Hirabayashi Takahiro paints surreal worlds inhabited by young women and girls. He expresses the ambiguous boundary between reality and unreality through the female figure, who is neither a child nor an adult, but something in-between.

“The adolescent female figures are between childhood and womanhood, in a state of transition, straddling two states like the universe straddles the physical and the metaphysical.” Luke W Barrett

The inspiration for this theme came during his last year as a student, when a major earthquake (2011) transformed his daily life into an extraordinary one. He was moved by the piety and kindness of human beings when he saw food and beautiful flowers being offered to a stone statue of a god on the side of the road, as if supplies were unsatisfactory. “I hope to express the feelings I had at that time through my artwork as well”. Hirabayashi then went on to explore Japanese religious stories and rituals, and painted a worldview inspired by a casual scene with religious stone statues standing in the streets of villages.

More recently Hirabayashi’s work focuses on the theme of the nostalgia, which he feels for a specific place. Through this theme, he believes that human beings are composed of matter that holds memories since the birth of the universe, and through the emotion of “nostalgia,” we are always connected to this world (universe) and contain the world itself.

“We are all part of the ever-changing flow of the world. I want to depict a world that allows us to glimpse the essence of a world that transcends human knowledge and time, stirring the imagination of those who view it.”

Hirabayashi Takahiro paints on religious and folklore subjects from his hometown in Japan, especially Nagano. The local gods and spirits, customs and beliefs that have their origins in prehistoric times. He wants to present an unconventional view of the subject by depicting a mysterious and surreal world with fairy tale-like images.

Hirabayashi depicts the cycle of life. The theme of his work is the process from the origin of life and this world, to its destruction and rebirth. By depicting this theme, “I would like to express that people and everything that exists in this universe are connected and one”.

Join cutting-edge artists from around the world

The Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory is a powerful tool for artists looking to grow their visibility, and connect with fellow artists, curators and collectors. To join the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory click here for more information.

Hirabayashi Takahiro Social Media Accounts

Website | Instagram | Facebook

The post Artist Directory: Hirabayashi Takahiro appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

The edition of only just 50 copies will be available on a first come, first served basis and will never be made available again once it sells out.

American painter John Brosio is a contemporary master of surreal, cinematic painting and has enchanted viewers worldwide with his imaginative, iconic style and visions. He is well known for his surrealist approach, juxtaposing suburban life with curious elements and phenomena, leading to a well-loved fanbase including numerous high profile collectors.

For more details about this special print and to see more, visit Hyper Edition’s website.

John Brosio’s “Edge of Town 14”

16″ x 18″

An edition of 50

Signed, Numbered, and Titled by John Brosio

$400 USD

Printed with ultraChrome pro12 archival pigment inks on Hahnemühle acid and lignin free Photo Rag Bright White 310gsm, 100% cotton paper.

About Hyper Editions //

Hyper Editions seeks to become a beacon for collectors, offering ultra-fine, breathtaking art reproductions that capture the absolute soul of the original works. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Hyper Editions stands at the forefront of the art reproduction industry, transforming the way collectors experience and cherish fine art.

Zachary Tutor, the curator behind Hyper Editions and founder of Hyper Contemporary, brings a wealth of experience from his illustrious career in the art world. For over fifteen years, he has curated Supersonic Art, a platform celebrated for showcasing groundbreaking contemporary artists. Additionally, his decade-long tenure curating The People’s Printshop honed his expertise in art reproduction and collector engagement. These experiences provided Zachary with deep insights into the nuances of fine art and the expectations of discerning collectors. This rich background laid the foundation for Hyper Editions, enabling him to develop a company that offers unparalleled quality and a transformative art-collecting experience.

Hyper Editions Social Media Accounts

Website | Instagram

The post John Brosio new limited edition print at Hyper Editions appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Sponsoring the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has been a privilege to support and celebrate the creativity and talent of so many amazing artists from all around the world. Witnessing the diverse expressions and innovative works has been a true inspiration. The Palladium benefaction has not only allowed Musonium Gallery to contribute to the international arts community but also to connect with passionate individuals who share a love for artistic exploration. We are proud to have played a part in fostering an environment where creativity thrives and artists are encouraged to push the boundaries of their imagination through their artistic practices.

– Keeley Gerard, Founder & Art Director, Musonium Gallery

We hope you have enjoyed our week of reveals! The Winners of each Award – 33PA Emerging Artist Award, Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award, Photography Award, Digital Art Award, and RAYMAR Traditional Art Award have now been announced. Aren’t they all incredible?

Now it’s time for the biggest reveal yet! Below we unveil the Musonium Grand Prize Award Winner of the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, the seven Honourable Mentions (selected by each of this year’s wonderful major sponsors, Directors of Modern Eden Gallery, Kim Larson & Bradley Platz; and our Editor-in-Chief Danijela Krha Purssey), plus the Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award Winner, which saw our amazing community contribute 11865 votes from 101 different countries!

Thank you to everyone that voted for the Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award. We sincerely appreciate your opinions!

Our Thanks

We would like to once again thank the Jury Panel for giving their time and expertise this year: Michael Parkes (Traditional Art juror), Erika Sanada (Sculpture juror), Kirsty Mitchell (Photography juror) and Karl Ortiz (Digital Art juror), as well as the Directors of Modern Eden Gallery, Kim Larson & Bradley Platz, and the passionate representatives from our amazing major sponsors.

It is thanks to all of our sponsors, particularly our major sponsors: Musonium Gallery,  33PA, RAYMAR, Yasha Young Projects and BearWolf Books, that the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize is able to give artists from all over the world the opportunity to have their work seen, recognized and validated. The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize inspires thousands of artists each year and changes the trajectory of many of these artists careers due to the exposure, recognition, and funding that the Prize provides.

Finally we would like to thank the Beautiful Bizarre team for their dedication and hard work on behalf of the prize and winners all-year round.

Beautiful Bizarre Magazine will continue our work to ensure that the 2025 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize adds even more value to artists globally. The 2025 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize will open in February 2025, so to ensure you don’t miss the news, please join our email mailing list here. If you are a brand or philanthropist that would like to become a champion of the arts by supporting next year’s Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, please email our Deputy Editor Natalia Joruk who would love to chat to you regarding how we can collaborate.

‘Paracosmic Escape’ Exhibition

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize Winners of the 33PA Emerging Artist Award, Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award, Photography Award, Digital Art Award, and RAYMAR Traditional Art Award, plus the Musonium Grand Prize Award Winner of the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, have been invited to participate in this year’s Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition ‘Paracosmic Escape’ at Modern Eden Gallery in San Francisco later this year. ‘Paracosmic Escape’ has been curated by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, with Art Direction/Theme Conceptualization by Musonium Gallery. We look forward to presenting their work as part of this prestigious annual exhibition! These works will be shared in the coming weeks leading up to the opening.

Winner of the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, Musonium Grand Prize Award

The Musonium Grand Prize Award Winner will receive:

• $8,500 USD cash, generously donated by Palladium sponsor Musonium Gallery, Palm Springs’ premier art gallery with a clear focus on exhibiting and promoting compelling artworks from exceptional contemporary artists. Musonium exists as an institution within the art world’s traditional art sectors, where innovation and new rising talent constantly influence the ever evolving art scene. 
• $1,500 USD cash, donated by our Platinum sponsors RAYMAR, 33PA, and Yasha Young Projects.
• The opportunity to work with Musonium Gallery to plan and produce a solo exhibition, which will be published in a special editorial in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine. 
• A bespoke box of paints and varnishes generously designed and manufactured by Dartecor, created especially for the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize 2024.
• A 24-month license to Clip Studio Paint EX, generously donated by Celsys. Clip Studio Paint is the digital artist’s app for drawing and painting anything from character and concept art to fine art illustration, and even professional animation. All of the powerful features are available on all major platforms to explore at home or on the go.
• A beautiful, specially commissioned glass art award trophy.
• The opportunity to exhibit in the prestigious Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery, in San Francisco, USA, alongside 70+ of the world’s best contemporary representational artists.
• Exposure to a successful commercial gallery’s collector base with the opportunity to sell their work.
• 10 page in-depth interview editorial published in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine December 2024 issue.
• Winning artwork printed in the December 2024 issue of Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, as part of the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize editorial.
• Exclusive in-depth interview published on the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine websites + shared across Beautiful Bizarre Magazine social media.
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• 12 month social media advertising package (Beautiful Bizarre Magazine: 1 million+ followers across all social media platforms).
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Winner of the Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award

The Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award Winner will receive:

• $2,000 USD cash, generously donated by Catherine K. Gyllerstrom, Collector, Art Consultant, Owner & Art Director of BearWolf Books, an independent publishing house that specializes in Illustrated Fantasy, Mythology, and Stories for Young Readers.
• Deco Pro (Gen2) MW, generously donated by XPPen. XPPen is a globally notable brand celebrating digital art innovation, providing digital drawing products, content and services to encourage artists to pursue their dreams and authentic self-expression.
• A 12-month license to Clip Studio Paint PRO, generously donated by Celsys. Clip Studio Paint is the digital artist’s app for drawing and painting anything from character and concept art to fine art illustration, and even professional animation. All of the powerful features are available on all major platforms to explore at home or on the go.
• 12 month social media advertising package (Beautiful Bizarre Magazine: 1 million+ followers across all social media platforms).
• Exclusive in-depth interview published on the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine websites + shared across Beautiful Bizarre Magazine social media.
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.
• Plus most importantly, receive worldwide exposure for their practice.

Winners & Honourable Mentions

So without further ado, it is with great pleasure and much pride that we share with you the Winner of the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, Musonium Grand Prize Award, Honourable Mentions, and the Winner of the Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award.

2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize
Musonium Grand Prize Award Winner

Andrea Kowch

Born and Currently resides: USA

“In the Distance”, Acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 36″

American artist Andrea Kowch combines realistic narrative and naturalistic technique, subtly fused with surreal, dreamlike undercurrents in the quest to investigate and represent the human condition. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she attended the College for Creative Studies, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a BFA. Her paintings are rich in mood, allegory, and precision of medium, reflecting a wealth of influences from Northern Renaissance and American art to the rural landscapes and vernacular architecture of her native Michigan.

Kowch’s highly acclaimed paintings garner Best of Show awards globally. Major exhibitions at museums and galleries include the Bo Bartlett Center, Museum of Art-Deland, where her recent solo retrospective, Mysterious Realms was presented in 2023, London and Rome’s Dorothy Circus Gallery, Muskegon Museum of Art, where her first solo retrospective Dream Fields debuted in 2013, Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville, Grand Rapids Art Museum, ArtPrize, Art Basel Miami, the Los Angeles Art Show, ArtHamptons, and SCOPE NYC. She also frequently headlines leading national and international art publications. Kowch’s works occupy public and museum collections, such as the R.W. Norton Art Gallery Museum, of the R.W. Norton Art Foundation, Muskegon Museum of Art, Grand Rapids Art Museum, and significant private collections worldwide. Kowch works and resides in Michigan, and is represented exclusively by RJD Gallery.

“In the Distance”: Love is a flaming catalyst that alters reality in a flash. My mind opens and tunes into a new frequency. Is the storm upon the horizon approaching or departing? What, or Who, might this storm be? What transference does it carry? Will it strike down or dissipate as swiftly as it arrives? My duality awakens. The real and unreal are one. I am reminded that yin and yang energy is ever-present in all things. The male presence reveals how my paintings evolve with me, imparting experiences and lessons learned. The woman baking rouses from a reverie, alerted to distant thunder and a sudden electric charge that cuts the air. Two men feverishly harvest wheat, the source of her bread. The horizon implies an unknown destiny.

This work is a testament to the divine power of two halves creating a whole.

Honourable Mentions

Dory Whynot

“Bodies In Our Wake”, Watercolour on cold press watercolour paper, 22″ x 16″

Awarded by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine

Bob Doucette

“Where Angels Fear to Tread”, Acrylic on Canvas, 48″ x 30″

Awarded by Musonium Gallery

Caroline Nelson

“First Bloom”, Oil on panel, 26″ x 22″

Awarded by RAYMAR

Chloe Chen

“FICTIONAL SELF”, Advanced Resin, 30cm x 85cm x 56cm

Awarded by Yasha Young Projects

Rubén Fernández Pereira

“The Beacon”, Charcoal and acrylic drawing on paper, 62cm x 47cm

Awarded by 33PA

Felicia Feldman

“Lilith”, Oil on panel, 48″ x 36″

Awarded by Catherine K. Gyllerstrom

Stuart Pearson Wright

“Middlesbrough”, Oil on linen, 42cm x 30cm

Awarded by Modern Eden Gallery

Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award Winner

Valeria Andreis

“L’enfer c’est les autres”, Oil on canvas, 30″ x 40″

“Congratulations to all of the Winners and Honourable Mentions!

