Complexity and synthesis is built up out of visual and material elements that work perfectly, layered one over the other. The featured artists approach the layering of imagery or materials on their artworks in diverse ways yet include similar relationships of energy, thought and reflection.
Los Angeles artist Hilary Bond describes her works as reflections of fantasy; containing themes of attraction and femininity, but not perfection. Literally layering the exact same or a reverse image of her muse, supermodel Kate Moss; Bond creates canvases that are at once disturbing yet compelling, or perhaps confusing yet mesmerizing.
Berlin artist Kati Elm’s layers, sometimes literal and sometimes figurative, combine social awareness and pop culture with a sense of humor. H
er use of classic comic and newspaper clippings give many of the artworks a very unique finish.
California artist Paul Kirley layers photographic materials and acrylic on his structures, made of sinuously cut sections of birch plywood, hence suggesting a three-dimensional topographic model. By adding expressionistic strokes of paint and color, Kirley takes the photographs to another level, giving them a dreamy, romantic texture.
Barcelona native and Los Angeles resident artist Raul de la Torre repeatedly uses layer upon layer of paint stretched down the work and left to drip in gravity’s mercy. After seemingly eliminating his own handiwork in the layering of the paint he then hand embroiders a camouflaged amorphic form over it. Some of these lines crisscross to create what looks like Asian calligraphy whereas the overall looping 
form might resemble an exaggerated torso of a woman.
The layering process is individualistic, but it is not the technique that distinguishes the layered artworks, it is the mind of the artist who creates it. Layering expresses a subtle collection of thoughts brought into a correlation through the artist’s eyes.
Artworks that are rich in layers of imagery provide a visual feast which the artist hopes will be a thought-provoking dialogue with the viewer. The exhibition runs through July 31, 2012 with an opening reception on Saturday, June 2, 2012 5:00pm-8:00pm
Artspace Warehouse specializes in affordable international, urban, pop, graffiti, photo and abstract art with galleries in Cologne, Zurich and Los Angeles. Prices typically rangevaries from $200 to $2,000 and include exclusive paintings by established international contemporary artists. The selection of artworks changes weekly.
Artspace Warehouse,7354 Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles. For more information: www.artspacewarehouse.com
