The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery is throwing open its doors for a massive community art exhibition. Starting December 9, 2023, and running through March 16, 2024, the gallery's latest event, "Open Call: Apophenia," will showcase the creative ruslings of a whopping 350 Southern Californian artists. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, LAMAG invites art enthusiasts to join in on the opening reception on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering a rare chance to rub elbows with a diverse range of local talent.
From students to seasoned professionals, all are welcome in this non-juried exhibition, which has a history stretching back to its inception in 1950. This year, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs facility decided to shake things up by replacing cash prizes and honorable mentions with a unique opportunity. Now, a lucky two to four artists will get the chance, as chosen by newly minted LAMAG Curators Nancy Meyer and Hugo Cervantes, to develop their own exhibition in the gallery's project space, according to the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
Seeking to make sense of the seemingly unconnected, "Apophenia" is all about finding meaningful patterns where none seem to exist. This approach mirrors LA's eclectic art scene, stitching together a diverse collection of paintings, photography, and sculptures into one coherent quilt of artistic expression. Sourced from counties across the region, including Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino, this theme promises to weave together a dialogue made all the more vibrant by the contrasting colors and mediums of its contributors.
Curated by the keen eyes of Nancy Meyer and Hugo Cervantes, "Open Call: Apophenia" is perhaps a testament to the gallery's long-standing tradition of fostering an inclusive art community. Describing the exhibit, the curatorial duo noted the focus is on "creating connections among artists and practices that celebrate the differences across Southern California," nestled within the organized chaos of theme, medium, and color. The exhibit's concept captures the very essence of apophenia, spotlighting the strengths of disparate artistic practices and the unity of diversity.
Art aficionados, casual observers, and curious passersby are all invited to take a gander at this exciting display of local ingenuity. The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery is located at the epicenter of the city's robust art scene, making "Open Call: Apophenia" a must-see for anyone looking to dive headfirst into the world of contemporary Southern Californian art.
