LOS ANGELES, CA.- Walter Maciel Gallery is presenting Red, White and Blue featuring works by gallery artists, Barry Anderson, John Bankston, Freddy Chandra, T.J. Dedeaux-Norris, Colin Doherty, Cynthia Ona Innis, John Jurayj, Andy Kolar, Brendan Lott, Tommy Mitchell, Dean Monogenis, Timothy Paul Myers, Rachael Neubauer, Maria E. Piñeres, Robb Putnam, Lezley Saar, Nike Schröder, Katherine Sherwood, Lisa Solomon, Nathan Vincent, Jil Weinstock and Dana Weiser. Although the title of the show references patriotism including the colors of the American flag, the themes are not necessarily political and often evoke notions of beauty, experience, place and identity. Suffering from the effects of the severe changes in our current political system, many of us are feeling sorrow, anger and frustration with the injustice and inhumane acts being forced upon our communities. This exhibition celebrates our continuing support of different artists whose works focus on identity and experience based on ethnic background, gender, sexuality, age, disability, culture and place. The show includes works that boldly celebrate red, white or blue emphasizing a renewed sense of being American inclusive of our enriched diversity. Many of the works are a celebration of one color while others include a combination of two or all three colors.

Over the years, contemporary art galleries have evolved from coveted gathering places where you would learn about new artists and meet creative people to emptier spaces with the evolution of social media and gallery websites. The act of browsing on our smart phones often becomes the easier option for collectors, curators and art goers to learn about new and seasoned artists alike. Ultimately, there is nothing quite like the actual experience of visiting a gallery or museum while walking through an exhibition and getting up close to the artworks. Our show gives collectors, curators, supporters and artists an opportunity to visit our gallery and learn more about the artists we represent in real time. It provides a moment of reflection to appreciate art for art’s sake in a quiet space to gather and discuss ideas and the larger issues we are facing in this unprecedented time. Red, White and Blue offers a distraction from the news and an opportunity to support artists and community. Right now, it feels like the world is falling apart and life is chaotic, but there is always a thoughtful escape among art.

Exhibitions of gallery artists currently on view at other venues:

Nike Schröder, Holding On (solo show) through August 31 at Museum of Art and History (MoAH), Lancaster, CA

Cynthia Ona Innis, Fixing on a Horizon (solo show) through August 28 at Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo, CA

T.J. Dedeaux-Norris, Made in the Plains (group show) through September 21 at the Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, NE

Lezley Saar, The Craft (group show), curated by Andi Campognone through July 26 at KP Projects, Los Angeles, CA

Lezley Saar, FOCA Fellowship Award (three person show) opening July 12 at Fellows of Contemporary Art (FOCA), Los Angeles, CA