To start the new year, Topanga Canyon Gallery (TCG) is hosting “What If?,” a Collage Artists of America (CAA) exhibit juried by distinguished artist and curator Max Presneill.
Presneill explained that he considers each work in the show through the lens of fine art. “The origination of collage by Picasso and Braque at the onset of the 20th century fundamentally changed how art could be made and has continued ever since as a major influence on the visual arts,” he said.
“Collage tools and methods are only there to help make an artist’s vision a reality,” Presneill explained. “What counts is what you do with your tools, your approach and your content. I congratulate the 29 artists who were selected for this show featuring 49 works.”
The opening reception is Sunday, January 12 from 2-5pm, with awards presented at 4 pm. Topanga Canyon Gallery is located at 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga, CA 90290. “What If?” will be on exhibit at the Topanga Canyon Gallery from January 6 – January 26. The gallery is closed on Tuesday.
Visit CAA’s website collageartists.org or TGC’s website topangacanyongallery.com for gallery hours and more information.
About Max Presneill: Max Presneill is based in Los Angeles. An abstract painter, he has shown globally, with works that explore sub-cultural iconography, masculine identity, and mortality. He is currently director and head curator of the Torrance Art Museum. His particular curatorial interests include artist-led projects, emerging art, new models for curatorial methodologies and an international scope for partnerships, exchanges, and building artistic communities.
About CAA: Mixed media, assemblage, and digital collage artists are the heart and soul of Collage Artists of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1988 with membership spanning the United States. CAA members meet 5 times a year at the San Fernando Valley Arts and Cultural Center. Programs include: guest artists lecturing about their work and stimulating workshops. Juried exhibits are mounted each year at galleries, universities, and/or museums.
About TCG: Topanga Canyon Gallery brings together many well-known and emerging artists from the greater Los Angeles area. The gallery was originally founded in the 1980’s and opened at its current location in Pine Tree Circle in the fall of 2000. As a cooperative gallery, the member artists are responsible for all aspects of the gallery. Recently, the membership undertook major renovations to the space in order to bring visitors the best experience possible. With ever-changing monthly exhibits, Topanga Canyon Gallery is always fresh with new art and artists.
Topanga Canyon Gallery, an artist-owned mutual benefit corporation, is located at 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga CA 90290. For more information: (310) 455-7909; TopangaCanyonGallery.com. Gallery Hours: Wednesday 11 a.m.– 6 p.m.; Thursday 2–6 p.m.; Friday 12–8 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.– 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
For more information about this show: Elaine Piechowski, Collage Artists of America, epiechowski22@gmail.com; (310) 266-7385. Sylvia Goulden: Collage Artists of America VP, Exhibits: shgoulden@sbcglobal.net. Sari Scheer: Topanga Canyon Gallery Media Communication: sari@unwinedglass.com.
By Elaine Piechows