It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

MIRROR | MIRROR: Introspective Reflections

Artist Katherine Rohrbacher discusses her self-portraiture entitled, "Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum" (Oil on canvas 60"x60") during the Laura Korman Gallery launch party and exclusive preview of the gallery’s opening exhibition, "MIRROR | MIRROR: Introspective Reflections" at Bergamot Station on Thursday, June 25, 2015. The exhibition is on view from May 2, through September 19, 2015, with a public reception on Saturday, September 5, 5-8 p.m.

Los Angeles based artist Katherine Rohrbacher’s current body of self-portraiture balances dual elements of whimsy and foreboding. Drawing imagery from fairy tales such as “Alice in Wonderland” and animal folklore, Rohrbacher inserts herself as subject as well as artist of her own personal myth. Overlayed with glitter amidst flourishes of ornate damask and floral patterns reminiscent of vintage wallpapers, Rohrbacher’s portraits lead viewers on a tour of different facets of her identity. Color and pattern serve as vehicles of communication for vignettes of thoughts, memories, and experiences - a great source of which is Rohrbacher’s own daily experience with lupus, the commonly described “invisible disease.” In works such as “Lupine Reflection,” Rohrbacher portrays herself in black and white, faded within a sea of colorful floral wallpaper while wearing the mask of a wolf. The wolf appears in several of her works - making reference to the original Latin roots for “lupus,” as the wolf's bite was once thought to be the harbinger of the disease. In other works, such as “Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum,” Rohrbacher addresses the split nature of self. Reminiscent of Frida Kahlo’s double self portrait, “Two Fridas,” both faces look outward from the reflection of two swinging mirrored doors, each facing the other as though in conversation. MIRROR | MIRROR explores the power of perception, using motifs of fantasy and reality to illustrate the indistinct line between one’s self and one’s public persona. As Pablo Picasso was once quoted, “Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter?” So too does Rohrbacher pose the question of what it means to create a truly accurate self-portrayal.

Laura Korman Gallery offers a mindful approach to participating within the international and local art markets, showcasing the work of contemporary artists. The works of art encourage viewers to connect deeply with the universality of the human experience. Laura Korman Gallery actively supports a welcoming environment for arts in the Los Angeles community, providing a space for new perspectives and a timely release for all to share. Korman’s artist roster highlights the works of emerging and mid-career artists with a keen eye for the pulse of contemporary society. Whether through vibrant color, social commentary, or innovative structural techniques, these artists offer thought-provoking imagery across a variety of media. For more information, please visit laurakormangallery.com

Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 10:41PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

ZOO

A gorilla takes a selfie at the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. The gorilla was promoting the premiere of CBS's new TV series Zoo. The show premieres June 30, 2015. ‪#‎ZooCBS‬

Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 08:29PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

ZOO

A gorilla offers free hugs at the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. The gorilla was promoting the premiere of CBS's new TV series Zoo. The show premieres June 30, 2015. ‪#‎ZooCBS‬

Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 07:01PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Julia Rose

Classical Pianist, Julia Rose Gruienberg, 11, plays the piano at the Santa Monica Pier on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. Julia is also a stand-up comic, actress and dancer.

Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 06:08AM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Julia Rose 

Classical Pianist, Julia Rose Gruienberg, 11, plays the piano at the Santa Monica Pier while doing the splits on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. Julia is also a stand-up comic, actress and dancer. Her show is amazing!

Posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 07:27PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

BURNOUT

Dave, a solar pyrographer, works on an art piece with a magnifying glass at Ocean Front Walk on Monday, June 22, 2015. Pyrography is the art of creating images by burning the surfaces of wood.

Posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 07:24PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Thai Fest by the Beach

Members of Thai Performing Arts of Los Angeles perform the Thai Khon Dance: Jhub Nang (Capture the Lady) during the Thai Fest by the Beach at the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, June 20, 2015. This episode Jhub Nang is part of Ramayana epic literature where Hanuman, the great soldier of King Rama, captures Nang Suparnmatcha.

Posted on Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 08:47AM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

I ❤ Dad 

Toyota Honors Dads with a Fathers Day campaign at the Santa Monica Pier. The I  Dad structure stands 15 feet tall at its apex and nearly 30 feet long. Designed by DJ Neff and built with reclaimed and natural wood sourced in California, the monument was unveiled today and will remain on the pier until Monday, June 22. 

Posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 12:10PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint