Summer is in full swing as many galleries offer inspiring summer exhibitions. With diplomatic ties being restored between the U.S. and Cuba. It’s a perfect time to celebrate the art of Cuba. Start your Saturday night off early at the Robert Berman Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica.
Here, you’ll find the expressive paintings of Cuban artist Luis E. Camejo in a new exhibition titled “Habana Cool.” Camejo is known for his seductive urban night scenes featuring the relationship of its inhabitants to their environment. The solo exhibition pays homage to Cuba while accentuating the bristling repercussions of change brought upon it by our modern evolution.
“Habana Cool” is guest curated by LA Arts advocate Adolfo V. Nodal (General Manager of the City of Los Angeles’ Cultural Affairs Department from 1988-2001). Highly regarded, Nodal was instrumental in implementing change (Los Angeles Endowment for the Arts) within the arts in the 90s. He continues to be a champion of the arts specializing in U.S. relations with Cuba.
Gallery owner Robert Berman remarked that is was a timely and beautiful exhibition.
“Al Nodal’s energy and this moment in Cuban history (with the artist’s use of light and color), makes you feel like you are there with the magic of the island,” Berman said.
Nodal said Luis Camejo has consistently captured city life in Havana in all its gritty, humid and bright splendor.
“Havana has often been compared to Paris and for good reason,” Nodal said. “The city has its own breathtaking vistas and bohemian culture. Camejo sees the city exactly how you see it and shows you what it looks like in your dreams…”
The opening reception runs this Saturday, July 25, from 5-8 pm at the Robert Berman Gallery, Bergamot Station Arts Center, 2525 Michigan Ave., Suite B7, Santa Monica. The exhibit will remain on view through Aug. 15. For more information, visit the website www.robertbermangallery.com.
Meanwhile, head to the Corey Helford Gallery for its 3rd Annual Art Collector Starter Kit Group Exhibition at 7 pm this Saturday, July 25. A completely different exhibit from the aforementioned one, Corey Helford Gallery is known for featuring pop-surrealism. This annual exhibit will include 12” x 12” works from more than 30 artists. It was created to offer art lovers a way to jump-start their art collections.
Shark Toof is one of the artists whose work will be included.
“My current body of work is meant to seduce and to incorporate the environment so that the painting is not necessarily contained within the painting surface,” he explained. “My intentions are to not simply entertain the viewer, but to invite the viewer to participate, and leave reflecting.”
Another artist Lori Nelson said that using the square format creates the feeling of a “live” Instagram feed to the show.
“I’m lucky to be included in this show of strong, lowbrow, contemporary artists,” Nelson said. “I love it that new collectors can ease into the game with this show. It’s great for me and my future collectors.” Visit the website below for a long list of artists.
The opening reception takes place Saturday, July 25, at CHG CIRCA (8530 Washington Blvd., Culver City from 7-10 pm. This exhibit will run through Aug. 15.
For more information, call 310.287.2340 or visit coreyhelfordgallery.com.
