Nothing is more exciting than a combo of art and literature–we’re art geeks and book lovers–so Coagula Curatorial’s post-Valentine’s Day show “Lust Letters,” co-curated by Mat Gleason and Joan Aarestad, is bound to set our blood boiling and hearts pounding in the best of ways with a moveable feast of words, images, and images inspired by words, including works by two artists featured in “Letters From Los Angeles” at the L.A. Art Show, Gajin Fujita and Bruce Richards.
Gajin Fujitia merges the iconography of erotic Edo-era Japanese woodblock prints with contemporary graffiti subcultures, working with cultural influences that range from traditional Japanese ukiyo-e to contemporary manga, fresh with his own takes on American pop culture, East L.A. street-life iconography and graffiti; and utilizing a variety of process techniques and media. Bruce Richards, wow! His work is wise, witty, profound, and precise (and two of his pieces, including Circumlocution, sold at LA Art Show, so heads up, collectors!)
Tim Youd delves deep into the Delta of Venus for his 33-foot long diptych, retyping the stories from Anais Nin’s erotica (written originally for a collector at a dollar page), creating his own fresh, raw visions, while Ericka Rawlings installation for Coagula is comprised of hundreds of handmade lace Valentine hearts sewn by the artist, evoking the neuroses of a countless failed relationships.
As always Coagula’s openings are a huge party, expect lots of smart art types as well as smart art and typography. And don’t forget to check out Mat Gleason’s guide to Chinatown parking!