The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize is administered by Australian based, international contemporary art magazine, Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

The 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize
is proudly sponsored by

PALLADIUM SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS
     

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

ACADEMIC PARTNERS

The post Winner of the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize Musonium Grand Prize Award Announced + Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award Winner & Honourable Mentions! appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

The flow of air, water and landscapes often come to my mind, yet part of the beauty lies in the openness of interpretation to each individual viewer. In Spirited Away, Kai & Sunny focus on the visual and emotive elements of kinetic flow, delving deeper into a sense of otherworldly exploration. Debuting this Saturday 21 September at Corey Helford Gallery, this new body of work – including a selection of collaborative pieces with other world-renowned artists – will offer a space for regenerative introspection. In such a busy non-stop world, such opportunities should not be missed.

I’m fascinated by the power of the natural world and, with these works, I wanted to explore those precious unseen moments such as the frequencies within nature. My aim is to immerse the viewer within forces of nature, and use colour, light, and movement to transport them through a journey of courage. At points in our lives, we may change, possibly losing pieces of ourselves in the process. Even with this obstacle, there is still hope ahead, and letting go frees us to move forward.

Kai & Sunny

Kai & Sunny: Spirited Away

A selection of new works, a limited-edition silkscreen print release, a skateboard deck collaboration with streetwear brand Element, plus collaborations with Shepard Fairey, D*Face, and Kai Clements – and more!

Dates: September 21 – October 26, 2024

OPENING RECEPTION: September 21, 2024 | 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Prints and skateboard decks will be available to purchase at the gallery on opening night!

COREY HELFORD GALLERY

Main Gallery: 571 S. Anderson St. Los Angeles, CA 90033

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

(310) 287-2340

Kai & Sunny has received international acclaim for Kai’s meticulous use of acrylic paint to create a spectrum of razor-thin coloured lines on linen canvas. It’s hard to appreciate the sheer scale of some of these paintings (see below for some more studio shots!).

To add to the enchantment, collaboration has always been a core ethos of the artist’s practice. In line with this, a section of Spirited Away has been specially dedicated to the idea of “UNITY,” and will feature collaborative works by Shepard Fairey, D*Face, and Kai Clements. “Their individual yet complementary styles have developed over time alongside their friendships, starting from a shared college experience between D*Face and Clements and an ongoing collaboration with Fairey since 2013. Each of these artists is inspired by nature, relationships, and the politics of the world, making their work together a natural fit and compelling display.” Shares Corey Helford Gallery.

And there is more!

Alongside the canvases, Spirited Away will also feature two digital artworks. Designed in collaboration with England-based 3D Design and Animation Studio Fakery, the works are carefully choreographed against an ambient soundtrack composed by the Emmy-nominated English duo Toydrum (featuring Pablo Clements and James Griffith). Additionally, Kai & Sunny is releasing a limited-edition silkscreen print and two skateboard decks in collaboration with Element, featuring artwork from the show. 

Open to the public and free of charge, Spirited Away will exhibit in the Main Gallery, alongside two solo exhibits featuring new works by Los Angeles-based artist Andrea Guzzetta, titled Afterglow, and Korean artist Kiseok Kim, titled Plastic, both in Gallery 3. The shows will be on view through October 26th.

From press release: About Kai & Sunny //

Kai & Sunny CEO Kai Clements (b.1975) is a UK-based artist and alumnus of Epsom School of Art in Surrey, United Kingdom, where he earned an honours degree in Art and Design. Works by Kai & Sunny are characterized as colourful palettes of flowing and dynamic lines, showcasing uniquely distinguishable compositions of acrylic paintings on linen canvas. An artist in search for simplicity and ambiguity, Kai Clements has been creating his acrylic paintings since 2016.

Kai Clements originally co-founded Kai & Sunny with Anthony Sunter (who stepped away in 2023 due to health reasons). Since its inception, the name Kai & Sunny has had a strong ethos in collaboration with other artists, with an emphasis on the collective. Shepard Fairey and D*Face are regular collaborators bringing together the idea of “UNITY” which enables the artist to continually evolve and grow. The connection with the collective has seen Kai & Sunny collaborate with a wide range of brands and artists, including Element, Tiffany & Co., music projects with Toydrum, the author David Mitchell, and the fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Collaborating with artists as well as different fields of innovation and expression brings together a unique working process Kai & Sunny value. 

Kai & Sunny has exhibited all over the world, including in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Hong Kong, Paris, and London. In September 2024, the London-based award-winning artist will premiere his fourth solo show, Spirited Away, at Los Angeles’ Corey Helford Gallery.

About Corey Helford Gallery //

Established in 2006 by Jan Corey Helford and her husband, television producer/creator Bruce Helford (The Conners, Lopez vs. Lopez, Anger Management, The Drew Carey Show, and George Lopez), Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) has since evolved into one of the premier galleries of New Contemporary art. Its goal as an institution is to support the growth of artists, from the young and emerging to the well-known and internationally established. CHG represents a diverse collection of international artists, primarily influenced by today’s pop culture and collectively encompassing style genres such as New Figurative Art, Pop Surrealism, Neo Pop, Graffiti, and Street Art. 

Kai & Sunny Social Media Accounts

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Corey Helford Social Media Accounts

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

The post New show by Kai & Sunny: Spirited Away at Corey Helford Gallery appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Brimming with creativity, the diverse range of styles and themes each artist brings imparts a unique perspective that allows us to wander freely into a world of imagination. It challenges our senses with beautiful compositional complexities, and there within the magic, we are able to escape and immerse ourselves in visionary elegance.

Like a vessel for emotions and ideation, the thought-provoking narratives tether heart and soul and spark a silent, fiery dialogue that welcomes a union of interpretation and meaningful connection. View these collections in their entirety, and all available inventory, by visiting the Haven Gallery website!

Allison Reimold, Kim Slate, Himena Kokufuta, Grimoire Group Show

Opening Reception: Saturday, September 21, 2024 |  6-8pm

Exhibition Dates: September 21 – October 20, 2024

The event is open to the public | Free Entry | Refreshments will be served.

Haven Gallery

50 Main St., Northport, NY 11768 | ph. (631) 757-0500

To inquire, please contact Erica at Haven Gallery via email info@havengallery.com

About the Gallery //

Haven Gallery is run by Erica Berkowitz and Joseph Weinreb. The gallery first opened in 2015 in the Carriage House of historic Northport, NY. Within two years, the gallery doubled in size and expanded into the entire Carriage House building. Through their successful in-house exhibitions and presentations at art fairs both domestic and international, Haven opened a secondary location at 90 Main St., in 2020, during the height of the Covid pandemic.

It was at that point, that Erica and Joseph knew it was time to find a permanent location for their artists. In January of 2022, they bought the building at 50 Main st., and opened its doors as Haven Gallery’s perennial home.

Haven Gallery’s focus is on exhibiting emotionally, intellectually and imaginatively driven, representational artwork that connects the audience and artist with universal axioms and passions. We work with both emerging and established artists who transcend their medium and subjects by exploring the world around them as well as the one within themselves.

Allison Reimold, Lux Nocturna

Haven Gallery is pleased to present a new collection of radiant paintings from Los Angeles based Allison Reimold for her upcoming solo show “Lux Nocturna”. “Lux Nocturna” is Reimold’s second solo show at the gallery and features seven paintings featuring luminescent female protagonists with their animal familiars in the landscape. Inspired by art history and mythology, each painting pulsates with glowing energy and emboldens a graceful sense of power and strength.

About Allison Reimold //

Allison Reimold is a Los Angeles native and nature enthusiast who currently works in the entertainment industry, illustrating posters for film and TV.

She is a graduate of Otis College of Art and Design and resides in Los Angeles with her muse, a French Bulldog named Penny.

Kim Slate, Home

Haven Gallery is pleased to present a new collection of mischievous sculptures from Oregon based artist Kim Slate. The new collection entitled “Home”, will feature eight new sculptures of animals and fauna with Slate’s quintessential wide and snarky grins. Both enchanting and playful, each animal and plant are meticulously sculpted and painted to capture bold personalities. A storyteller at heart, Slate invites the viewers to create their own narratives and characters.

About Kim Slate //
Even from a young age growing up in Eastern Washington, Kim Slate had a fascination with the creation of images and the power they had to capture the imagination and elicit emotion. The encouragement of her interests and talents led her to study animation where the power of images are amplified by story. After graduation, she applied her training to several feature films, most recently the award winning film Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio. In her sculptures and paintings she has honed a unique perspective, depicting the mysterious and sometimes mischievous adventures of ordinary and exotic creatures.

Each piece suggests a narrative, her charming characters caught in some act of scheming, play, or discovery. Kim resides in Portland Oregon where she can be found running its miles of forest trails or traveling with her husband and four year old son.

Himena Kokufuta, The Blue Dragon

Northport, NY– Haven Gallery is pleased to present a collection of ten new works from Japan based artist Himena Kokufuta entitled “The Blue Dragon of Life”, at Haven Gallery. “The Blue Dragon of Life” is Kokufuta’s first solo show at the gallery and features ten oil paintings of larger than life elemental dragons with their human familiars, as they live harmoniously without the blight of pollution and natural disasters. Dragons made of coral, trees and moss are protective deities that maintain the delicate balance of life and remind us of the importance and necessity of respecting and preserving the natural world.

About Himena Kokufuta //
Born in 1994 in Ibaraki Prefecture. Graduated from the Graduate School of Tohoku University of Art and Design in 2019.

Artist Statement //
My work expresses the vitality of nature through the form of a dragon, using motifs such as coral and giant trees. I depict a world themed around “the connection between humans and nature,” which has been woven over many years.

The subjects of my work are the dragon god legends passed down in Japan. In Japan, dragons are revered as water gods, and legends are associated with various places such as rivers, lakes, and waterfalls in each region. Since ancient times, Japan has experienced frequent water-related disasters, such as water shortages and river floods, leading people to pray to the dragon gods for help. Many stories are written about dragons and people helping each other.

Even today, water-related disasters occur all over the world due to climate change, and I feel that we are still plagued by natural disasters today and in the past. All living things cannot survive without water, but I feel that in today’s scientifically advanced world, people are no longer aware of the fact that they are living with nature in their hurried daily lives.

In this exhibition, I will present ten works, mainly featuring pieces inspired by sea coral, depicting interactions between dragons and humans in the great outdoors. Coral and giant trees grow over long periods, purifying carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and quietly protecting the natural environment. These entities watch over us today, having witnessed countless encounters with many people. Through my works, I hope to convey the mystical vitality of the natural world. I would be delighted if my art serves as an opportunity for people to turn their hearts toward nature. – Himena Kokufuta

Grimoire,  Group Exhibition

Haven Gallery is pleased to present “Grimoire”, a group show celebrating the darker corners of the world of magic.

Exhibiting artists include //
Grace Aldrich, Kit Curry, Jennifer Hrabota Lesser, Takuya Mitani, Petra Frankova, Dewi Plass, Alexandra Lukaschewitz, Michele Melcher, Yuriko Shirou, Paige Carpenter, Andrew Currey, Claudia Griesbach Martucci, Bea Bastet, Kane Kokaris, Shelby Clark, Enys Guerrero, Valerie Savarie, Po Yan Leung, Kyra Wilson, Jeremy Hush, Amelia Leonards, Laura Colors, Arkadiusz Dzielawski, Shannon Taylor, John Lally, Eva Boneva, Anna Wilson, Sophie Wilkins, Bill Mayer, Nadezda, Vince Natale, Phoenix Chan, Valery Vecu Quitard, Zoe Chigi, Hannah Flowers.

Haven Gallery Social Media Accounts

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

The post Haven Gallery Presents Allison Reimold, Kim Slate, Himena Kokufuta, Grimoire Group Show appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize: RAYMAR Traditional Art Award Winners Announced!

Thank you & Acknowledgements

Once again, we would like to thank all of the artists that entered and shared their work and their artistic passion with us. It was such a pleasure to immerse ourselves in the work of so many creatives, working across varied mediums and styles, and reading their stories.

Beautiful Bizarre Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Danijela Krha Purssey has the pleasure of curating each issue of the magazine and our exhibitions. The Art Prize entries will continue to give her a plethora of new ideas and choices to pursue in future. So thank you again for your interest in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, we very much hope to see how your work has grown and developed in next year’s Prize.

We would also like to sincerely thank the 2024 Jury Panel: particularly the Traditional Category Judge Michael Parkes for giving his time and expertise to the panel. Additionally, we warmly thank the other Category Judges: Kirsty Mitchell (Photography juror), Erika Sanada (Sculpture juror) and Karl Ortiz (Digital Art juror), as well as the Directors of Modern Eden Gallery, Kim Larson & Bradley Platz.

