Collectively entitled “Metro Dreams,” the Gabba Gallery presents another installment of it’s photo 2 1signature show style of four separate mini exhibitions, curated by Jason Ostro and Phil Santos. Moncho1929, Vakseen, Amy Smith and HERO are the four artists showing their diverse yet loosely connected works for Metro Dreams filling the almost 2000 sq. ft. gallery space.

Much loved Moncho1929 will be exhibiting another brilliant twist on his signature style with a salute to our winged friends. An antidote to the usual definition of beauty is found in Vakseen’s unique, well executed painting style of colliding color with cubism combined with realism for the love of women’s complicated legacy in today’s culture. Amy Smith will show her collage style using paint and collage to make use of negative space in portraiture, akin to traditional stenciling. Entitled Inheritance, in his exhibition, Hero addresses contemporary social issues and what flows through and is handed down to the next generation. He creates his works via multimedia with a contemporary virtuosity in aerosol.

“There is an undeniable feeling of city life in Metro Dreams from four distinct points of view.” – Jason Ostro, Curator. “These are 4 artists to watch. Their work instantly moves the viewer through their concepts and technique. We have enjoyed watching their careers bloom and grow.” -Phil Santos, Curator

The artists included in Metro Dreams are Moncho1929, Vakseen, Amy Smith, and Hero. “Metro Dreams” opens on January 9th, 2016 and will be on view through January 23rd, 2016. A reception for the artists with DJ Jonathan Williams is on Saturday, January 9th, 7 – 11 p.m. and is sponsored by Hubert’s and Perrier.

Hero:
Casey Courey-Pickering, who goes by the artist name “Hero”, (short for The Forged Hero) is a self-taught LA based mixed media stencil artist. Since 2007, he has worked on incorporating new elements and techniques into his art.

Prior to becoming an artist himself, Hero immersed himself in graffiti art being influenced by the works of Banksy, Shepard Fairey, JR, and Saber, while his schooling introduced him to Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Richard Hamilton, Edgar Degas, and Norman Rockwell. In 2009 he moved his stencil work from his studio and canvas to galleries and other mediums, having begun commissioning his artwork Hero thought of an idea for a sticker campaign. 

Jan9-2016-GABBAMoncho1929:
Originally born and raised in New York City, Moncho1929 has lived and worked in London, Italy, Korea and now currently in Los Angeles. Through all of these transitions he has continued to be influenced by modern media and the urban environment surrounding it. Moncho1929 has had shows for his works in various galleries across the country in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami and London. Most recently a solo show at world-renowned street art gallery LabArt and Julien’s Street Art Auction in Beverly Hills alongside well known artists including Banksy and Mr. Brainwash.

Vakseen:
While working on hit records in the music business has played a driving force in his career, itʼs Vakseenʼs (born Otha Davis III) passion for the arts that has served as his key to sanity in the fast paced entertainment industry. The self-taught, Floridian has developed a distinct collage-influenced painting style that fuses elements of surrealism, cubism, photorealism and fashion design onto canvas. To view #Vakseenart visit VakseenArt.com.

Amy Smith:
Amy Smith has always been intrigued by art. When she relocated from the East Coast to Los Angeles, newfound inspiration awaited her. “When I moved from the East Coast to Los Angeles I really found inspiration in the city and art scene in LA. I started by working digitally making collages with Photoshop and developed that style into original mixed media collage paintings.”

On view: January 9th – January 23rd, 2016

What: Opening reception
Where: The Gabba Gallery, 3126 Beverly Blvd. 90057
Phone: 310-498-2697
Website: www.thegabbagallery.com