‘What is Fun Hang?’ Begins the press release of Jools Braiman-Rothblatt’s summer exhibition at Karma International, presenting works by Alex Becerra, Py Born, Nick Farhi, Kim Fuck, Kezia Harrell, Ariana Papademetropoulos, Rachelle Sawatsky, Nicole-Antonia Spagnola, Ambrose Vallard, Bri Williams, and Phillip Zach. It seems Braiman-Rothblatt has set about to discover the answer to this via her varied and experimental programming throughout the exhibition’s duration.

Installation view of FUN HANG, at Karma International.

Last Thursday, we went to the first of these ‘Fun Hangs’ since the exhibitions’ open reception, lead by invited artist Alberto Cuadros, formerly of SADE Gallery. Cuadros invited friends and artists Red Theme and Escape-ism to perform and presented a short film alongside Escape-ism band members, Alexandra Cabral and Ian Svenonius.

Jools Braiman-Rothblatt at Karma International.

Escape-ism Performance (Alexandra Cabral and Ian Svenonius) at Karma International.

Upon entering I was acutely aware of the harmony in this exhibition, lead by Braiman-Rothblatt’s sharp understanding of objects in space. Highlights include Alex Becerra’s “Self-portrait” legs sculptures, seemingly emerging out of the wall and rightfully dressed with a Croc (the other leg adorns a ‘custom’ Nike Cortez), as well as Nick Farhi’s souvenir style paintings, “Crescent wing and fish and Pony (study of kindness)”, the autonomy of the studies set against a palatable blue backdrop reeking of symbolism and appreciation of the spirit of an object.

Nick Farhi, “Crescent wing and fish and Pony (study of kindness)” at Karma International.

Alex Becerra, “Self-portrait” at Karma International.

Cuadros’ short film, “100 Strawberries,” titled in line with the body of work it inhabits was shown in Karma’s opulent garden down a path shrouded by trees only unveiling at turning the corner. This conceit was mirrored in the video where the viewer is taken on a journey, head-hanging out the window looking at Malibu Canyon and the PCH, where each corner reveals a different painted strawberry sign or fruit shack, a reminder at the simplicity and social element of this practice considering Los Angeles’ symbolic visual landscape. Also on view were his “100 Strawberries” paintings previously exhibited at Kate’s Little Angel, a pop-up space in Tokyo and Nick Fischer’s updated El Prado artist bar.

Brendan Lynch and Alberto Cuadros in front of “100 Strawberries.”

Be sure to experience a true FUN HANG and delve into the conversation for yourself. Future programming listed in the below flyer.