To our major sponsors: Tracey Maigne & Keeley Gerard, Owners and Directors of Musonium Gallery; 33PA‘s CEO, Marketing Director & Curator, Didi Menendez; RAYMAR President & Creative Director, Emilie Dietrich; Yasha Young Projects Founder Yasha Young; and the Owner & Art Director of BearWolf Books, Catherine K. Gyllerstrom – our deepest gratitude for supporting this year’s Prize. It is through your support and generosity that the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize is able to acknowledge and uplift so many incredible artists and photographers from around the world.

As always a huge thanks also to the Beautiful Bizarre team for their dedication and hard work on behalf of the prize and winners all-year round.

Our sincere thanks to this year’s Traditional Art Award sponsors listed below. It is through their generosity that the Traditional Art Award Winners will be able to enrich their practice.

RAYMAR Traditional Art Award

The RAYMAR Traditional Art Award 1st prize winner will receive:

• $3,000 USD cash, generously donated by RAYMAR, creators of the finest panels! Panels are their passion. They craft their panels with the world’s finest materials to serve as the foundation for your artwork. 
• $750 USD cash, generously donated by Catherine K. Gyllerstrom, Collector, Art Consultant, Owner & Art Director of BearWolf Books, an independent publishing house that specializes in Illustrated Fantasy, Mythology, and Stories for Young Readers.
• $1,500 USD worth of art photography and/or Fine Art archival print reproduction from Static Medium.
• A full grant to experience the 7-day Quarantine event “THE ART SPIRIT” from April 7th to 13th, 2025, on Lazaretto Island in Menorca Spain, generously donated by Quarantine Events. The grant includes 8 nights stay in a nearby hotel (breakfast included), plus the 7-day event including boot camps with each of the guest mentors, masterclasses and other activities, easel and other large or non-transportable materials, most beverages and daily lunch and dinner. Travel expenses to/from Menorca, personal painting supplies, and additional hotel expenses are not includes in the grant.
• A bespoke box of paints and varnishes generously designed and manufactured by Dartecor, created especially for the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize 2024.
• A beautiful, specially commissioned glass art award trophy.
• The opportunity to exhibit in the prestigious Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery in San Francisco, USA, alongside 70+ of the world’s best contemporary representational artists.
• Exposure to a successful commercial gallery’s collector base with the opportunity to sell their work.
• 3 month social media advertising package (Beautiful Bizarre Magazine: 1 million+ followers across all social media platforms).
• Winning artwork published in the December 2024 issue of Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.
• Exclusive in-depth interview published on the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine websites + shared across Beautiful Bizarre Magazine social media.
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

2nd prize winner will receive:

• $1,000 USD cash, generously donated by Rosemary Brushes, the finest quality handmade Artists’ Brushes.
• $750 USD cash, generously donated by Catherine K. Gyllerstrom, Collector, Art Consultant, Owner & Art Director of BearWolf Books, an independent publishing house that specializes in Illustrated Fantasy, Mythology, and Stories for Young Readers.
• $250 USD gift voucher, generously donated by Golden Artist Colors, manufacturer of artist quality materials including colours and mediums for painting in acrylics, oils, pastels and watercolour.
• A bespoke box of paints and varnishes generously designed and manufactured by Dartecor, created especially for the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize 2024.
• The opportunity to exhibit in the prestigious Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery, in San Francisco, USA, alongside 70+ of the world’s best contemporary representational artists.
• Exposure to a successful commercial gallery’s collector base with the opportunity to sell their work.
• Exclusive in-depth interview published on the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine websites + shared across Beautiful Bizarre Magazine social media.
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

3rd prize winner will receive:

• $500 USD cash, generously donated by Rosemary Brushes, the finest quality handmade Artists’ Brushes.
• $500 USD cash, generously donated by Catherine K. Gyllerstrom, Collector, Art Consultant, Owner & Art Director of BearWolf Books, an independent publishing house that specializes in Illustrated Fantasy, Mythology, and Stories for Young Readers.
• $100 USD gift voucher, plus the opportunity to join a 3hr workshop in their NY studio, generously donated by Chelsea Classical Studio, a fine art school focusing on the human figure and manufacturer of highest quality, handmade, natural, and archival artist materials created using historic methods.
• A bespoke box of paints and varnishes generously designed and manufactured by Dartecor, created especially for the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize 2024.
• The opportunity to exhibit in the prestigious Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery, in San Francisco, USA, alongside 70+ of the world’s best contemporary representational artists.
• Exposure to a successful commercial gallery’s collector base with the opportunity to sell their work.
• Exclusive in-depth interview published on the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine websites + shared across Beautiful Bizarre Magazine social media.
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Congratulations to the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize RAYMAR Traditional Art Award Winners: Jon Ching, Haejin Yoo, and Victor Wang!

3rd Prize Winner

Jon Ching

Born in: Hawaii and currently resides: United States

“Bardo”, Oil on wood, 30″ x 24″

Jon Ching grew up steeped in the natural beauty of O’ahu which formed the foundation of his deep fascination with the natural and wild world. A self-trained painter, Jon’s devoted art practice and detailed realism is inspired by the interconnectedness of nature. Jon’s work is a surreal imagining of what limitless wonders and combinations nature can produce. His meticulously rendered oil paintings are often driven by his personal desire to find balance between the human and natural worlds, exploring themes of symbiosis and searching for connections, physical and metaphorical, across nature’s kingdoms. He has a keen interest in endangered species and seeks to share their stories, show off their idiosyncratic beauty and bring awareness of their plight. He hopes his art can spark an emotional connection and evoke compassion for the kingdoms of life. Jon’s ultimate goal is to inspire love and admiration for the universally unique beauty and intrigue of our living world.

“Bardo”: Bardo is the god of the forest floor, watching over the liminal space above ground with all that we see and the ground itself with all the unseen magic below. Conservation of energy is their specialty as they steward the transference of nutrients in a self sustaining cycle. Bardo, like the forest floor itself, invites the viewer to take a closer look and investigate what wonders are hidden under the fallen leaves.

2nd Prize Winner

Haejin Yoo

Born: South Korea, raised in: Australia, and currently resides: Germany

“Woman in the Bath VI”, Acrylic on linen and wood, hand made wooden frame, 105cm x 75cm

Haejin Yoo, a self-taught acrylic artist born in Seoul and raised in Australia, creates surrealistic expressionist art to evoke both past and present emotions. Her work transcends traditional boundaries by incorporating mixed media like acrylics, textiles, carpentry, and spray paint, aiming to breathe life into her creations and enhance their dimensionality. Discovering her artistic passion early, Haejin initially pursued a career in the sciences, which later enriched her understanding of various artistic mediums. Now residing in Cologne, Germany, she actively exhibits her work across Europe. Haejin’s notable accomplishments include being a finalist for the Boyne’s Artist Award 10th Edition in 2024, winning the Merit Prize at Teravarna’s International Juried Art Competition in 2023, receiving the Artist Expert Award from Prof. Vittorio Sgarbi in 2022, and securing the First Prize Abstract Award at the FIRA International Art Fair Barcelona 2022. Her piece ‘Woman in the Bath III’ was featured prominently at The Other Art Fair London 2024, displayed on a large banner in central London. Haejin’s work has been repeatedly spotlighted by Artfinder and Saatchi Art, and showcased at The Other Art Fair in both London and Los Angeles in 2023.

“Woman in the Bath VI”: Woman in the Bath VI is from the ongoing series captures the introspective and imaginative world of an introverted individual. Inspired by my husband, this artwork embodies a masculine and empowering feel, showcasing the strength and depth of his inner world. Unlike other pieces in the series with a melancholic tone, this painting reflects the calm and thoughtful nature of his personality, highlighting the richness of internal landscapes.

1st Prize Winner

Victor Wang

Born: China and currently resides: United States

“The Angel of Sunflower”, Oil on canvas, 63″ x 48″

Victor Wang grew up in Northern China and graduated BFA from The Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, one of three top art institutes in China. After graduation he taught there for four and a half years and was sent to The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a visiting scholar. He earned his MFA in Fontbonne University. He currently lives in St. Louis, where he teaches painting, drawing and graduate critique classes as a full professor at Fontbonne University. Victor has exhibited widely across the country and internationally and has won various awards for excellence, including awards for both painting and art instruction. His work has been shown nationally and internationally. The human figures in his paintings serve as vehicles to convey human experience, representing the emotional tension and psychological drama of life’s turning points. Nostalgia, harmony, passion, agony, sadness, and pleasure are all revealed in his new body of work in the last decade. The images portrayed in his art are provoked by childhood memories and past experiences. An artist often tells one story repeatedly; however, his story is created from the images and feelings from his past experiences that represent the memories of his life. Technically, Wang was influenced by the exaggerated way Auguste Rodin uses clay to model figures. He has tried to treat his paint on canvas as the equivalent of a sculptor’s clay to build up form on canvas. The thickness of the paint evokes a sculptural physicality.

“The Angel of Sunflower”: Her wings are woven from sunbeam threads,
A halo of warmth stop her blue head.
With each gentle breeze, she twirls and spins,
A guardian of joy where the sunlight begins.

The 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize
is proudly sponsored by

PALLADIUM SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS
     

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

ACADEMIC PARTNERS

The post 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize: RAYMAR Traditional Art Award Winners Announced! appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize: Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award Winners Announced!

There is nothing more rewarding than to support young and emerging talent or boost careers. That is what we do here at the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and with my Yasha Young Sculpture Award. By supporting the process I can give the select artist the freedom to experiment and truly support the creative process, which has been a passion of mine. Buying art is important but supporting the artists to be able to create is, in my opinion, just as vital.

-Yasha Young, Founder of Yasha Young Projects

Thank you & Acknowledgements

Once again, we would like to thank all of the artists that entered and shared their work and their artistic passion with us. It was such a pleasure to immerse ourselves in the work of so many creatives, working across varied mediums and styles, and reading their stories.

Beautiful Bizarre Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Danijela Krha Purssey has the pleasure of curating each issue of the magazine and our exhibitions. The Art Prize entries will continue to give her a plethora of new ideas and choices to pursue in future. So thank you again for your interest in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, we very much hope to see how your work has grown and developed in next year’s Prize.

We would also like to sincerely thank the 2024 Jury Panel, particularly the Sculpture Award category Judge Erika Sanada, for giving her time and expertise to the panel. Additionally, we warmly thank the other Category Judges:  Michael Parkes (Traditional Art juror), Kirsty Mitchell (Photography juror) and Karl Ortiz (Digital Art juror), as well as the Directors of Modern Eden Gallery, Kim Larson & Bradley Platz.

To our major sponsors: Tracey Maigne & Keeley Gerard, Owners and Directors of Musonium Gallery; 33PA‘s CEO, Marketing Director & Curator, Didi Menendez; RAYMAR President & Creative Director, Emilie Dietrich; Yasha Young Projects Founder Yasha Young; and the Owner & Art Director of BearWolf Books, Catherine K. Gyllerstrom – our deepest gratitude for supporting this year’s Prize. It is through your support and generosity that the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize is able to acknowledge and uplift so many incredible artists and photographers from around the world.

As always a huge thanks to the Beautiful Bizarre team for their dedication and hard work on behalf of the prize and winners all-year round.

Our sincere thanks to this year’s Sculpture Award sponsors listed below. It is through their generosity that the Sculpture Award Winners will be able to enrich their practice.

Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award

The Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award 1st prize winner will receive:

• $3,000 USD cash, generously donated by Yasha Young Projects, arts philanthropist and Executive Curatorial Director for the FOR_M, a new institution currently being developed in New York city.
• $400 USD worth of services from Stan Winston School, including an all-access 1 year subscription which includes unlimited access to their Course Library by The Masters of FX, with new courses added every month. Plus exclusive access to the Behind-the-Scenes Documentary stream.
• $250 USD worth of supplies of your choice from Sculpey, making polymer oven-bake clays for over 50 years.
• A beautiful, specially commissioned glass art award trophy.
• The opportunity to exhibit in the prestigious Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery, in San Francisco, USA, alongside 70+ of the world’s best contemporary representational artists.
• Exposure to a successful commercial gallery’s collector base with the opportunity to sell their work.
• 3 month social media advertising package (Beautiful Bizarre Magazine: 1 million+ followers across all social media platforms).
• Winning artwork printed in the December 2024 issue of Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, as part of the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize editorial.
• Exclusive in-depth interview published on the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine websites + shared across Beautiful Bizarre Magazine social media.
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

2nd prize winner will receive:

• $1,000 USD cash, generously donated by Yasha Young Projects, arts philanthropist and Executive Curatorial Director for the FOR_M, a new institution currently being developed in New York city.
• $220 USD worth of services from Stan Winston School, including a 3 month subscription including full access to the entire course library. Plus exclusive access to the Behind-the-Scenes Documentary stream.
• The opportunity to exhibit in the prestigious Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery, in San Francisco, USA, alongside 70+ of the world’s best contemporary representational artists.
• Exposure to a successful commercial gallery’s collector base with the opportunity to sell their work.
• Exclusive in-depth interview published on the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine websites + shared across Beautiful Bizarre Magazine social media.
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

3rd prize winner will receive:

• $500 USD cash, generously donated by Yasha Young Projects, arts philanthropist and Executive Curatorial Director for the FOR_M, a new institution currently being developed in New York city.
• $100 USD worth of services from Stan Winston School, including a 1 month subscription including full access to the entire course library. Plus exclusive access to the Behind-the-Scenes Documentary stream.
• The opportunity to exhibit in the prestigious Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery, in San Francisco, USA, alongside 70+ of the world’s best contemporary representational artists.
• Exposure to a successful commercial gallery’s collector base with the opportunity to sell their work.
• Exclusive in-depth interview published on the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine websites + shared across Beautiful Bizarre Magazine social media.
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

The Winners in each Award category and the Musonium Grand Prize Award Winner will be invited to participate in ‘Paracosmic Escape’ exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery in San Francisco, United States later this year, alongside 70+ of the world’s best contemporary representational artists! ‘Paracosmic Escape’ is an international group exhibition Curated by: Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, with Art Direction/Theme Conceptualization by: Musonium Gallery.

