A mask must be worn over the nose and mouth at all times. There will be NO FOOD OR DRINK at this event.
Maintain a physical distance unless 2 or more in a group are fully vaccinated.