This weekend we were lucky enough to start off Friday afternoon with an exclusive preview of Mash Gallery’s group exhibition, “Radiant Spectrum,” curated by Mark Murphy. The show comprised a vibrant array of works by 16 contemporary artists including, Michelle A. Benoit, Jud Bergeron, Kelsey Brookes, Jill Carlock, Christian Clayton, Nate Harris, Terry Hoff, Shaelin Jornigan, Tasha Kusama, Kevin Long – aka – Spanky, Joe Roberts – aka – LSD Worldpeace, David Shillinglaw, Bonnie Marie Smith, Tricia Strickfaden, Kellesimone Waits, Marco Zamora, and color psychic Sarah Potter.

“Radiant Spectrum” at Mash Gallery.

The assembly of work resulted in a wide spectrum of painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed-media installation. All works displayed an impressive incorporation of vivacious colors and many contained familiar elements of Abstract Expressionism merged with contemporary flares. Some works were hung in conventional straight rows while others were exhibited in their own section in a salon-like display, while others were even presented on custom shelving. Our early access allowed us to see the exhibition in the calm before the storm–poised and ready for the packed opening to come Saturday night.

“Radiant Spectrum” at Mash Gallery.

“Radiant Spectrum” at Mash Gallery.

Later that evening, we wandered into Smart Objects, an unassuming gallery in Echo Park nestled between your typical hip coffee shops and clothing stores. However, upon entrance, Ann Hirsch’s exhibition, “CURSED” transported us into another realm. Through sharing elements of her personal experience, the artist took us through an extensive view of the complications of mental, spiritual and physical health. Hirsch illustrated this by dividing the gallery into two: one side a chaotic laboratory space, while the other served as spiritual space of awakening.

Utilizing extremely visceral elements in video, drawing and sculpture, each side of the gallery contained uniquely alarming and intimate details highlighting women’s health and concerns often ignored. Hirsch uses ancient mythology and symbols such as land and sea to represent her personal journey granting access into her struggles and moments of hopelessness and weakness with her physical and spiritual body. Her transparency allowed for exploration and conversation into the depths of the labyrinth of mental and physical health. However convoluted and twisted this never-ending journey may seem, “CURSED” presents comfort in solidarity and in some small way, grants the viewer just that. 

Ann Hirsch “CURSED” at Smart Objects.

Ann Hirsch “CURSED” at Smart Objects.