FP Contemporary hosted an opening reception for abstract florals “The Candy Coated Collection,” a solo exhibition featuring new works by internationally acclaimed artist Michael Kalish. The opening art party was held on September 10, 2022. The exhibition will remain on view through October 29, 2022.

As a sculptor, Kalish primarily works in metal, both in large-scale public installations and limited edition pieces for galleries and private collectors around the globe. Abstract Florals “The Candy Coated Collection” is a multidimensional 17-piece series of laser-cut layered abstracts with poppy flowers designed and fabricated in layers of acrylic glass. It’s also the debut of a new medium for Kalish who became captivated with acrylic and vibrant colors – opaque neons and reflective jeweled tones of greens and blues, golds and pinks – at a time when he felt the world needed a pick-me-up.

“I felt a jolt of bright color was exactly what this post-pandemic world needed to reinvigorate, renew, and feel hopeful again,” said Kalish. 

Kalish grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and launched his career in New York City in the mid 1990s, quickly gaining global recognition for his transformation of ordinary objects into unique works of pop art. From his pop iconography to his collections of Americana, Kalish’s passion for metal evolved from salvaged parts to more refined laser-cut aluminum and mirrored stainless steel sculptures.

Michael Kalish, “Layered Abstract Floral,” 2022Aluminum Sculpture, 48 x 48 x 4 inches

Kalish has completed several large-scale public installations all receiving critical acclaim, including “reALIze,” the world’s largest multi-dimensional sculpture of Muhammad Ali in Downtown LA. “Raise The Caliber,” a tribute to victims of gun violence in America; “Floral Sky,” an 18-foot Floral canopy of powder-coated metal local florals in Arlington VA; “Illuminating a Path,” an interactive stack of illuminating books commissioned for Waunakee High School in Wisconsin; and “Sunflowers,” a 20-foot public sculpture set to be installed in 2023 in Cupertino, CA; and “Floral Canopy,” two 40-foot floral sculptures for the City of Coral Gables, to name a few.

On view: September 10, 2022 – October 29, 2022

What: Solo Exhibition, Michael Kalish
Where: FP Contemporary, 2754 S. La Cienega Blvd., LA, CA 90034
Website: https://fpcontemporary.com/