2022 ADAMS SQUARE EXHIBITS
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GLASS EYE (NAZAR)
Artist: Keywan Tafteh
On exhibit from October 10 - November 11, 2022
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Keywan Tafteh is a Russian/Iranian multidisciplinary artist who grew up in Glendale, California. Tafteh blurs the confines of genre to create sensory and emotional work. His creative process is informed by multiple painful and joyous themes: geographic and cultural displacement, the addiction of a loved one, otherness, and the sheer joy of observation.
Using the symbol of a nazar, an amulet used to ward off a spiteful curse, these Evil Eye paintings explore social connections. On a daily passing, we come across various faces, stares, and communications in person and online. The nature of these interactions stem from an individual’s intention. If one gazes upon you in spite, they may cast an Evil Eye curse. Many cultures use this amulet as an apotropaic, an object possessing the power to repel threats.
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​By exploring portraiture/figuration in a loose gesture, figures are layered onto the canvas. Moving through the painting is linked to navigating a social space. The nazar comes forward, offering protection as we make our way through. With the recent riots in Iran, Tafteh returns to this series to meditate on the nature of revolution, how a home is made, and the systemic violence imposed by authoritative governments. The nazar on site not only aims to protect those who view upon it, but to extend further, following families and the many homes they may have throughout this world.
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A TRANSLUCENT NATURE
Artist: Patricia Branstead
On exhibit from August 1 - September 16, 2022
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"A Translucent Nature" by Patricia Branstead is a site specific installation of a series of new pieces that work together for the space. Incorporating any current pieces that fit. This would include Branstead's cylinder light sculpture lamps on translucent Asian papers. The light sculptures are made from Asian papers which adhere to a lampshade plastic material and are shaped to different sizes.
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The force of Branstead's art work is about nature and abstraction. She gets her inspiration from observing and photographing patterns and light and her medium is monotype. Branstead has developed a technique of making monoprints on Asian paper for their immediacy and impact that connects with the viewer. The patterns are endless, like a fingerprint, each one different bringing a unique identity to the pieces. She has worked in several mediums: printmaking, painting, photography and light. Branstead developed a method of working that give me spontaneity and still a thoughtful approach.
A TRANSLUCENT NATURE
Artist: Patricia Branstead
On exhibit from August 1 - September 16, 2022
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A Translucent Nature by Patricia Branstead is a site specific installation of a series of new pieces that work together for the space. Incorporating any current pieces that fit. This would include Branstead's cylinder light sculpture lamps on translucent Asian papers. The light sculptures are made from Asian papers which adhere to a lampshade plastic material and are shaped to different sizes.
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The force of Branstead's art work is about nature and abstraction. She gets her inspiration from observing and photographing patterns and light and her medium is monotype. Branstead has developed a technique of making monoprints on Asian paper for their immediacy and impact that connects with the viewer. The patterns are endless, like a fingerprint, each one different bringing a unique identity to the pieces. She has worked in several mediums: printmaking, painting, photography and light. Branstead developed a method of working that give me spontaneity and still a thoughtful approach.
IMPRESSIONS
Artist: Claire June Apana
On exhibit from May 23 - July 9, 2022​
IMPRESSIONS is an installation artwork that consists of three massive origami tessellation forms. These shapes are suspended from curved metal beams with each element supported by wire; allowing the pieces to float around themselves. These sculptures are an expression of time as our memories transform into a state of flux within our minds and our bodies. This process of transformation is immense; beginning with a small seed, growing into a tree, milled into paper, and then folded into undulating forms. As the origami sculptures drift, they are bathed in vivid light. The translucent qualities of the paper allow for a dramatic color effect.
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The traditional technique combines with contemporary art practice to express the ways in which small gestures contain the potential to create immense change. Art, community, and creation don’t require immense means, one must simply begin and commit to a development in order to implement metamorphoses.
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Mer Tun, Dzer Tun
Artist: Nelli Astvatsatrian
On exhibit from April 13 - May 21, 2022
Mer Tun, Dzer Tun translates to “our home, your home” in Armenian. This installation seeks to reclaim and honor history, while laying testament to the resilience of indigenous peoples robbed of homeland everywhere. The Armenian diaspora community quilt features artwork from Glendale residents, as well as Armenians from 20 American cities and 4 cities internationally, reflecting on what "home" means to them.
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Black Souls
Artist: Martial Yapo
On exhibit from January 18 - February 26, 2022
Black Souls is a tribute to the Africans who lost their lives on American soil alone and far from their land. The African masks serve an important role in rituals or ceremonies, and represent the spirits of deceased ancestors. The masks are made of recycled gas cans which are lined up with wood bars.
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