Cultural arts manager Eilen Stewart in front of work by Alex Weinstein. Photo by Bondo Wyszpolski
Paddle out catch it
“Swell” rises at the Manhattan Beach Art Center
by Bondo Wyszpolski
The opening last Friday of “Swell” gathered high-fives in place of hang-tens; it’s an exhibition of surf-and-sea inspired art that sidesteps traditional imagery (surfers and surfboards) and focuses more on the materials used to evoke the combined effects of sand, sea, light and atmosphere.
Artists Alex Weinstein, left, and David Loyd, right, with cultural arts supervisor Eric Brinkman in the center. Photo by Bondo WyszpolskiIn the hands of several of the participating artists, Alex Weinstein notes that “fiberglas, urethane foam, and polyester resin — the very DNA of surfing — is deconstructed and recast. Within this broader context, some are working in a renewed investigation of light and space… Here and now, sleek manufacturing and sunset tones yield a type of chemical optimism that is distinctly Californian.”
“Swell” is not only swell but an intelligent and thought-provoking presentation that elevates what could easily have been just another big wave and surf culture art show.
Eric Johnson with his artwork. Photo by Bondo WyszpolskiThe impressive array of artists includes Lisa Bartleson, Susanne Melanie Berry, Casper Brindle, Dino Capaldi, Fritz Chesnut, Ned Evans, Julie Goldstein, Chip Herwegh, Dennis Jarvis, Eric Johnson, Beth Lee, David Lloyd, Shana Mabari, Zack Missioreck, Ben Soto, C.R. Stecyk III, Alex Weinstein, and Katherine Young.
Swell. At the Manhattan Beach Art Center, 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach. Through July 2. Hours, Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (310) 802-5440 ER