‘Paracosmic Escape’ explores themes of retrospection, introspection, and complex relationships with the real world, where internal gateways offer a place of sanctuary to heal from and provide explanation to the effects of reality. ~ Keeley Gerard (Art Director of Musonium Gallery)

Congratulations to the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award Winners: Spencer Hansen, Ornélie & César Orrico!

3rd Prize Winner

Spencer Hansen

Currently resides: United States

“Lela”, Ceramic, Himalayan goat fur, Brass, 80 x 34 x 24 in.

Spencer Hansen graduated from San Francisco Art Institute in 2006. He is an interdisciplinary artist whose imagination and intellect intertwine to create playful art thoughtfully sourced, designed and constructed. Spencer works primarily with natural materials, hand making detailed art that is the antithesis of our disposable culture. Endlessly experimenting with processes and fueled by curiosity, his work flirts with the relationship between light and time, texture, weight and form. The resulting story often reveals a transformation of a common object into abstraction, undeniably familiar, simultaneously foreign. In addition to Spencer Hansen’s Art, which includes painting, sculpture, masks and photography, he is also the co-founder and creative director of BLAMO toys and BLAMO clothing, both conceived in rural Idaho and developed into established independent companies. When he is not experimenting in his Bali workshop, (designed from recycled Javanese boat wood and home for himself and co-workers), he travels between his home state of Idaho, Orcas Island, Japan, California and Europe.

“Lela”: is a Bat Spirit created and photographed by Spencer. Encountering LELA is like discovering a new species with an heir of familiarity, with the power to elicit nostalgia and a sense of belonging, yet an undeniable essence of something unknown. Lela was created for Strangers; a show inviting viewers to contemplate the perception of foreign encounters and wonder at their significance in this world.

2nd Prize Winner

Ornélie

Currently resides: France

“Royal Widow”, Polymer clay, acrylic paint, 27 x 20 x 20 cm.

Since graduating from the GOBELINS school of animation in Paris, Ornélie worked as an animation artist on numerous European feature films. Drawing characters in volume led her quite naturally towards figurative sculpture, which she started to practice as a self-taught artist. At a crossroads between volume and illustration, through portraits of female characters Ornélie develops an atmosphere often surreal and romantic, sometimes dark and strange. She is influenced as much by classical painting, as from comics and illustration, cinema, animation, and literature. By playing on the codes of the cabinet of curiosity, her sculptures reflect her dreams of fantasized eras, as Gothic and Victorian visions. All her artworks are strictly one-of-a-kind, handmade in full polymer clay. Flowers, eyes, fabric, lace and embroideries are modeled with polymer clay, then hand-painted. Ornélie is happy to be at the start of her journey as an explorer of this modern material, which she hopes, combined with her ideas and technical skill, will allow her to explore her creative potential. She will continue to develop her work, playing with containers and floating effects, along with the modeling of fabrics and the render of materials, textures and patterns. She plans to make more ambitious pieces, while keeping the pop and surrealist spirit that she loves : challenging herself is largely the driving force behind her art.

“Royal Widow”: The king is dead. With her mourning dress, the queen wears the appropriate outfit, which contrasts with the color of her thoughts. With the glass dome (and the face) which can be rotated and thus allow the sculpture to be opened, I wanted the effect of surprise more striking and the idea more impactful. The creation of this piece was really the pretext to deepen my work on the modeling and painting of fabric, lace and embroidery, with this unique color for the black dress with a whole range of shades of matte and glossy effects.

1st Prize Winner

César Orrico

Currently resides: Spain

“Bosque”, Bronze, 67 x 40 x 35 cm.

Born in Spain in 1984, César Orrico is a contemporary figurative sculptor. His work proposes a reflection on the syncretic character of contemporary society through the representation of the human form. The reference to different periods and contexts becomes visible in his sculptures, which metaphorically connect time and concepts. César obtained his licentiate degree in Fine Arts from the Complutense University of Madrid in 2007 and supplemented his specialization with postgraduate studies in Art Creation and Research. Over the last few years, his work has been singled out for recognition in world-class competitions. In 2019, he received the Jean Asselbergs Prize from the Taylor Foundation in Paris and won First Prize in Sculpture two years in a row, 2021 and 2022, in the 15th and 16th International ARC Salon, United States. Also in 2022, his work was awarded the Mariano Benlliure Sculpture Medal. In 2023, he received the Reina Sofía Prize for Painting and Sculpture in Madrid. César has participated in outstanding individual and collective exhibitions in cities of America, Europe and Asia, with a particular presence in the United States, France and England. His work has also been shown in contemporary art fairs and salons of recognised standing such as Context Art Miami, Art Wynwood, LA Art Show, Hamptons Fine Art Fair New York, London Art Fair or ST-ART Strasbourg, and his works have been included in public and private collections around the world.

“Bosque“: Reflects on the importance of connecting with the inner essence, a concept that is represented through the meditative attitude of the figure and the introspection reflected in her face. The yearning for spiritual transcendence is perceptible in the weightless nakedness of her body, which appears metaphorically suspended in a world where nature and human being come together to form a perfect symbiosis.

The 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize
is proudly sponsored by

PALLADIUM SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS
     

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

ACADEMIC PARTNERS

The post 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize: Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award Winners Announced! appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Setting the stage for a collection of compelling editions, this marks a milestone for the creative team. Showcasing their dedication, the inspiring narrative is sure to be embedded within each page. With a blend of Jasmine’s and David’s unique art styles, it’s undoubtedly poised to make a significant impact on the art community. The Kickstarter has already garnered a lot of attention as supports eagerly anticipate the release of their exciting Issue 1.

This passion project embodies not only a display of creativity but also serves as a testament to their unwavering artistic pursuits. With 24 delicious pages, Death & the Maiden immerses readers into the mysterious shadow lands, gripping imagination with its eerie adventures, vivid imagery, and evocative language.

Death & the Maiden – Issue 1

Jasmine Becket-Griffith Social Media Accounts

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

David Van Gough Social Media Accounts

Website | Facebook | Instagram

The post Death & the Maiden Issue 1 Kickstarter: Jasmine Becket-Griffith and David Van Gough’s Dark Fantasy Comic Series appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

These collections offer a glimpse into the boundless creativity and artistry of the human mind. Through wonder and whimsy, delve into the depths of emotion and introspection. You never know what awaits you. Additionally, you can view past and present exhibitions as well as all available inventory by visiting the gallery website.

Nadezda and Erika Sanada Solo Exhibitions

Opening Reception: Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 6-9 PM

Exhibition Dates: September 14 – October 3, 2024

Modern Eden Gallery

1100 Sutter Street | San Francisco, CA 94109

For press inquiries or sales, please contact Modern Eden Gallery Director Kim Larson at kim@moderneden.com | General Information, please email info@moderneden.com

Phone: (415) 956-3303 

Wednesday–Saturday, 12–5 pm

Private artwork viewing appointments are available

Nadezda: Once There Was, Once There Wasn’t

Press Release //

We are excited to present the latest solo exhibition for gallery favorite, Nadezda. After leaving the Bay Area for Europe last year, this new work is coming fresh from her Spanish countryside studio with new influences. As the artist explains, “for this show I am finding a new harmony of imaginative work coexisting together with the figurative. It feels wholesome and I really enjoy the balance they create together. The work is also becoming more textural and there are new barely visible sub-narratives hidden in the corners.”

Erika Sanada: Us

Press Release //

Modern Eden Gallery is pleased to present the latest solo exhibition by San Francisco sculptress, Erika Sanada.

Erika Sanada’s early inspirations stemmed from creatures and characters of horror films. Watching these stories were a way for her to escape unpleasant realities during childhood. She creates intricate, hairless ceramic creatures—often adorable but also unsettling and bizarre. Sanada is represented by Modern Eden Gallery in San Francisco where the artist currently lives and works.

Modern Eden Gallery Social Media Accounts

Website | Facebook | X | Instagram

The post Modern Eden Gallery Presents Nadezda and Erika Sanada Solo Exhibitions appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize: 33PA Emerging Artist Award Winners Announced!

Sponsoring the Beautiful Bizarre Emerging Artist prize gave me an opportunity to reconfirm that artists are still creating original and refreshing work. It was my pleasure to nurture these artists to continue creating and flourishing in their craft.

-Didi Menendez, 33PA CEO, Marketing Director & Curator

Thank you & Acknowledgements

Once again, we would like to thank all of the artists that entered and shared their work and their artistic passion with us. It was such a pleasure to immerse ourselves in the work of so many creatives, working across varied mediums and styles, and reading their stories.

Beautiful Bizarre Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Danijela Krha Purssey has the pleasure of curating each issue of the magazine and our exhibitions. The Art Prize entries will continue to give her a plethora of new ideas and choices to pursue in future. So thank you again for your interest in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, we very much hope to see how your work has grown and developed in next year’s Prize.

We would also like to sincerely thank the 2024 Jury Panel, particularly the Emerging Artist category Judge Didi Menendez of 33PA, for giving her time and expertise to the panel. Additionally, We warmly thank the artist Judges:  Michael Parkes (Traditional Art juror), Kirsty Mitchell (Photography juror), Erika Sanada (Sculpture juror) and Karl Ortiz (Digital Art juror), as well as the Directors of Modern Eden Gallery, Kim Larson & Bradley Platz.

To our major sponsors: Tracey Maigne & Keeley Gerard, Owners and Directors of Musonium Gallery; 33PA‘s CEO, Marketing Director & Curator, Didi Menendez; RAYMAR President & Creative Director, Emilie Dietrich; Yasha Young Projects Founder Yasha Young; and the Owner & Art Director of BearWolf Books, Catherine K. Gyllerstrom – our deepest gratitude for supporting this year’s Prize. It is through your support and generosity that the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize is able to acknowledge and uplift so many incredible artists and photographers from around the world.

As always a huge thanks to the Beautiful Bizarre team for their dedication and hard work on behalf of the prize and winners all-year round.

Our sincere thanks to this year’s emerging Artist Award sponsors listed below. It is through their generosity that the Emerging Artist Award Winners will be able to enrich their practice.

33PA Emerging Artist Award

The 33PA Emerging Artist Award 1st prize winner will receive:

• $3,000 USD cash, generously donated by 33PA, a diversified contemporary realism gallery, art community and publication.
• Deco Pro (Gen2) LW generously donated by XPPen. XPPen is a globally notable brand celebrating digital art innovation, providing digital drawing products, content and services to encourage artists to pursue their dreams and authentic self-expression.
• A beautiful, specially commissioned glass art award trophy.
• The opportunity to exhibit in the prestigious Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery, in San Francisco, USA, alongside 70+ of the world’s best contemporary representational artists.
• Exposure to a successful commercial gallery’s collector base with the opportunity to sell their work.
• 12 month social media advertising package (Beautiful Bizarre Magazine: 1 million+ followers across all social media platforms).
• Winning artwork printed in the December 2024 issue of Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, as part of the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize editorial.
• Exclusive in-depth interview published on the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine websites+ shared on social media.
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

2nd prize winner will receive:

• $1,750 USD cash, generously donated by Principle Gallery, a fine art gallery with branches in Alexandria, VA & Charleston, SC, focusing on contemporary realism since 1994.
• 6 month social media advertising package (Beautiful Bizarre Magazine: 1 million+ followers across all social media platforms).
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

3rd prize winner will receive:

• $750 USD cash, generously donated by Principle Gallery, a fine art gallery with branches in Alexandria, VA & Charleston, SC, focusing on contemporary realism since 1994.
• 4 month social media advertising package (Beautiful Bizarre Magazine: 1 million+ followers across all social media platforms).
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

The Winners in each Award category and the Musonium Grand Prize Award Winner will be invited to participate in ‘Paracosmic Escape’ exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery in San Francisco, United States later this year, alongside 70+ of the world’s best contemporary representational artists! ‘Paracosmic Escape’ is an international group exhibition Curated by: Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, with Art Direction/Theme Conceptualization by: Musonium Gallery.

