Located on the second floor of Gallery 24, at 24 N. Santa Cruz Ave., the “Happy Place” show is now open at the Whitney Modern Gallery. The current exhibition features two artists: Lilas Blano and Gordon Smedt. This show, which runs through Sept. 27, is a joyful one. Several pieces have already been sold.
Lila Blano
Though they create in two different styles, both Blano and Smedt project bright ambiance.
Blano’s works are mixed-media portrayals of figures with mysterious faces that draw you in. Her vibrant colors and patterns place dreamy surroundings on canvas. Her works are vibrant and expressive; the upbeat contemporary figures look playful and, perhaps, a bit rebellious. Blano’s works recall historical portrait composition, set amidst amazing places. Viewers of her work get a vibe of a sacred space located—somewhere. Blano studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Reims, France. That’s where her studio is located. Blano did not attend the opening reception.
Gordon Smedt
Gordon Smedt’s creation space is situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where he lives. Originally from Mill Valley, he studied art in Pasadena.
He mentioned that he “does not wish to be remembered as the sunflower guy.” Note: not all of his work in this show depicts sunflowers.
Smedt is concerned with objects that bring up childhood memories. This shows in all of the carefully rendered items: a pair of boots, a child’s tricycle, a red wagon with sunflowers.
His soft realistic work shows a command of reality and light with added touches of—you guessed—it sunflowers. These works are from his past eight months of concentration.
How to buy a “Happy Place”
During the reception, I spoke with a couple (who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons) who’d purchased Smedt’s work, “Happy Place” (64”x 64” oil painting; around $22,000). The buyers, who’ve followed Smedt for a number of years, just bought a new home that has many empty walls. They felt it was the perfect time to make the purchase, as they’re celebrating 39 years of marriage. It was as if the work spoke to them, they said. They plan to hang the painting outside their bedroom, so they can see it every morning. The wife said she hoped it would help make every day a happy day.
Info: whitneymodern.com/exhibit/150-happy-place
