Open Mind Art Space presents “La La La,” a solo exhibition featuring new abstract paintings by England-based artist, Ian Rayer-Smith. The opening reception was held on September 10, 2022, but you still have a chance to see the show through October 8, 2022. Remember to check with the gallery for up-to-date covid protocols and guidelines – (proof of vaccination and masks MAY be required once again).

This will be Ian Rayer-Smith’s Los Angeles debut at the gallery. The solo exhibition will feature an exclusive selection of fun and vibrant works from his latest series, the Misdemeanor Collection.

In contrast to Rayer-Smith’s earlier moody and muted works, his larger scaled acrylic paintings on raw un-stretched canvas in his upcoming solo exhibition, La La La, are boldly gestural and do not shy away from color. Beautiful and free, his energetic paintings are unapologetically playful. He says, “There’s a naughty side to all of us and it’s important to maintain that little piece of ourselves that never grows up. Freedom to do what we want and when, and to be where we want and leave when we want, can take a long time to find. Some of us never can.”

Ian Rayer-Smith, It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 67 x 78.75 in. (170 x 200 cm)

Rayer-Smith uses paint to create imagery that does not yet exist, and raw gestural mark making to explore new forms which will ultimately carry emotional weight. Rather than attempting to recreate an image, he uses it as a reference point by which to move from one painting to the next. He explains, “I think of my paintings as posing a series of questions rather than providing overt statements or narrative pointers towards any clear kind of answer. Instead, my process is more about showing my search for something which, maybe, I hope I’ll never find.”

On view: September 10, 2022 – October 8, 2022; Gallery hours are Thursdays – Saturdays, 11:00amN – 5:00pm or by appointment.

What: “La La La,” Ian Rayer-Smith
Where: Open Mind Art Space, 11631 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025
Website: http://www.openmindartspace.com