‘Paracosmic Escape’ explores themes of retrospection, introspection, and complex relationships with the real world, where internal gateways offer a place of sanctuary to heal from and provide explanation to the effects of reality. ~ Keeley Gerard (Art Director of Musonium Gallery)

Congratulations to the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize 33PA Emerging Artist Award Winners: Senescence, Ross Takahashi & Nadine Tralala!

3rd Prize Winner

Senescence

Currently resides: Australia

“Theseus”, Marker (Copic and Generic), Colored Pencil, Ballpoint, gel and felt tip on rag stock paper, 81.4 x 118.9 cm

Born in Adelaide Australia Senescence began informally illustrating in black and white pencil at an early age, before entering the visual arts industry at eighteen. Following my various roles in the commercial graphic arts sector he completed a psychology and then medical degree, ultimately specialising in the teaching of surgical and medical anatomy at the University of Adelaide. After over fifteen years in Senescence academic role, and just before the birth of his daughter, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor as well as several other health concerns. Unable to return to work Senescence have come full circle to his art origins. He has never created art for himself nor outside of the commercial space, and so he begins this part of his life a new, merging several decades of experience into one.

“Theseus”: Stemming from Greek mythology, the Ship of Theseus grew to be a thought experiment as to whether an object is the same after having had all its original components replaced. The idea has been and continues to be explored in the context of human identity, as well as individual anatomy and physiology. From a cellular level and possibly more we are all something new today, with most of the body being replaced with analogous parts at varying speeds. The same question has and will likely be asked when medical technology enables a lot more of our bodies to be augmented. Arguably you of now will never be again, so what features most make you – you.

2nd Prize Winner

Ross Takahashi

Currently reside: United States

“Birds of a Feather Nesting Together”, Cast Bronze, patina, 26 x 16 x 14 in

Ross Takahashi is a Japanese-American sculptor and art educator. His work focuses on human cognition, ecological impacts, and our current climate crisis. Ross holds a B.A. in Psychology from Nevada State University. His work takes from research in ecology and psycho-social systems of transgenerational threads of permanence, and evanescence. Each piece is derived from a basis of conceptual, and empirical research, and explores these topics through a magical realistic lens. Hyper realistic details help bridge the gap of our relationship with nature, and human-related forms. Metals are an important medium in his practice, as they represent immortality, and a means for lasting preservation of temporary elements.

“Birds of a Feather Nesting Together”: A flock of birds building a children’s chair as a nest for their and our young. Created as a magical realistic take on ecological memory interwoven with post generational trauma impacted by humanity on the world surrounding us. This delicate piece is made purely out of bronze, with patina and polish.

1st Prize Winner

Nadine Tralala

Currently resides: Germany

“I Was Stone”, Oil on panel, 50 x 60 cm

Nadine Tralala is a figurative oil painter based in Germany. Her work blends classical techniques with modern surrealism and creates a dreamlike atmosphere, offering the viewer a moment of calm in a chaotic world. She is known for her bold and vivid color palette, which makes her otherworldly figures seem to radiate with an ethereal glow. Nadine aims to make people feel comfort and peace through her art, like the warm embrace of a long-lost friend. “I inhale the world and paint a healed version of it.”

“I Was Stone”: Pays tribute to a resilience that is as unyielding as stone. Even in our darkest moments, in the deepest of nights, an inner light shines within each of us. The woman in my painting glows from within, she herself lightens up the darkness surrounding her. With two lambs by her side, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, she awaits the dawn to break.

The 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize
is proudly sponsored by

PALLADIUM SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS
     

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

ACADEMIC PARTNERS

The post 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, 33PA Emerging Artist Award Winners Announced! appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Historia Animalium

Exhibition Dates: November – December 2024

Rotunda Gallery

Rotunda Gallery | City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener, Ontario

Opening Hours: Monday – Fridays 7am. to 9pm, Weekends and Statutory holidays 9am to 9pm

About Historia Animalium //

‘Historia Animalium’ is an upcoming exhibition soon to be on display at Rotunda Gallery in City Hall in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada all through November and December 2024. This collection is an offshoot of a larger series created by Laura titled ‘Terra Incognita’, which started during a 2021 residency in Iceland, where she was inspired by the local folklore, history, humor, and darkness imbued in the culture, specifically centered around the idea of fantastical animals and their relationship to humans. This subject matter relates directly to Laura’s previous studies of how natural history and science plays into the collective perspective of the monstrous in a long-standing view of the world as anthropocentric.

Themes of biodiversity, extinction and extirpation, resiliency, and interconnectedness are used to evoke a sense of the fantastical and absurd contrasted with child-like wonder and humor. Stylistically the work takes on a continuous sense of motion and disorder and contains visual references to historical etchings of animals and beasts, as well as symbols of life, death, finery, and wildness.

About Laura Thipphawong //

Laura Thipphawong is an artist, writer, and historian, and has exhibited art and presented her research throughout several galleries and international academic forums. Laura made her way from a small town in northern Ontario to Toronto to pursue a career in the arts, and now holds a medal and a Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Critical studies from OCAD University, and a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Toronto. Her studio practice in oil painting and drawing is representative of her research on the complex narrative symbolism of the psyche in response to various social and emotional factors, with focus on sexuality, horror, folklore, literature, and natural science.

Laura’s work has been featured in several galleries, exhibition spaces, and publications such as CBC Arts, New Visionary Magazine, the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite in Toronto, and the National Gallery of Canada.

Laura Thipphawong Social Media Accounts

Website | Instagram | Facebook

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THE BLAB! SHOW – 19TH ANNUAL GROUP EXHIBITION

Copro Gallery

Bergamot Station Arts Complex, 2525 Michigan Ave, #T5, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States

Opening Reception (featuring a live performance from Anthony Ausgang’s ‘Cat Museum’): Saturday September 07 , 2024 – 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Free and open to the public!

Exhibition Dates: September 07– September 28, 2024

NEW HOURS: Friday 11-7PM- Saturday 1-5PM – Sunday 11-6PM

Phone: 310/829-2156

E-Mail: CoproGallery@Live.com

OVER 70 EXHIBITING ARTISTS, INCLUDING:

Richard Ahnert, Jennifer Allnut, Anthony Ausgang, Scott Bakal, Aaron Baker, Paul Barnes, Glenn Barr, Lou Beach, Syd Bee, Jana Brike, Benz and Chang, Marc Burckhardt, Chris Buzelli, Simona Candini, Victor Castillo, Jon Ching, Robert Steven Connett, Nova Czarnecki, Yoko Yoko d’Holbachie, Nicole Evans, Frank Forte, Renee French, Danny Galieote, Katie Gamb, Mark Garro, José Luis López Galván, Michael Glasscott, Mab Graves, Brad Gray, Naoto Hattori, Gregory Hergert, Travis Lampe, Craig LaRotonda, Dave Lebow, Travis Louie, Chris Mars, Bill Mayer, Gabi de la Merced, Scott Musgrove, Dustin Myers, Lori Nelson, Jeff Nentrup, Sonya Palencia, Peca, Dewi Plass, John Rego, Magpie Rodgers, Frau Sakura, Buck Shanty, Greg ‘CRAOLA’ Simkins, Dale Sizer, Bennett Slater, Owen Smith, Fred Stonehouse, Rob Sussman, TrashKitty, Brad Woodfin, Casey Weldon, Walter Minus, Joe Vaux, Xue Wang, Martin Wittfooth, Brad Woodfin, Chet Zar & MORE!

Get your free BLAB! SHOW posters signed by Chet Zar and Craola on the Opening Night only! Copro Gallery have two different versions this year!

About Monte Beauchamp //

Curator Monte Beauchamp: is an award-winning art director and graphic designer who has served as a juror for American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, and Lürzer’s Archive. He is the founder and editor of the graphics-illustration-comics annuals BLAB! and BLAB WORLD. His books include A SIDECAR NAMED DESIRE: Great Writers and the Booze that Stirred Them (co-authored with Greg Clarke, HarperCollins-Dey Street), MASTERFUL MARKS: Cartoonists Who Changed the World (Simon & Schuster), and KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas (Last Gasp), among others. In 2012, Beauchamp was awarded the Society of Illustrators prestigious RICHARD GANGEL ART DIRECTORS AWARD (for outstanding contributions in promoting and advancing the art of illustration).


About Copro Gallery //

The gallery, located at Bergamot Arts, is divided into two exhibition spaces, sometimes featuring a single artist but often two or three. Large group exhibitions are also featured often in conjunction with outside curators. In following with its original mission, Copro Gallery participates in International Art Fairs and curates outside exhibits to help promote their artists.

Focusing on museum quality installations showcasing emerging artists, Copro Gallery also exhibits many established and master painters. Placing works in private collections throughout the world, Copro Gallery strives to assist collectors new and experienced in building the most exciting collections possible.

Copro Gallery Social Media Accounts

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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With works from Javier Calleja, Roby Dwi Antono, Hebru Brantley, Banksy, KAWS, Shepard Fairey, Margaret Kilgallen, Audrey Kawasaki, and Mark Ryden, the collection represents the Hosners’ fearless and intuitive approach to collecting and community. As co-founders of Los Angeles gallery and cultural incubator Thinkspace LA, the Hosners have been an integral part of several contemporary art movements that have exploded over the last two decades.

This special auction includes numerous events from September 7 – 13. The main auction goes live on Thursday, September 12 at 10am PST listing numerous original works. Additionally, the online auction goes live on Friday, September 13 at 10am PST: with a focus on editions and multiples, new and seasoned collectors alike will find prints, collectible toys, skate decks, and more!

See below for the full details and links to RSVP for individual events.

The Collection of Shawn and Andrew Hosner of Thinkspace LA

Los Angeles Modern Auctions

6666 Lexington Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90038

Key Dates

Opening Night: Saturday, September 7 from 5-8pm PST. RSVP here.

In-person preview days: Monday, September 9 – Friday, September 13 from 10am to 5pm PST daily. See the full Collection here.

Andrew Hosner in conversation with Evan Pricco from Juxtapoz: Tuesday, September 10 at 4pm with cocktail reception to follow the talk. RSVP here.

Main Auction goes live: Thursday, September 12 at 10am PST. Accommodates advanced bids, telephone bidding, and live online bidding – more info here.

Online Auction goes live: Friday, September 13 at 10am PST. Accommodates advanced online bids and live online bids – more info here.

True Trailblazers within the art community

From press release: The Hosners simultaneously rallied a heartful community of like minds while building a remarkable collection that represents a wide swath of bold contemporary artists – many of whom have since become internationally recognized.

Beginning with a small work by Jeff Soto that they purchased in the 2000s for around $300, the Hosners together evolved into inveterate collectors who championed emerging artists in what they call the New Contemporary Art movement, including Neo-Pop, street art and graffiti, art collectibles, and contemporary ceramics.

They co-founded Thinkspace in 2005, operating from a space in the Silver Lake neighbourhood’s bustling Sunset Junction and eventually relocating to Culver City in 2021. As both collectors and gallerists, the Hosners have been more likely to set market trends than follow them: “The first rule of buying for us, and myself moving forward, will always be you have to like it,” says Andrew Hosner. “We’ve never really tried to buy simply because of a name.”

The Banksy: Parachuting Rat

A couple of the marquee works in the auction are works from the UK artist Banksy. The first is a really special piece, since there’s really not been many to come to market over the years: his iconic Parachuting Rat image. Which, by and large, he really only did on the streets. When Shawn and I got married in 2005, we did a really simple ceremony because that was Shawn in a nutshell. The following week we decided to have a little soiree at the house to celebrate […] and everyone had brought very nice little knickknacks and gifts, even though we told them not to.

Definitely the coolest thing that we had gotten was gifted to us by our close friends, who at the time owned and operated the Lab 101 Gallery. Evan and Freddie brought us over a work on cardboard of the parachuting rat from Banksy, who at the time was super cool and underground. They brought it over and they were like, ‘Hey, this is from not too long ago when Banksy was in town and he did that little pop up show here in LA […] he stayed with us and bombed on some pieces, and this is actually on a piece of cardboard from where Evan used to work.’”

Other Collection highlights

Undoubtedly, many of the artists whose works the Hosners showed and collected have become important. Highlights include Banksy’s 2002 Parachuting Rat (est. $40,000–60,000], Jen Stark’s 2011 sculpture Beyond Finite (est. $20,000–30,000), the figurative drawings Words of Wisdom from Javier Calleja (est. $20,000–40,000) and The Street (Sketch) from Mark Ryden. A group of works from Roby Dwi Antono include the 2022 Love Me Do (Study) (est. $20,000–30,000) and the 2021 sculpture Asteria (est. $10,000–15,000), which was exhibited at the Thinkspace exhibition Epos.

