One of the more memorable pieces in the inaugural Made in L.A. Biennial of 2012 was at the Barnsdall Park location, an installation based on casino architecture of oriental carpets, darkened mirrors and flashing lights by Cayetano Ferrer.
Ferrer’s most recent Composite Arcade is on view at a new gallery downtown, Chateau Shatto through Nov. 1.
Having completed USC’s graduate program, Ferrar lives here but spent his teenage years in Las Vegas, which he views gimlet-eyed as rich source material literally and symbolically. The seductive, manipulative aspects of casino architecure are selectively redeployed in his immersive installation Endless Columns (2014).
Endless Columns
2014
Salvaged MGM ashtray, polystyrene on wood frame, Aquaresin, mirrors, sound and light projection
18 x 18 x 10 feet, 1 hour loop
An extremely darkened space is lined with mirrors and illuminated only by the colored lights arranged to systematically build the appearance of columns, using a shape based on an ashtray from the MGM Grand. It is a room that appears to build itself with a low thumping sound track that emulates both heart beats and slot machine clunks. The effect is mesmerizing, familiar and slightly addictive.
The show also includes sculptures of recycled marble from the frequently remodeled casinos. Using a single uneven scrap, he uses computer programs to generate matching surfaces made of synthetic marble to produce rectangular blockish forms recalling both minimalist art and hotel bathrooms.
Quarry Composite (Base)
2014
Marble, solvent print on Sintra PVC, steel base
40 x 25 x 25 inches
Infinite Screen Wall (Vertical Section) is an artificial tile wall perforated with spirals and triangles and other symbols vaguely reminiscent of logos and entwined with a long loop of electric green light. It demonstrates they ways in which he can extend his thinking to architectural elements endemic to other locales, especially L.A. Laying bare the elements by which desire and comfort are manipulated through tropes of modern design, Ferrer engages while opening our eyes to deeper complexities. For details, go to chateaushatto.com.
Composite Arcade
2014
Installation view
Then I headed down to 356 S. Mission Road to check out progress on 590 Dots, a wall installation in process by New Yorker Jonathan Horowitz. I found myself agreeing to paint my own dot, actually an 11-inch circle in an 18-inch square canvas. Brushes and paint are provided so I did my first painting since art school. It very soothing indeed and I was surprised to be given a check designed by the artist for $20 — the going rate for all participants. I call that time well spent. More dots are needed until the wall is completely full so you, too, can add your bit to a work of art through Oct. 18. For details, go to 356mission.com.
Guests contributing to 590 Dots
Hunter's contribution to 590 Dots
Though Opera Gallery featured perfectly nice, classic pieces of modern and contemporary art at the L.A. Convention Center, I was there for a living art, L.A. Masters, an international show jumping competition sponsored by the likes of Longines and Gucci. Horses can cost $10 million. The final prize money was close to half a million dollars. It is an extreme sport with elite athletes, both equine and human. My heart was pounding through every event. Among the top level competitors were Saree Kayne, Jennifer Gates and Jessica Springstein. This being KCRW, I must note that proud parents Bruce and Patty were on hand for the Sunday Grand Prix where Springstein made it to the final jump off but a penalty placed her behind third place winner Georgina Bloomberg. This is the first time the prestigious event has been held in L.A. but not the last. Look for it again around this time next year: www.mastersgrandslam.com
Jessica Springsteen competing at L.A. Masters
Bruce Springsteen speaking to his daughter Jessica after the competition