By Juan Markos
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/22/24 – Los Angeles is a city defined by its urban landscape, where concrete and asphalt dominate the scene. In her latest solo exhibit, “Concrete is Fluid,” eco-hacktivist Lauren Bon masterfully transforms this concrete reality into an immersive art experience at Honor Fraser Gallery. Running until December 14, 2024, this exhibition invites visitors to navigate the hidden complexities of our urban environment.
Upon entering the gallery, attendees are greeted by an arresting slab of concrete—an emblematic slice of Los Angeles itself. This initial piece sets the tone for the exhibit, which unfolds like a labyrinth of installations that evoke the essence of the city’s concrete jungle. As I wandered through the space, I felt as though I was traversing a surreal obstacle course, encountering a series of evocative formations that explore the interplay between nature and urban decay.
One particularly striking room is filled with varying piles of rock, each exhibiting distinct grains and textures. Here, Bon artfully encapsulates the layers of the landscape, reminiscent of the Salton Sea, where soils and concrete residues intertwine in mesmerizing patterns that echo sacred geometry. This blending of organic and synthetic elements compels viewers to reflect on the natural world’s resilience amidst human intervention.
As I moved deeper into the exhibit, I encountered an exposed concrete pipe ensconced in intricate wire textures, an arresting representation of post-water damage. This first room serves as a prelude to Bon’s exploration of the city’s hidden infrastructure. In the next chamber, three wire-encased pipes dangle from the ceiling, prompting contemplation of the construction and design of concrete sewer systems, once vital yet now often overlooked.
Each room of “Concrete is Fluid” offers a new perspective, inviting contemplation and dialogue about the environments we inhabit. One notable installation features two colossal cylinders crafted from copper pipes, their exteriors gleaming with copper while their interiors reveal a steel-like appearance, marked by traces of water damage. This striking juxtaposition illustrates the forgotten elements of our cities—the underworld of tunnels and pipes that quietly sustain urban life.
Through her evocative work, Lauren Bon skillfully weaves together themes of chaos and beauty, revealing the intricate relationship between our urban surroundings and the natural world. Her installations resonate with a sense of both nostalgia and urgency, urging viewers to reconsider the narratives that underpin our cities.
For anyone seeking a thought-provoking experience that intertwines art, nature, and urban life, I highly recommend visiting “Concrete is Fluid” at Honor Fraser Gallery. This exhibition is a poignant reminder of the layers that exist beneath our feet, beckoning us to acknowledge the beauty within the chaos of the concrete landscape.
Visit Lauren Bon’s “Concrete is Fluid” at Honor Fraser Gallery:
- Dates: September 14 – December 14, 2024
- Location: 2622 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
For more information, visit the Metabolic Studio and Lauren Bon. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with this extraordinary exploration of urban life!