Though hesitant to apply any one label to their collection, Hosner does note that it skews toward the figurative. This propensity shows up everywhere across the collection, from Audrey Kawasaki’s 2008 panel As I Fall (est. $15,000–25,000) to Betye Saar’s Floating Doll with Ball in the Galaxy (est. $10,000–15,000), as well as works from KAWS, Hebru Brantley, Swoon, Edgar Plans and others. The collection also shows an affinity for the “Beautiful Losers” group, with works from Shepard Fairey, Margaret Kilgallen, Barry McGee, and Ed Templeton. Leading lots of the sale include Kilgallen’s mixed-media Untitled (Fawk-Fate) (est. $20,000–$40,000) and Shephard Fairey’s 2017 Damaged Pig Painted (est. $15,000–20,000).

The Hosners have also been avid fans of ceramic sculpture, by both canonized makers and emerging ones alike. Richard Pettibone’s 1962 Untitled (est. $4,000–6,000) and Peter Shire’s Untitled (Cup) ($800–1,000) accompany ceramic works from new generations, with examples from Josh Cloud, Sharif Farrag, Raven Halfmoon, En Iwamura, Kazuhito Kawai, Grant Levy-Lucero, Narumi Nekpenekpen, Brian Rochefort, Maryam Yousif, and others.

Alongside ceramics are a range of works from emerging LA artists working in paint and mixed media, including Shizu Saldamando, Jeremy Shockley, and others.

A significant chapter for both LA culture and contemporary art

Talking about his decision to bring this collection to auction, Andrew Hosner shares: “I felt that it was more important to keep the gallery going and all that comes with it: the community, our extended gallery family, and all of our ‘children’ that are the artists that we’ve supported over the years, that they continue to have a place to exist and nurture and grow and support each other… that ultimately is the best legacy that I could ask for, for Shawn.”

Works featured in The Collection of Shawn & Andrew Hosner of Thinkspace LA and The Collection of Shawn & Andrew Hosner of Thinkspace LA: Online Only will be on view September 9th – 12th at LAMA’s new location at 6666 Lexington Ave, Los Angeles.

For further information, please reach out to press@lamodern.com.

Thinkspace Projects Social Media Accounts

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The post A unique opportunity: Don’t miss Shawn & Andrew Hosner of Thinkspace LA’s Art Collection available at LA Modern Auctions appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Issue 46

Inside this Issue, we delve into the painterly works of Aaron Westerberg. With a notable edge of old-world elegance, his style is heavily influenced by his artistic hero, John Singer Sargent, who, among other painters, collectively defined much of our 21st century schemas of 19th century art. Aaron is not a painter of portraits, but rather, a portrayer of emotion. In letting his sentiments flow through his brushstrokes onto the canvas, he releases the emotion from his body, processing the feeling and letting it go.

We also discover the inspiring work of American sculptor, and 1st Prize Winner of the 2023 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award Forest Rogers, who will take you to an enchanted place, full of mystery and ethereal beauty, a place where you see wondrous transformations happening before your very eyes and yearn to believe that they were real.

There is a bittersweet charm to Issue 46 cover artist Jennybird Alcantara’s paintings. On the surface lies a sentimental sweetness. Her work feels reminiscent of antique chocolate box cottages furnished with kitschy wallpaper, floral China tea sets and cherished knick-knack ceramic figurines. Woodland creatures with their big doe eyes, untouched by the horrors of the world, beckon viewers forward. Take a closer look and one might realise that hidden behind these charming pastels lie gloomy shadows and blackened corners, as a looming sadness approaches only to be gently washed away by a sense of hope.

Next we take a look at the fantastic visions of Pol Kurucz, a self-taught artist that has been making vibrant strides within both the art and drag communities with his hyper pop photography style all while making cultural critiques on social, gender and aesthetic norms that feel both humorous and palpable in style and tone.

Time to get inspired as we learn what Victoria Olt, owner of Victoria Olt Gallery in Estonia would like to add to her personal collection in this Issue’s Curator’s Wishlist.

We also take a deep dive into the work of 32-year-old UK photographer Claire Luxton whose oeuvre has mostly centred around photographing herself. We uncover fascinating contradictions and paradoxes within Claire – the person and the artist – and her work. The introvert behind the camera who thrives in front of it. Open and honest stories hidden in symbolism and double entendre.

If a Rococo masterpiece could speak, what would it say? Anne von Freyburg, a modern woman and contemporary artist who is consistently questioning the social and aesthetic constructs of femininity and western beauty, was willing to dive in with works pairing the fine art of painting with that quintessential “female” pastime, embroidery – letting ideas, hypotheses, and emotions burst into a beautiful chaos of acrylic and spray paint, sequins, polyester wadding, and hand-dyed fringes.

Thoughts get wings in the hands of Matthias Verginer. The soul rests. The world stops spinning. Nature is at arm’s length. It’s time to breathe again and let the mind fly. A quiet cartographer of the psyche, Matthias uses sparing, minimalist concepts, and carefully chosen materials that speak volumes through shared moments of truth.

Bold colours cast upon darkened backgrounds make the flora and fauna of Fatima Ronquillo’s paintings come to life. Existing somewhere between Rococo and Baroque, these extraordinary pieces feel right at home alongside Vermeer and Boucher. The spellbound expressions show figures devoted to the stories so carefully crafted for them.

Noah Norrid, a resident of Copenhagen, Denmark does not consider himself uniquely preoccupied with themes of mortality and life’s fleeting nature, these concepts naturally surface in his work. His focus on the natural world allows him to explore universal themes and relationships, tapping into a long history of humans depicting nature as a reflection of their experiences.

Travel deeper into Issue 46 and see how Laine Bachman’s fascination with fables and fairytales from her childhood have deeply influenced her work. She delves into the history and beliefs behind these stories, drawing on a wealth archetypes and symbols that resonate across cultures and time. This allows her to create hybrid creatures and imagined flora and fauna, presenting them as if documenting undiscovered species and their habitats.

Lauren Marx mesmerizes us with full page reproductions of her evocative watercolour paintings inside this Issue’s Lookbook Editorial.

In the Quick Q & A editorial, we ask Alfred Liu, Hiro, Mao Hamaguchi, Abigail Goldman, Garis Edelweiss [1st Prize Winner of the 2023 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, Digital Art Award], and Andrea du Plessis to answer the same questions:

• What are your goals as an artist?
• What do you struggle most with as an artist?
• What was the most helpful feedback you ever received?
• How do you approach the challenge of staying relevant and current in the rapidly changing world of contemporary art?

In this issues’ Collector’s Profile, Yasha Young, juror and sponsor of the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize’s Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award speaks to us about her life as an entrepreneur, curator, collector and mentor.

Yasha Young is a name known throughout the contemporary art world. Blessed with a natural drive and unimaginable energy, she has forged her path as an entrepreneur in the arts, supporting creatives of all ages and cultures to better thrive doing what they love best.

In this Issues’ Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory editorial we highlight the work of many exceptional artists and photographers including: Rocio Villanueva, Miguel Casco, Ibicella Costume Designer, Maysa Bogheiri, Takahiro Hirabayashi, Carmit Haller, Alessandra Maria, Kristine & Colin Poole, Patrice Pit Hubert, Sally K, Kuang Chu, Dave Seeley, Tassy, Chichetam Okoronta, Farnoosh Doroudgar, Hilary Martin, Loles Romero, Forest Rogers, Garis Edelweiss, Lo Chan Peng, Nika Nyoko, Severine Pineaux, Richard Williams, Markus Akesson, Nick Pedersen, Natasha Zraikat, Odhara, Jason Mowry, Petite Doll, Nico Pearleyes, and Nasim Pachif.

Next let us slow down for an inspiring Letter from the Editor, as Danijela Krha Purssey, Editor in Chief, touches on exhibiting part of her – and husband and Co-Founder Richard Purssey’s – personal art collection at the New England Regional Art Museum [NERAM] in Australia.

She also embraces the incredible legacy of this year’s Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize. When you are reading this in September you will have had your opportunity to vote for the Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award from the 149 short-listed Finalists here. So make your voice heard – vote for your favourite works today! The Winners of the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize will be announced via our usual channels during the week of the 13th of September.

We also highlight more of the artisan fashion designers that have caught the eye of our Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief, in this Issue’s Some of our Favourite Things editorial.

And last but not least, enjoy a beautiful collection from Our Community, featuring some of the amazing hashtagged #beautifulbizarre artworks from our social media of over 1 million followers!

All this inside Issue 46 //September 2024, which showcases some of the best and most inspiring emerging and mid-career artists of our time.

Visit our online store and enjoy Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Issue 46.

The post Issue 46 On Sale appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Wildman’s chosen mediums of gouache and oil paint on Yupo paper enable a striking level of detail and vibrancy. She meticulously cuts the Yupo paper to follow the contours of her animal subjects, enhancing the sense of fluidity and motion. Her process is labour-intensive, beginning with detailed preliminary sketches and underpaintings before she adds the hyper-realistic details. The intricate rendering of elements, such as a single flower, can consume hours, reflecting Wildman’s dedication to her craft.

Her artistic process, however, is not confined to rigid planning. Wildman embraces spontaneity, welcoming accidents as serendipitous opportunities for inspiration. This organic approach infuses her work with an element of unpredictability, where mistakes transform into creative possibilities.

Wildman’s art is also infused with playful, tongue-in-cheek humour. She juxtaposes weighty themes with whimsical, often absurd, imagery. In one piece, the concept of whistleblowing is humorously depicted by a mouse soaring through the air, propelled by an aeroplane’s wings, clutching a whistle in its mouth and trailing firecrackers from its paws. The sensation of being overwhelmed is comically portrayed in a painting of a muzzled bear fleeing from a school of salmon, his usual prey. Another work features an emu donning an army helmet and wielding a massive bazooka, a nod to the infamous Australian Emu Wars.

Wildman’s blend of humour and gravity creates a multi-layered experience, offering both immediate visual pleasure and deeper contemplative engagement. Her sweet and salty mix of fun and seriousness keeps viewers guessing, thinking, and perpetually chasing after the deeper meanings embedded within her artmaking

Enjoy this gallery of Joni Wildman’s work:

Joni Wildman Social Media

Website | Instagram | Facebook

The post Wild Goose Chase: On Joni Wildman’s “RUN!” Collection appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Italian artist Silvia Pelissero, popularly known online under her artist name Agnes Cecile, is a fine artist who specialises in watercolour and acrylic. Born in Rome, Agnes would take an interest in art at an early age and would go on to attend a fine arts high school where she would learn how to express herself and her ideas through visual art.

Thanks to social media, Agnes has accumulated a large online following which continues to grow alongside her. More recently, Agnes exhibited her latest solo exhibition ‘Onirica’ at Victoria Olt Gallery. ‘Onirica’, Italian for ‘dreamlike’, invited viewers to take a dreamscape path through a selection of sweet melancholic paintings. Continue reading to learn more about ‘Onirica’ in this exclusive interview with Agnes Cecile.

Interview with Agnes Cecile

Your exhibition ‘Onirica’ is currently on show at Victoria Olt Gallery which is so exciting! How are you feeling now that this exhibition is out in the world?

Seeing the pieces come together in ‘Onirica’ feels like a beautiful dream realized. There’s a quiet joy in knowing that my introspective works are resonating with others.

‘Onirica’ is all about a dreamlike world of melancholic paintings, can you tell me a bit about what inspired this concept and how it evolved into a full exhibition?

The concept of ‘Onirica’ was born from my fascination with the dreamlike states of the human psyche, especially those tinged with melancholy. It’s a theme that has always been present in my artistic vision, growing with my art over many years, appearing sporadically. Over time, my vision matured, creating a narrative that weaves through each painting. In this exhibition, I hope to have had the opportunity to form a cohesive and immersive experience for the viewer, bringing these paintings together and allowing them to interact as part of a single and cohesive discourse.

What do you hope visitors to ‘Onirica’ will take away with them after viewing the exhibition?

I hope visitors feel a sense of introspection and emotional resonance, experiencing the beauty in the quieter, darker moments of our emotional landscapes. I want them to feel drawn to a piece, to stop and see it as a mirror of themselves, finding emotions that resonate within them. I feel the value of sharing my art when I achieve this connection, when a complete stranger experiences the same emotion I felt, it unites us all.

The concept of melancholy brings forth imagery of darkness, depression, death, etc. to my mind but this exhibition portrays this subject in a much softer way that feels almost soothing to behold. Is ‘Onirica’ a physical manifestation of how you visualise melancholy?

