On Sunday, February 28, the eagerly anticipated "Women of the New Contemporary" art show will debut with an artist's reception from 5 to 8 p.m. This exhibition, running until March 17, promises a rich tapestry of artistic expressions, including paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures. Among the standout contributions are installations by Philadelphia's Martha Rich and Huntington Beach's Deanna Templeton. Additionally, the Visual Art Center complex will feature five murals adorning its exterior walls.
Curated by Torrey Cook, a Laguna Beach gallery owner, this exhibition unites artists from the United States, England, and the Netherlands. Notably, about half of the artists are based in Southern California. Eight artists will arrive nearly two weeks before the exhibition's opening to create the murals, with a collaborative effort from four Southern California artists on one mural.
Martha Rich will showcase her "speech bubbles," which are large, vividly painted text bubbles made from wood, capturing fragments of overheard conversations. Deanna Templeton will present "What She Said," a photographic series paired with excerpts from her teenage journals, offering a reflective look at her past through portraits of young girls.
Casey O’Connell, an artist from San Diego County, will paint a mural on the gallery's north exterior wall and exhibit a piece inside. Residing in the beach community of Leucadia, O’Connell has created numerous large murals over the past three years, including several in major U.S. cities. Her murals, often layered with 15 to 16 coats of paint, transform detailed sketches into expansive wall art.
San Francisco artist Velia de Iuliis, known for her vibrant and intricate depictions of animals and plants, will create a mural on the 30-foot-long front wall of the Visual Art Center. Her work will feature flora and fauna, inspired by her initial impressions of the mural site.
Exhibition Highlights and Artist Interactions
Extending beyond the gallery's interior, the exhibition offers a public art experience through its exterior murals. The muralists will stay in campus dorms, encouraging interaction with university students. Tim Musso, director of Brandstater Gallery, highlights the value of students engaging with accomplished artists who demonstrate dedication and focus in their careers.
"Women of the New Contemporary" is the latest in a series of around 200 exhibitions hosted by Brandstater Gallery since its founding in 1984. Established through a legacy donation, the gallery has featured renowned artists like Sam Francis and Roxanne Sexauer. Musso aims to curate exhibitions that are accessible to a wide audience.
Admission to the exhibition is free. Brandstater Gallery is open Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment. For more details, contact Tim Musso at 951-785-2170. The gallery is located at La Sierra University, 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside.
Participating Artists
The exhibition includes artists such as Amanda Marie from Denver, Alea Nicole Hurst from Georgia, and Camilla Taylor from Los Angeles, among others. Special installations will be presented by Martha Rich and Deanna Templeton, while exterior murals will be crafted by artists like Casey O’Connell and Velia de Iuliis.
About the New Contemporary Movement
The New Contemporary movement, which began in the early 1990s on the West Coast, emerged as a counter to the conceptual trends in fine art. It challenges the traditional hierarchy of visual culture by embracing social experiences and rejecting excessive academicism. This movement emphasizes technical skill, narrative, and representation, fostering a community that supports diverse artistic visions.
About Artists Republic Gallery
Established in 2010, Artists Republic Gallery in Laguna Beach is a prominent venue for New Contemporary art. The gallery supports emerging and mid-career artists who influence youth culture through their work. Located at 1175 S. Coast Highway, Artists Republic offers original works, prints, books, and more.