• For Immediate Release: October 22, 2009

    Indie Collective Gallery Presents
    Susan Arena
    “Everyday Plagues”
    Works on Paper and Objects
    Opening Night Reception Saturday, December 5, 2009
    Exhibit Runs From December 5, 2009 – January 15, 2010

    LOS ANGELES, CA – Indie Collective Gallery is pleased to present “Everyday Plagues,” an exhibition of new works on paper and objects by artist Susan Arena. Arena’s latest work reveals the underlying anxiety present in everyday life and relationships. Influenced by an obsession with folk art (of early American, Egyptian, Latin American and Indian), Arena uses non “monumental” materials such as handmade paper, bits of cast-off clothing, wallpaper and textiles. And, like folk art, her work feels simultaneously sophisticated and naïve – possessing a direct power and charm in material and message. This solo show takes place at the intimate gallery space named after designer Gülbin Yavuz’s Indie Collective line, located in the heart of Culver City’s arts district at 6039a Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232. Enjoy wine and appetizers at an opening night reception with the artist on Saturday December 5, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. The exhibit will run through January 15, 2010. For more information on the gallery please call 310-837-7714 or visit www.indiecollective.com. For more information on the artist please visit www.susanarena.com.

    Both consciously “simplistic” in the folk art mode and highly personal and diaristic in nature, the themes of Susan Arena’s work is relationships. Mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, parents and children are all archetypes, which trap and also free us. Her work addresses a woman’s place in the home and society, the mundane and the transcendent, and the pursuit of spirituality and religiosity in daily life.

    Susan Arena earned an MFA in Painting and Printmaking from Yale School of Art and studied figurative painting at the New York Studio School. She also studied women’s folk painting in rural India. Arena’s work in painting is largely influenced by her love of other cultures and their art and customs. Arena has lived and worked in New York City and taught drawing and painting at numerous institutions there. Her work in painting and drawing has been exhibited extensively and has been widely collected. Arena received her undergraduate degree from Harvard College with a concentration in Visual and Environmental Studies and upon graduating was awarded a traveling fellowship, allowing her to live and paint in Cairo, Egypt.

    Indie Collective is a constantly evolving clothing and accessory line founded in 1999 by Turkish-born creative Gülbin Yavuz. In January 2007 Yavuz opened her own clothing store and art gallery, named after her ecologically conscious, sweatshop-free line. Always at the creative forefront and including other disciplines as well, Yavuz incorporates art, architecture, product design, and engineering into every Indie Collective piece. Indie Collective Gallery, situated in the heart of Culver City’s arts district (just west of La Cienega), showcases Yavuz’s limited edition, cutting edge street couture along with creations by global guest designers – clothing, jewelry and accessories – creating a dynamic gallery environment to host the ever-changing art exhibits at her intimate space. The gallery serves as a showcase for established as well as emerging artists working in diverse mediums. Before starting her own line, Yavuz worked in Hollywood for 17 year as a stylist/costume designer working with directors Mark Romanek, Michel Gondry, Alex Proyas, Michael Bay, Eric Ifergan and others. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday noon – 6:00 p.m. and by appointment.

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    For more information, photos or to set up interviews please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn@greengalactic.com.

    Posted on October 22nd, 2009 lynn-hasty No comments

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