Amazon Solitaire

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending "Amazon Solitaire".  An exhibit curated by the lovely, Akina Cox.  It's currently on display at The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock until March 27th.

Work by Stef & Gilda

I plan on hanging this negative against my window - where the morning light shines through

Lady Gummies by Esther Pearl Watson

By Jen Bruce

P U R E   J O Y   ! 

Work by Gilda

I have my work to distract me.

Angie, Gilda, & I.  These ladies inspire me constantly.

your friend,

ava

K U B R I C K

©Roberta Lannes

I had the pleasure of seeing the Kubrick exhibit for a second time with my dear friend, Robbie. After the show, I sat down to take a break and she snapped this portrait of me (my feet were hurting a little).  It was nice to have my picture taken.  I feel like I'm rarely behind the camera these days.  Right now, I'm devoting all my attention to taking photographs rather than being in them.  Underneath are some photos I took from some of my favorite moments at the exhibit. That first photograph below, I must credit to Robbie.  I watched her taking some photographs of the children playing, and I couldn't resist doing the same. 

all images ©Ava Alamshah

We also caught the Mapplethorpe exhibit, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  Here is the photograph that I would've stolen if I were a museum thief. 

your friend,

ava

This Month

Y E A R  of  the  S N A K E

I am honored to be part of this rad group exhibition going on at Musee!  Before that, I will be in Chinatown in hopes to catch the parade and photograph all the colorful details!  It should be magical.

your friend,

ava

Night at the Musee

  Thursday night, we got to check out Musee 16.  My friend, Gabi Mendoza, curated a little show there.  It was a great, intimate setting, with dimmed lighting, cushy chairs, and pizza!  I had two slices.  

Photo of a photo.  Gelatin silver print by Gabi Mendoza.

A photograph of one of my favorite places, Giant Rock.  Work by, Elizabeth DiGiovanni

  I loved these paintings by Elisa Saether.  Loved how she captured the "everyday" Los Angeles.  The markets and the hazy sunsets, and those telephone poles. Beautiful.

Collages by my friend, Marie Mingoia

   

 The shots I took below are from the gallery's permanent collection. 

Little dogs

They have the tiniest little butts

Me with the curator. Yay, Gabi!  There are palm trees coming out of my head.

your friend,

ava

© 2012 Ava Alamshah

The Chateau Marmont

  

  We had the pleasure of being invited to an art reception for Nancy Riegelman Picot, at the Chateau Marmont.  This is a place I have always been intrigued about and wanted to visit. It has that gorgeous classic architecture and an old Hollywood mystique, so it felt like a natural place to take photos.  The funny thing is that the staff didn't really let me take photos for privacy issues, being that it is swarming with the famous and infamous.  However, I could take plenty of photos in the two bedroom suite, where the reception was being held.  Fancy.

  Stefani is Nancy's assistant and introduced me to her a few years ago.  She came to support one of our group exhibitions with our art collective, From Here to There.  I remember being in awe of how high her platform shoes were.  Nancy has a great sense of style.  She was even interviewed for Nylon TV. 

 

  Nancy designed these tongues, and had them made from glass.  I love how they were placed on top of the bed, and how delicate they look under the lamp light. 

  Here I am admiring the pink tiles of this classic bathroom.  I could see myself living here (in my fantasy life). 

  I believe these are watercolors by Nancy.  The jewels look almost real from afar, and the frames themselves are a work of art with that subtle, golden sheen.  My favorite piece was the pink ribbon necklace on that bedside table.  I really enjoyed the context of the work, and it made me think about travel and what someone might bring to a hotel.  Jewelry is something I try not to forget, underwear is another.  The glass tongues touched on a sensual element of travel and leisure.  I love the intimacy of seeing work in a hotel versus being in a stark gallery.  It really worked for these pieces.

  Speaking of underwear...these are paintings by Michael Perelman, who was also a part of the exhibit.   I could not find enough information about him, but I really loved his realistic paintings and his use of light.  I've never seen white undies look more beautiful. 

  

  This woman looked very elegant and told me she used men's dress shirts to create her full length gown.  I loved that she made this herself.  That wreath!  I found out that she also has a blog.  Click on it here.  

  All and all, it was an inspiring evening filled with art, friends, and fancy times.  

your friend,

ava

All images © 2012 Ava Alamshah

 

Kate Bush Diary

  On display at Synchronicity Space, August 10th.  For more info, click here.

  

  They are framed and on sale at the gallery. $100 ea.  Email me at ava.alamshah@gmail.com if interested!

your friend,

ava

Being Kate

 My pals at Sync Space LA are having their third annual Kate Bush Fest.  Calling all artists.  Check T H I S out for details!

 Remember the project I was telling you'll about in my Art of Pretending post?  Well, it is for this upcoming festival!  I couldn't be any more pleased contributing to the celebration of this very talented and respected artist.  THAT VOICE !!!  Those dance moves !!!  So rad, so true.  I want to be her everyday.  It's quite fun, really.

 S N E A K   P E A K

 Photos, Stefani Greenwood
 Concept, Ava Alamshah

 Thanks, Stef!

 your friend,

ava