Yes, ‘Onirica’ reflects my vision of melancholy as a suspended state of sadness where one can navigate reality without being overwhelmed. It’s a subtle, poetic presence offering solace and reflection, captured in a soothing, contemplative way. It’s a precise balance that I try to reflect in my paintings, contrasting soft, relaxing colors like muted pinks with deep, dense shadows. I blend the transparent techniques of watercolor with the opacity and hardness of acrylic. I seek a suspended balance between these contrasting states, as if placing calm and pain in perfect harmony.

Floral motifs are a common theme throughout this exhibition. What meaning do these motifs hold in the context to ‘Onirica’?

Floral motifs symbolise the delicate balance between fragility and resilience, representing the ephemeral nature of dreams and emotions. They remind us that there is a softness and inherent beauty that can bloom from our inner depths.

I adore all of the pieces within ‘Onirica’ but I especially love ‘Lunar Rabbits’, ‘White Roses’ and ‘Void Lover’! Can you tell me a bit about these pieces and what they represent within the exhibition?

‘Lunar Rabbits’ is inspired by the Chinese Lunar New Year in the Year of the Rabbit. It portrays the rabbit’s nocturnal, playful, and mysterious nature. The blue floral design on the girl’s body, reminiscent of Chinese porcelain, symbolizes her fragility. This piece reflects themes of dark playfulness balanced with delicate fragility.

‘White Roses’ depicts a girl gazing at the viewer with imploring yet serious eyes, her chest pierced by thorny white rose stems. These roses represent unwanted gifts that wound and are endured. This painting symbolizes the pain of unasked-for burdens.

‘Void Lover’ captures a small figure drawn to enormous hands emerging from the darkness, calling her to them. This painting delves into the embrace of emptiness, finding a strange yet comforting intimacy in the void.

Do you have any favourite pieces from this collection? If so, which ones and why?

‘In a Whirlwind of Emotions’ portrays a girl twisted in a spiral suspended in a void. I believe that I was able to figuratively depict anxiety and loss of control, a condition many can relate to; it’s a direct metaphor.

‘The Lives of Others’ depicts a black sea from which white masks emerge, each with a flower blooming from their foreheads. In the foreground, a figure observes the scene, representing the self watching others flourish, not realizing she too is blooming, with a flower on her forehead, even richer and more beautiful. I love it because it is very intimate, fragile, and resonates with everyone. It reminds us all to recognize our own growth and not be afraid.

What has been the most rewarding part of creating ‘Onirica’ and subsequently what has been the most challenging part of it?

The most rewarding part has been the opportunity to assemble various works that had interconnected themes, creating a narrative through the paintings. Many pieces, created over different years, exhibited together, revealed the underlying thread that connected them all, forming a story to be read through hints. The challenging part was perhaps dedicating the right amount of time in these recent chaotic years filled with commitments. We postponed this exhibition a couple of times, always with the idea of making it and building the poetics step by step. In hindsight, taking more time to define it might have been beneficial.

Looking forward, what can our readers expect to see from you in the near future? Do you have any big plans or exciting projects on the horizon after ‘Onirica’?

After ‘Onirica’, I have a couple of exciting events before the year ends. My next event is a retreat in France with a group of 15 artists, where we will paint together amidst the French landscapes. I also have another project that I can’t divulge too much about, but it involves a unique opportunity to create something truly special as a painter.

Beyond that, I will focus on setting up my new studio in Italy, where I’ll create my upcoming works, finding new inspirations. The biggest goal is always to find the freedom to express myself, without self-imposed constraints, with a sincere and ever-evolving language.

Agnes Cecile Social Media Accounts

Website | Instagram | Eyes on the Wall

Victoria Olt Gallery Social Media Accounts

Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

The post Soft Melancholy: Agnes Cecile On ‘Onirica’ Solo Exhibition at Victoria Olt Gallery appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Natasha Zraikat is an imaginative realist oil painter living on the Gold Coast, Australia. She has a deep interest in environmentalism and humanitarianism and these themes underpin much of her work. She hopes to bring meaning and positive change to the world through her paintings and their stories.

Born in California to Jordanian-Palestinian and Ukrainian-Russian parents, Natasha moved to Australia as a child where she has lived ever since. Her earliest artistic memories include drawing, studying and surrounding herself with animals. This lifelong affinity has seen Natasha grow into a passionate environmentalist, and these themes have spilled into her work in recent years as her concerns about the state of the natural world continue to intensify.

Natasha is a self-taught artist, having taken one year in Florence, Italy for informal artistic development where she won Best in Show in the City-Wide Art VIII Competition. Her work has since been included in numerous other art prizes, including the SBS Portrait Prize, Metro Gallery Art Award, Lethbridge 20000 Art Prize, Williamstown Contemporary and the Art Lovers Australia Art Prize.

Natasha Zraikat’s work brings us to a place where realism and imagination meet. Through brilliant, oil-painted sky scapes, narrative portraiture, allegory and symbolism, her works offer an insight into the artist’s innermost musings. Building upon previous years in contemporary portraiture, Natasha’s more recent works look beyond the physical subject – diving into the realms of deeper consciousness and the human relationship with the natural and spiritual worlds.

The artist often uses herself as model and muse, in part as a matter of immediate practicality, but more so to add creative depth to the messages that she conveys through her art. Being an aerial silks enthusiast and yoga teacher, Natasha welcomes the added layer of meaning this physicality brings to her creative process and expression.

She is fascinated with nature, humanity and how the two interconnect. The animal allegories found in her work represent various parts of her own psyche and how she perceives reality, exploring our intrinsic connection to our natural surroundings. Thoughtful compositions, glowing palettes and painterly brushwork combine, blurring the lines which often define realism and inviting the viewer into a dream-like state were intuitive meaning triumphs over physical reality.

Join cutting-edge artists from around the world

The Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory is a powerful tool for artists looking to grow their visibility, and connect with fellow artists, curators and collectors. To join the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory click here for more information.

Natasha Zraikat Social Media Accounts

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | TikTok | Cara

The post Artist Directory: Natasha Zraikat  appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

If you’re searching for the next great piece to add to your collection or feel like perusing an exhibition, Arch Enemy Arts invites you to join them in celebration of shows by Danielle Schlunegger, Alex Sugar plus their SPECTRUM 5 group exhibition. Each body of work pushes the boundaries between reality and imagination, allowing the birth of innovative ideas and perspectives to come together for something truly spectacular.

Danielle Schlunegger, Alex Sugar + SPECTRUM 5

Arch Enemy Arts

109 Arch Street | Philadelphia, PA 19106 USA | (215) 717-7774

For sales or private viewing appointments, please email info@archenemyarts.com

Regular Gallery Hours:

CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY

• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am – 4pm
• Saturdays & Sundays: 11am – 5pm

Danielle Schlunegger, SURFACE TENSION

Solo Exhibition August 2nd – September 1st, 2024

​​Press // Arch Enemy Arts presents SURFACE TENSION by Danielle Schlunegger, a series of emotive landscapes inspired by the artist’s expeditions in Svalbard, a remote archipelago in Norway that is sixty percent covered in glaciers. Moving and original, SURFACE TENSION captures Danielle’s experience seeing the climate crisis firsthand. With her work, she grapples with the disorienting beauty of the Arctic landscape–what it is like to witness the natural wonders of our planet while knowing it is forever changed. 

SURFACE TENSION includes a series of miniature resin-cast icebergs affixed inside bell-jars and three larger, masterfully sculpted wall-hanging icebergs. Each dimple, crevasse and striation in these lonely, floating masses of ice is meticulously carved and colored with beautiful, translucent hues of blue dry pigment. Their precise elegance evokes a deep reverence for icebergs. As glacial detachments, they stand alone and truly feel lost at sea. 

Danielle’s greatest achievement, however, is in the five massive circular lightboxes–her largest resin casts to-date–which contain gorgeously painted, cut, and manipulated landscapes of the Arctic Sea. And her process for creating them is just as inspired: 

“During The Arctic Circle residency, I made a spontaneous series of photographs using an old lens salvaged from an overhead projector. Photographing through the lens caused the landscape to flip 180°, which changed the way I looked at and saw what was around me–a shift in focus that was both literal and metaphorical. After returning home, I wanted to make sculptures that mimic the effect–much in the way the Arctic ecosystem is altered by human activity and climate change–it has become unrecognizable to the people and animals that live there.”

Danielle Schlunegger is based in Portland. She graduated with distinction from the California College of Arts, but much of her work with resin is self-taught. SURFACE TENSION is Danielle’s third solo exhibition with Arch Enemy Arts since joining the AEA family in 2019. 

Alex Sugar, STILL DOWN UNDER

Solo Exhibition August 2nd – September 1st, 2024

​Press // Arch Enemy Arts presents STILL DOWN UNDER by Alex Sugar, seven fantastically rendered still life paintings of seemingly disparate objects–odds and ends one might find in the pantry, antiques from their grandmother’s cabinet, or nostalgia from an artist’s shelf imaginatively staged with flora and fauna from the Australian landscape. His unconventional groupings framed with razor-sharp titles inspire narratives that feel both classic and contemporary, refined and psychedelic, and encourage our search for meaning. 

“The Massacre,” for instance, depicts a lava lamp of jellyfish on a table of marbled waves. Surrounded by cool blue and crisply rendered animals of the Great Barrier Reef, the heat from the lamp casts a warm and shallow glow that could ultimately be their demise. In “Salute,” the eyes of a wise owl reflect the master of surrealism, and a kookaburra in “The Local” is perched on the quintessentially Aussie snack. 

“My inspiration comes from a merge of influences: Dutch Golden Age still life paintings, street and graffiti culture, daily observations, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. These paintings reconstruct my personal stories, blending real and imagined worlds with monochrome aesthetics and vibrant color highlights to inspire curiosity, imagination, and to support new perspectives on familiar depictions…[begging] the question: How might a deeper appreciation of daily scenes and natural beauty transform our perspective on our environments?”

Alex Sugar is based in Melbourne. Best known for his large-scale murals, Alex is entirely self-taught with a background in street art that brings a fresh perspective to formal realism painting. He began showing with Arch Enemy Arts in 2021, and STILL DOWN UNDER is his debut solo exhibition with the gallery.

The new lineup includes work from //
@alexgarantart, @alexkuno, @bserway @goblinfruitstudio, @cassandralkim, @mfhaastyle, @colete.martin, @seidmanart, @googoogilly, @ericalynschmidt,@gabrielled_art, @happydartist, @helicewen, @harianddeepti, @horrible_adorables, @ian.c.hess, @joevaux, @justinlovatoart, @verpabunny, @kurtlluch, @laura.catherwood, @lorinelsonart, @lurklovesyou, @raid_33333, @sinistern_art, @mheldillustration, @michaelkoehlerart, @michaelcampbellart, @devlinmolly @nomkinnearking, @bosmaus, @theartofrain, @seaofdoom, @shelbyeclark and @wing.chow.

SPECTRUM 5 will be on view to the public starting this Saturday August 24th with an official Opening Reception party scheduled for #FirstFriday September 6th from 5pm – 9pm.

About the Gallery //

Seeking to fill the need for a centralized hub focused exclusively on new contemporary genres within Philadelphia’s already vibrant art scene, Arch Enemy Arts was founded in 2012 and quickly became Philly’s freshest new venue dedicated to exhibiting emerging and established artists, both local and international. Located in Philadelphia’s Old City District, and with an emphasis on the lowbrow, pop-surrealism, urban, and macabre in a wide range of mediums, Arch Enemy Arts was chosen as Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly” Best Art Gallery for its 40th Anniversary issue, voted the “Best Art Gallery in Philadelphia” on Philly HotList in 2013, and in 2012. 

Noah Musher // co-founder & owner
Lawren Alice // co-founder & curator

Arch Enemy Arts Social Media Accounts

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X

The post Arch Enemy Arts Presents Danielle Schlunegger, Alex Sugar + SPECTRUM 5 appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

With distinctive aesthetics and narrative techniques, the skillful visual storytelling and compositional artisanship delivers a creative spark that’s sure to set fire to your imagination. Don’t miss the opportunity, visit Thinkspace Projects Saturday August 24th for the opening reception and join the celebration of creativity that transcends boundaries.

Craving more inspiration? Thinkspace Projects also offers a full schedule of events, interviews, and much more to keep you and your creative needs fully immersed. Be sure to follow their blog Sour Harvest to stay updated on all the artsy things you love! With just a few clicks, you can browse through an extensive selection of art. Take a moment and visit Thinkspace Projects’ online store to view all available inventory, created by talented artists from around the world!

Thinkspace Projects Presents

Listfield | Arnon | Mr. Kreme | TuiʻAsoa | Skibs

Opening Reception: Saturday, August 24, 2024 | 6:00-10:00pm

Be sure to come hungry, the gallery will have @5cazuelas serving amazing tacos + @bluenovala will be bring you homemade ice cream bars + madbarista with coffee, tea + Thinkspacwe Projects has an open bar + GoopMassta’s Night Market featuring vintage finds from @tallcan4mayor & artist booths. Additionally, @ari.bean.things @chompton_ @bbeachbboyzz & @alipancho + outdoor murals & installations. What more could you possibly ask for?!

