The Critical Eye: Art Los Angeles Contemporary at Barker Hanger

The Critical Eye
by Phil Tarley

The ninth edition of Art Los Angeles Contemporary at the Barker opened Thursday night. The VIP preview brought out crowds of collectors artists and enthusiasts.  Federico Solmi’s wildly political, anti-Trump, and hotly color saturated video boxes were one of the massive hits of the show. Solmi’s multi-media installations consist of video, painting, drawing, and mechanical sculpture.   Solmi’s satirical aesthetic portrays a tongue in check dystopian vision of our present-day culture. Kenny Scharf’s booth featured some new work and his ubiquitous brightly colored smile bongs. Mei XianQui and I were on the lookout for potent,  stand-out photography which was in short supply.  Sculpture ruled the night and presented the most provocative works in this year’s fair.

Los Angeles Contemporary runs  through Sunday, January 29, 2018. For programming and ticket info visit: artlosangelesfair.com

Outside Barker Hanger photo by Michale UnderwoodGuests at Opening Night of ALAC 2018. Photo by Michael UnderwoodArtist Amy Kaps and photographer Mei Xian Qiu photo by Phil Tarley (attaching the higher res shot as well)Federico Solmi’s Tumpian Video Box Photo by Mei Xian Qiu_MG_5946 (2) 13

About Post Author

Phil Tarley

Phil Tarley is a fellow of the American Film Institute and a member of the Photographic Arts Council. Tarley writes about contemporary art and pop culture and curates photography for the AC Gallery, in Los Angeles. His book, Going Down on Cuba: Notes from an Underground Traveler, is slated for publication by Fabrik Press in 2018.

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