Brian Chippendale. Out from Providence, Rhode Island, Chippendale’s band Lightning Bolt was on the road touring when the show opened. But as if making up for the absence, the tour came to the la-la land on June 20th. The venue was The Smell (247 S. Main St., Downtown L.A.), which cost me couple phone calls to find (back alley guys) and required quite a bit of courage to head out to. Other bands were Pink and Brown, Vaz, etc., all alternative guerrilla noise bands. Haunting performances by Pink and Brown already messed with the light wires so the Lightning Bolt came into pitch darkness. I think both Brians (Brian Gibson on base and Brian Chippendale on vocals and drums) were wearing masks. The mob was out of control in the narrow room – it was a battle to remain in one spot to see them. But somehow, Chippendale kept creeping into the crowd. Turning his drum set around and literary throwing themselves into the rabble, their performance was amoeba-esque yet really tight.

The next day he came to visit his “show”, only this time visual art, with Gibson and member of Pink and Brown, before hitting the road to San Francisco. His colorful artwork is also seen on the band’s new record “Ride The Skies”, which he hand printed piece by piece. Back home, both Brians are one of the founders to the collective warehouse FORT THUNDER where they inhabit with 10 other artists. “When we return to Fort Thunder in mid July, we have to move out.” Among many reasons, it was “mainly a fire marshal matter, ” sighs Chippendale. “We’ll probably stay in Rhode Island. Many artists are there, and cost of living is so affordable.” While the eviction is still his motif of art, Fort Thunder, will remain spirited for another while.

Calef Brown. After graduating Art Center, Brown decided to stay in Pasadena. His illustrations often appear in editorials, i.e. Los Angeles Magazine, but he passionately pursues children’s book projects. “My illustration jobs allows me to travel in my own time, which I am grateful for. And I can also take my time to work on children’s books.” ‘Polka Bats and Octopus Slacks‘ and ‘Dutch Sneakers + Flea Keepers‘ (both published from Houghton Mifflin Company) are his adored establishments so far. In his books, Brown’s warm color pallet and the dancing rhetoric appeals to wider audiences than initially intended. Even the remembered moment of Eminem and Elton John earlier this year is presented in his touch and frozen into a fairy tale. Calef Brown is fully aware of his ability to pull that kind of theme off. Another long time move contributing artist.

Erika Borboa. Originally from San Diego, Borboa now lives in Brooklyn with Jacobs. I remember coming across his comment on Borboa’s work “…Erika’s drawings are very pure, ” while on research. It is very true, her simple pencil stroke is certainly pleasant to eyes. She says she enjoys drawing animals. Borboa’s spicy earth tone pallet and her irregular wood pieces produces an amazingly moving color vibe, making perfect sense next to Jacobs’ installation. I noticed more marine animals in her work which made me guess the longing for her home on the west coast, but that thought was easily negated by her staing “I think I miss being away from New York.” Yet again, the famous saying “you only have to live in New York once, “crossed my mind. Borboa and Jacobs are down with collaborating in their art work and some of those pieces are found in this show.

“Meeting Rich and the move artists was a definite milestone for my gallery, “says director Goldberg as she looked back on the very first ‘move’ opening party. “He is a wonderful artist himself, and not only that, he reaches out to other talent by providing opportunities.” He connects everyone by setting a mutual outlet. Jacobs possesses this magnificent blend of charisma and dedication which moved me the most. He’s just the best.” Encountering the move exhibit definitely set a strong stand point for the gallery. “I value the direct and in-your-face, pure and simplistic bodies of works.” states Goldberg. When one’s own interpretation has been applied, reality becomes significantly influential. Some unconsiously, but many artists hold their reality as their shiny shield, and live the life hard, face forward. It is how much you can reflect the world you are living in, which speaks in art. Collectors who often visit the gallery know those pieces are worth a whole lot more that any historic masterpiece. The strong sense of “here, now”, and the fact that artists are actually sharing things or experiences in common, either through friendship of partnership, suggested in group shows at NEW IMAGE ART are without a doubt the charm of this gallery.

Hold your breath, Move #8 is already on its way.

MOVE #7
Date: June 9th – August 11th, 2001
Place: New Image Art Gallery
Address: 7906 Santa Monica Blvd. #208, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Tel: +1 323 654 2192
https://www.newimageartgallery.com