Exhibition Dates:  August 24 – September 14, 2024

Thinkspace Projects

4207 W. Jefferson Blvd. | 4217 W. Jefferson Blvd. | Los Angeles, CA 90016
#310.558.3375 | Tues. – Sat. Noon to 6PM
thinkspaceprojects.com

For all inquiries please contact the gallery via email at contact@thinkspaceprojects.com

Search their hashtags: #thinkspaceprojects #thinkspacegallery #thinkspacefamily

About the Thinkspace Projects // 

Thinkspace Projects was founded in 2005; now in LA’s burgeoning West Adams District, the gallery has garnered an international reputation as one of the most active and productive exponents of the New Contemporary Art Movement. Maintaining its founding commitment to the promotion and support of its artists, Thinkspace Projects has steadily expanded its roster and diversified its projects, creating collaborative and institutional opportunities all over the world. Founded in the spirit of forging recognition for young, emerging, and lesser-known talents, the gallery is now home to artists from all over the world, ranging from the emerging, mid-career, and established.

The New Contemporary Art Movement, not unlike its earlier 20th Century counterparts like Surrealism, Dada, or Fauvism, ultimately materialized in search of new forms, content, and expressions that cited rather than disavowed the individual and the social. The earliest incarnations of the Movement, refusing the paradigmatic disinterest of “Art” as an inaccessible garrison of ‘high culture’, championed figuration, surrealism, representation, pop culture, and the subcultural.

By incorporating the ‘lowbrow,’ accessible, and even profane, an exciting and irreverent art movement grew in defiance of the mandated renunciations of “high” art. Emerging on the West Coast in the 90’s partly as a response to the rabid ‘conceptual-turn’ then championed on the East Coasts, the Movement steadily created its own platforms, publications, and spaces for the dissemination of its imagery and ideas.

SCOTT LISTFIELD, ‘Oh, Dystopia’ (Gallery I)

Show statement:

Are you feeling stressed or anxious? Has the erosion of democracy and the feeling of impending societal collapse got you down? Are you tired of technological solutions no one asked for? Worn out by end stage capitalism? Sick of social media? Billionaires? Traffic? War? The Supreme Court? Well then, have I got just the thing for you!

My next solo show, “Oh, Dystopia,” a show about finding beauty in the end of things, opens Saturday, August 24th, 6-10pm at Thinkspace Projects in Los Angeles.

Friends, let’s go off into the end times together. We’ll frolic amongst the leftover bits of our civilization: Crumbling skyscrapers! Partially destroyed machines! Piles of trash! A giant donut! Sad robots! The remains of a sunburnt Earth! We’ll leave our names on a broken building and hope that our distant ancestors find it one day and remember us.

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.

Artist Bio:

Scott Listfield is known for his paintings featuring a lone exploratory astronaut lost in a landscape cluttered with pop culture icons, corporate logos, and tongue-in-cheek science fiction references. Scott grew up in Boston, MA and studied art at Dartmouth College. After some time spent living abroad, Scott returned to America and, shortly before the real life, non-movie version of the year 2001, began painting astronauts and, sometimes, dinosaurs.

Scott has been profiled in Juxtapoz, Wired Magazine, the Boston Globe, New American Paintings, and on at least one local television station. He has exhibited his work in Los Angeles, London, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Miami, Montreal, Boston, and many other nice places.

SHAR TUI’ASOA, ’Time Before Us’ (Gallery II)

Artist Statement:

In some of our Pacific Island languages, our terms for speaking of the past, ka wa mamua in Hawaiian, or kuonga mu’a in Tongan, translates into “time ahead” or “time in front”. Conversely, when we speak of the future, our terms translate into “time behind”. When we speak about time in these terms we are saying that as we stand in the present we can see clearly the roots and pathways of our history because our past and our ancestors are standing there before us.

The future, however, is behind us. We cannot see it. It is unknown and so we look to the time before us to guide us in our present day lives, our decisions, and in the things we create. Our indigenous languages hold so much philosophy and beauty and they teach us so much about who we are, where we come from, and where we should strive to go.

“Time Before Us” is a whimsical display of the cultures of the pacific and how our traditions of the past inform the ways in which we show up in our modern world. Each piece is a personification of traditional ideas and practices of the pacific, made modern with bold colors, shapes, and imagination. Every symbol considered. Every detail woven with meaning.

Tongan scholar, Epeli Hau’ofa, spoke of the collaborative nature of the arts in oceania and believed that we could propel forward our oceanic mark in the world through meaningful collaborations with other pacific artists and makers. For this show, I collaborated with Kumu William “Miki” Kalaniopio Cook, on several custom built and carved wooden frames. Miki is a professor of Hawaiian language, history, and traditional wood carving, kalai la’au, and his knowledge and thoughtful perspectives are imbedded into every piece in this show.

In every artwork I produce, and in every mark I make, I am guided by my culture, our moana (the ocean), and her people. This body of work is meant to spark joy and curiosity in the viewer. In the paintings of this collection, lies a journey of modern existence through color, patterns, and the whimsy of our present day and woven into every mark and every brush stroke there is a story of a time before us.

Artist Bio:

Shar Tui’asoa is a Pacific Islander artist of Tongan decent, born and raised in Hawai’i on the island of O’ahu where she runs her illustration business “Punky Aloha Studio”. She received her Fine Art certificate from Windward Community College in 2010 and earned her BFA in illustration from Laguna College of Art and Design in 2015. She is full-time freelance illustrator and has created artwork for Target, Disney, Pixar, Apple, The New York Times, Alaska Airlines, Facebook, Amazon, Starbucks, Harper Collins and many more.

Shar also spends time outside of her studio painting murals throughout the Hawai’i island chain and the states. Her work is most recognized as a celebration of her Pacific Island culture which she shares through bold color pallets, stylized shapes, and most notably, strong statuesque femme subjects depicting the people of the pacific islands in her oceanic home.

CHEESE ARNON, ‘One Step Closer’ (Gallery III)

This project with Thinkspace is considered a collection of all the experiences I have encountered, both positive and negative. It reflects my own identity through various artworks. Before reaching this point, I have experienced both happiness and sorrow. To overcome the hardships, it required tremendous perseverance and years of dedicated work, even though nobody saw it.

Today, I am ready to showcase to the world that if you strive for success, it will come. However, success comes hand in hand with sweat and tears. Prior to this, nobody knew me, but I always believed in myself and remained confident that one day people would appreciate my work just the same.

The character of the fox symbolizes the ability to adapt well in any situation, no matter how dire. Regardless of how villainous the circumstances may be, the fox can still survive. Therefore, I praise the fox as the main character in my story, as it truly reflects my own identity. It hasn’t been easy to come to this point. It has taken time, perseverance, and resilience. I am grateful to everyone who loves this fox character.

Artist Bio:

Arnon Neiysoongnoen (aka Cheese Arnon) was born in 1986 in Thailand. He embarked on his artistic journey in the realm of traditional arts. He embraced a self-taught methodology, immersing himself in the teachings of established artists who came before him, and fearlessly experimenting with a wide array of techniques.

Throughout his artistic career, Arnon has remained versatile, continuously honing his skills across various formats. One of his notable creations, “The Fox,” serves as a testament to his versatility, as it beautifully showcases a multitude of art styles in a carefully arranged composition.

Just like the cunning nature of a fox, Arnon’s artistic approach is characterized by wit, improvisation, and the ability to thrive even in the harshest of circumstances. He effortlessly flows with the inherent imperfections of his chosen medium, allowing them to become integral parts of his designs. Furthermore, he fearlessly creates cracking surfaces to accentuate his artistic vision, transforming what could be perceived as flaws into captivating elements of his work.

MR. KREME, ‘Floral Muse’ (Gallery IV)

Mr. Kreme is a Thai / Hong Kong artist who is passionate about the style of vibrant colors of found objects in the mid 80s and the early 90s. He’s known for street art, art toy design, and painting. He finds inspirations from objects that are personal to him which leads to a nostalgic feel. His cherished childhood visions are emulated and retold in his work, much like a storybook. Scenes from the artist’s nocturnal story, some pleasant dreams, others nightmares, but the entire composition is full of awareness and open for all to explore.

The main character design of his art evolves around a family of furry monsters with vibrant colors and unique personalities. His art is often recognized as pop surrealism. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a Masters in Industrial Design.

“The charisma and allure of bedtime stories is that because adults have a lifetime of experiences, they will understand them more deeply than young children.. A young child who reads them is sure to have an unbounded imagination that adults might not comprehend.

Many if not countless bedtime stories will include written words to guide the reader through the story. The visuals are purely illustrative in nature. This implies that written words determine the story, rather than with the aide of visuals. However, I feel that the written plot should not be used to constrain the visual comprehension of the stories. Similar to a child’s free imagination, the visuals will be able to open up our visions to new perceptions of the same stories.” – Mr. Kreme

CRAIG “SKIBS” BARKER, ‘Dot-Dash’ (Dog House Gallery)

Craig “Skibs” Barker grew up in Southern California during the early 80’s and the explosions of both punk rock and surfing culture. With a healthy dose of punk flyers, album covers, and surfing magazines buzzing through his head, Craig began making flyers and t-shirts for his friends and his own punk bands. Fast-forward to today; Craig’s most recent paintings infuse his long-standing love for painting and rendering the human female figure with his punk fueled graphic design.

Mixing different approaches, techniques, and mediums, he creates a sense of memory, personal history, and appreciation for the female form. Combining elements of pop culture, literary censorship, and a positive mental attitude, he creates layered scenes of voyeuristic mischief. Craig’s work explores the junctions between past and present, memory and imagination, fantasy and reality, while creating a dialog between image and viewer.

Thinkspace Projects Social Media Accounts

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The post Thinkspace Projects Presents Exciting New August Exhibitions appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Now, it is your opportunity to have a voice: help us to determine the winner of the 2024 Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award!

Make your voice heard – vote for your favourite artworks today!

The Musonium Grand Prize Award Winner of the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, along with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize Winners of each Award category, Honourable Mentions, and the Winner of this year’s Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award will all be announced in mid September, after the Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award voting closes at midnight 6 September [Australian Eastern Standard Time].

7 Honourable Mentions will also be awarded by this year’s sponsors in their respective Award category, plus the Directors of Modern Eden Gallery and Danijela Krha Purssey, the Editor-in-Chief of Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, will also choose one outstanding work to receive an Honourable Mention.

Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award

Who do you think should win the 2024 Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award? Let your voice be heard – vote for your favourite artworks from the 150 Finalists today! Everyone is invited to participate.

The People’s Choice Award winner will receive:

• $2,000 USD cash, generously donated by Catherine K. Gyllerstrom, Collector, Art Consultant, Owner & Art Director of BearWolf Books, an independent publishing house that specializes in Illustrated Fantasy, Mythology, and Stories for Young Readers.
• Deco Pro (Gen2) MW, generously donated by XPPen. XPPen is a globally notable brand celebrating digital art innovation, providing digital drawing products, content and services to encourage artists to pursue their dreams and authentic self-expression.
• A 12-month license to Clip Studio Paint PRO, generously donated by Celsys. Clip Studio Paint is the digital artist’s app for drawing and painting anything from character and concept art to fine art illustration, and even professional animation. All of the powerful features are available on all major platforms to explore at home or on the go.
• 12 month social media advertising package (Beautiful Bizarre Magazine: 1 million+ followers across all social media platforms).
• Exclusive in-depth interview published on the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine websites + shared across Beautiful Bizarre Magazine social media.
• Profile listing [including artwork gallery] on the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory for 12 months. The go-to platform for artists, curators and collectors to discover exceptional artists and explore their work.
• A year’s worth of inspiration – a print subscription to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.
• Plus most importantly, receive worldwide exposure for their practice.

Timeline

• 23 August [AEDT, Australian Eastern Daylight Time]: Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice voting opened
• 6 September [Australian Eastern Standard Time]: Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice voting closes
• Week of the 13th of September: Winners announced
• 13 Sept: 33PA Emerging Artist Award Winners Announced
• 16 Sept: Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award Winners announced
• 17 Sept: Photography Award Winners announced
• 18 Sept: Digital Art Award Winners announced
• 19 Sept: RAYMAR Traditional Art Award Winners announced
• 20 Sept: Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize Musonium Grand Prize Award Winner, Honourable Mentions & Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award announced
• 9 November – 5 December 2024: Group exhibition ‘Paracosmic Escape’ opens at Modern Eden Gallery in San Francisco, USA. ‘Paracosmic Escape’ is an international group exhibition Curated by: Beautiful Bizarre Magazine with Art Direction/Theme Conceptualization by: Musonium Gallery. Winners are invited to participate.

The post Catherine K. Gyllerstrom People’s Choice Award Voting – Now Open! appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.