SPACELAND VII

Return to Spaceland

September 7 through September 28, 2024
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 7, 6-9 pm

Los Angeles… vast, light, modern. At times, the city is a vibrant metropolis filled with beauty, unity, and optimism; while at others, it is a tragic kingdom replete with natural disasters, congestion, pollution, and high cost of living. These competing dualities exist simultaneously, making The City of Angels one of the most fascinating cities on earth. Millions of people call it home. And, the diverse makeup of its residents results in a marvelous mélange of art, culture, life and experience. Many people leave, only to return. Suffice it to say, Los Angeles is complex.

These complexities are explored in SPACELAND VII :: Return to Spaceland, Bermudez Projects’ long-running, multi-exhibit storyline. In this iteration our artists return and celebrate all that makes Los Angeles a place we call/once called/will call again, home. Featuring a range of media by 10 artists, this group exhibit is a consideration of the myriad aspects and themes beckoning us to this city.

From the natural and urban landscape; to its people — native Angelenos and transplants — and wildlife; to the zany fantasy-making of the entertainment industry; to the dazzling, electrifying night sky; and to the city’s rich history, SPACELAND VII is a visual symphonic affirmation of this imperfect paradise. The unifying sentiment is home.

The return of gallery favorites Amanda Beckmann, Francesca Bifulco, Emmanuel Crespo, Leticia Maldonado, Cody Norris, Josh Patterson, Erynn Richardson, and Ana Serrano illustrates the continuity of the SPACELAND storyline; and, newcomers Jessie Mahon and David Woodland speaks to the ever-evolving Los Angeles art scene. Once again, the gallery’s merry band of artists comes together demonstrating their unique voices and creative practices through paintings, photography, collage, mixed-media, neon sculpture, and installation.

Almost immediately, the city’s majestic beauty will be felt. And, within the gallery, visitors will experience the many voices, stories, insights, challenges, hopes, and dreams this city holds. This has always been one of the key tenets of SPACELAND: portraying, commenting, reimagining, critiquing, and honoring this perfectly imperfect land of milk and honey many of us have come to know and love.