By Gordon Durich
Westlake Village, California (The Hollywood Times) 05/09/2024
In the words of Andy Warhol, “Art is What You Can Get Away With.” In this spirit, the current show honoring painter, sculptor, and performance artist John M. White at the Four Seasons Westlake (Village) Zany Studios Jasper Grace Gallery, exemplifies this contemporary art genius’ sentiment perfectly.
Provocative paintings, scintillating sculptures, lithographs, neon, and confronting graffiti art, even a giant paint spray can energize walls and spaces, from the Hotel’s spa and its lobby to the upstairs sweeping gallery. Local and international abstract and figurative artists showcased include RISK Rock, of the gallery Compound Contemporary, Thousand Oaks. He is represented with his graffiti-influenced work, beautiful “Peaceful Buddha” series made of crushed abalone shells, neon peace sign and “Riskoleum” can.
“We have to be careful because there are hotel guests who visit,” shared Steven McKinney (of Jasper Grace) co-director of the gallery (with director and curator/artist Meg Zany).
Steven showed me a sculpted assemblage, “Holy Cow: Pray for Peaceful Coexistence,” by Ramona Otto covered with religious symbols. “One viewer asked that this work be withdrawn from the show, because she was offended by the Star of David” on it. “I had to explain it and eventually they were okay with it,” said Steven.
Other major artists include French American pop artist Andre Mirapolsky; designer and actor Gregory Siff, legendary L.A. Street artist WRDSMITH (yes, it’s spelled this way), eclectic painter Wyatt Miles and Josh Mayhem, a Conejo Valley sculptor whose playful resin figures including Hello Kitty and Darth Vader which are popular.
As a contemporary artist, I was blown away, and drew much inspiration. It was the most exciting art show with fave contemporaries I’ve seen for yonks. Collectibles and masterpieces of modern edgy American art.
Gallery Hours daily are 9 am to 9 pm. Free admission.
Four Seasons Hotel, Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village, CA 91361.
Hotel phone number is 818.575.3000.
www.megzany.com (and on Instagram and Facebook).
Sales Director call 310.990.6380 or 213.379.2266
