L.A. Louver celebrates artist Mark di Suvero. Many Venice residents are familiar with Suvero’s iconic, 60 foot tall sculpture Declaration (2001) which has been installed at the Venice Beach Boardwalk since May 2001.

Image credit: Mark di Suvero / Pizzicare, 2013 / steel, stainless steel / 22 3/4 x 19 1/4 x 12 1/4 in. (57.8 x 48.9 x 31.1 cm)

On view to the public for nearly two decades through support by L.A. Louver, the artwork will be relocated in late 2019 to di Suvero’s studio in Northern California. A Summer Celebration honoring the Venice Family Clinic and di Suvero’s deep roots in the community will take place on June 5 from 6 to 8pm, and will coincide with his solo exhibition on view at L.A. Louver, “Mark di Suvero: Painting and Sculpture, from May 1 through June 8, 2019.”

The solo exhibition of painting and sculpture by venerable artist Mark di Suvero. Known the world over for his monumental public works, the exhibition features a selection of the artist’s smaller-scaled sculptures, made between 1990-2019, presented alongside a new series of colorful, abstract paintings.

Movement, both physical and implied, pervade the works on view in the first floor gallery. Comprised of steel, stainless steel and cor-ten steel, di Suvero conceives the sculptures to spin and sway with a slight touch of the hand. Curious and engaging, the sculptures convey a sense of grace and weightlessness that defies the rigid and dense materials of their making. In “Untitled” (2019), the largest and most recent work in the exhibition, a base structure made from angular cut-out pieces of raw steel rests on the floor. From its raised point, a large stainless steel pinion-like form is perfectly balanced, and when gently pushed, the silver shape pirouettes with a transcendent elegance. “After 60 years, I’m still doing it with my hands,” says the 86-year-old artist. “I cut the steel. I weld it. I put it together.” Only one sculpture, “Blue Flame” (1998-2011), is stationary. While its elements are fixed, the work breathes with fluidity and movement – its gnarled centerpiece, a striking blue “flame,” is ablaze against the raw steel frame in which it sits. A selection of brilliant abstract paintings by the artist accompanies the sculptures.

Join LA Louver in honoring the Venice Art Walk’s 40th Anniversary, and the works of Mark di Suvero on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. This is a Free event. Open to the public.

What: Summer Celebration
Where: L.A. Louver, 45 N Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
When: Wednesday, June 5, 2019; 6-8pm
Website: http://www.lalouver.com/