Alex Couwenberg: In Pono
Group Exhibition LA Painting: Formalism to Street Art
September 2 – October 7, 2017
Opening Reception Saturday, September 2, 2017, from 6 to 9 pm
Bruno David Gallery opens its 12th season with “In Pono” a oneperson exhibition of paintings and prints by Alex Couwenberg. Painter Alex Couwenberg creates images that are inspired by the
elements from his surroundings. In Pono, is a Hawaiian term suggesting a state of harmony and
balance. Not only does this reference the two different bodies of work in the exhibition (paintings and prints) and how they relate to one another, but also his outlook on life, family and studio practice.
Couwenberg spends part of the year working and teaching on the Big Island of Hawaii and the rest of the year in Los Angeles. “It’s all about the pursuit of balance,” he says, keeping yourself healthy both physically and mentally and constantly moving forward in your vision. The core of Couwenberg's work and process references his Los Angeles roots. It suggests an aesthetic associated with custom cars, music, surf culture, and modernist design, all aesthetically indicative of the region. Historically, his work pays a visual homage to the art-making styles connected with Los Angeles and Southern California dating back to the 1950's. The Claremont
Bruno David and Los Angeles-based curator Andi Campognone are pleased to announce a group exhibition LA Painting: Formalism to Street Art. The exhibition, at the Clayton location, will include 24 Los Angeles-based artists. All the artists in this exhibition, react to their surrounding with their medium. From a formal use of geometry, to the experiential use of color, to figurative works, they all tell the story of Los Angeles. Shiva Aliabadi, Kelly Berg, Justin Bower, Ben Brough, Rebecca Campbell, Josh Dildine, Amir Fallah, Samantha Fields, David Flores,
Jimi Gleason, Dion Johnson, Gary Lang, David Lloyd, Stevie Love, Constance Mallinson, Andy Moses,
Ruth Pastine, Andrew Schoultz, Lisa Schulte, Anne Elizabeth Sobieski, Chris Trueman, Mark Dean Veca, Andre Yi, Victor Hugo Zayas.
Los Angeles has a range of landscapes. As such it provides roots, and inspiration from the rich history of modern American landscape painting. This geographic benefit combined with LA’s unique climate, affordable studio space and access to unusual materials, has enabled artists to work out ideas experimentally. As a result, the city has become known for fostering reinvention that progresses the established American art. Los Angeles has its own history – celebrating diversity between self-taught and academy educated artists. It boasts more equitable recognition when considering gender and ethnicity. LA Painting: Formalism to Street Art will sample works from across these divisions. This show presents a range of experience of color, light and line. Many of the artists have evolved preexisting thoughts to form a second generation of ideas -telling a
21st century story of Los Angeles through paint.
“The Wish Box Project” will be at the Bruno David Gallery on September 2nd during our opening night. In conjunction with the Pick the City UP tour, Saint Louis Story Stitchers presents “The Wish Box Project.” Story Stitchers artist-in-residence Anna Maria Tucker is the lead project artist. Story Stitchers seeks to collect data about attitudes and concerns towards public health issues in St. Louis neighborhoods. During the visit, everyone will be welcome to. fill out one of four cards: I wish... I want... I have... I need...
Public Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm (And by appointment)
Bruno David Gallery
info@brunodavidgallery.com
brunodavidgallery.com
314.696.2377
