SERGOTT CONTEMPORARY ART LA ART SHOW 2018 CATALOGUE
By working closely with local art organizations and community partners, our gallery, Sergott Contemporary Art Alliance, fully embraces the idea of an artistic community and seeks to showcase local artists to a global audience. Since our founding, we maintain a growing supportive and philanthropic role in the greater San Diego Art Community and have hosted multiple community outreach programs outlined in our exhibition history. In 2016, we extended our alliance program by creating two new divisions that focus on multidisciplined mid-career to established artists and international photo-based artists. Our goal is to provide a format whereby our emerging artists have a platform for growth. Currently, SCAA maintains a full schedule of national Art Fairs where we have extended our connections to collectors, museums, foundations, and corporate collections. We are open by appointment only in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
Cover image: Marion Wood, Downtown Rain. 2017. Acrylic, 60� x 48�
Exhibiting Artists
Tania Alcala
p. 4
Joe Caroff
p. 5
Dario Campanile
p. 6
Stone Chen
p. 7
Einar & Jamex De La Torre
p. 8
Maria Dolores Felix
p. 9
Pat Gainor
p. 10
Sonia Gold
p. 11
Emily Halpern
p. 12
Peggy Hinaekian
p. 13
Beliz Iristay
p. 14
Oskar Laffont
p. 15
Echo Lew
p. 16
Maidy Morhous
p. 17
Hung Viet Nguyen
p. 18
Jeehye Shin
p. 19
Shinpei Takeda
p. 20
Marion Wood
p. 21
Jody Wiggins
p. 22
David Zhuang
p. 23
Tania Alcala U.S.A.
Tania Alcala transforms brightly hued acrylic paint into large abstract artworks—one-of-a-kind jewel colored paintings that she meticulously coats with resin acting like a mirror's reflecting surface. "Spirit Lines" are in the background of her work, creating past, present and future in a tapestry of flow and movement representing that, everything in the world, and everything in the person is connected. The Mexico City born artist is influenced in her work by the colors of her native country, and she uses these with creative abandon. She is enchanted by her country’s folklore and by its Mexican markets. “Working this way is very freeing, “she says. As she embraced abstraction, she became captivated with artists Mark Rothko, Robert Rauschenberg, and William De Kooning. She looked to them for inspiration in her use of color, freedom of expression, shapes and forms. Alcala approaches each of her paintings in a meditative state. Beginning with a large wood panel— which she uses as her canvas—she spreads various tubes of paint around her until, “the colors intuitively pull me in,” as she says. She applies wide swaths of paint to each panel, one color after another, maintaining the purity of the various hues, then blends the edges of the colors.
Infinity, 2017 Mixed media on wood panel, resin coat 16” x 12”
Joe Caroff b. U.S.A.
“Caroff’s work is about the vital inner world of the artist as well as a response to the broader world and current events. Often suggestive narrative elements seep into abstract forms. Color accents the monochromatic. Forms define negative and positive space. Lines interface and rise from the surface. Through his work, Joe Caroff strives to unify diverse aesthetics and influences to create a unique internal harmony. His intuitive process – guided by the interaction between line, color and space – defines the direction of each work as it evolves.” – Tracy L. Adler, Director of the Ruth and Elmer Wlin Museum of Art
The Matron, 2005 mixed media 29” x 24.5” x 1.25” (framed)
Dario Campanile b. Italy, lives and works in U.S.A.
“My main goal,” says the artist “is to be able to express my true soul and continue my journey by taking risks and always allowing myself to explore new visions.” “Born in Rome, Italy, Dario started painting in oil at age 14. He spent time concentrating on painting in classical style influenced by Caravaggio and other great Italian Masters. He decided to experiment and continue discovering his own techniques. At age 18 he met the Italian master of metaphysical art, Giorgio de Chirico. By age 19, Dario Campanile started showing his art in a gallery in Rome called Galleria Esedera. In 1972 Dario met Salvador Dali in his home in Cadaques, Spain. Dario was offered much encouragement and inspiration to explore new techniques and compositions. In 1973 Dario Campanile decided to move to California after being invited for a one man show at the Acosta Gallery in Beverly Hills which was very successful. He experienced great success by accepting commissions for album and book covers for distinguished artists. In 1986, he was chosen to create the 75th Anniversary logo for Paramount Studios. His beautiful design of the famous mountain scene is seen in every Paramount publication today. Dario continues to exhibit his art at various galleries within the United States and presently resides in Maui, Hawaii.” (artrenewal.org)
The Doorway, 2017 Oil on canvas 60” x 48”
Stone Chen b. Taiwan, lives and works in the U.S.A.
Stone Chen is an active Taiwanese citizen, dedicated member of public service, and a culture enthusiast. Through his work, he has helped to integrate Taiwanese culture into the U.S. mainstream. As a child, Chen helped his family’s financial situation by selling paintings. Since then, he has displayed an adamant love of painting evident in his body of work. Chen graduated from the National Taiwan Normal University majoring in fine art, with a concentration in the Renaissance period. He also has teaching experience at the Chinese Culture University in Taipei. Most notably, his works were selected to show in the Tai-Yang Exhibition, a prestigious annual showcasing of Taiwanese artists at the forefront of their generation. After immigrating to the United States, Chen studied at the Pasadena Art Center, UCLA, Pomona College, and Southern Pacific University.
Big Ben, 2012 acrylic 37" x 49"
De La Torre Brothers b. Mexico, lives and works in both Mexico and the U.S.A.
“Brothers Einar and Jamex de la Torre were born in Guadalajara, México (1963 & 1960), where they grew up until a sudden family move to California in 1972. They are presently living and working on both sides of the border with studios in Ensenada, Mexico and San Diego, California. Jamex started flame-working glass in 1977, attended California State University at Long Beach, and received a BFA in Sculpture in 1983. Einar started work with glass in 1980, while also attending California State University at Long Beach. In the 1980s, they ran a flame-worked glass figure business while also developing their assemblage style of work. In the early 90s, they began working collaboratively as studio artists; later in the decade, they began work in installation art with participations in Biennales such as inSITE and Mercosul (Brazil). In the year 2000, the brothers began their work in public art; they now have six major projects completed. They have exhibited their work internationally, participating in exhibits in France, Japan, Canada, Germany, Venezuela, and Brazil, as well as the US and Mexico.” –Mindy Solomon Gallery
Wellness Mandala, 2017 Lenticular print, 13/20, aluminum frame, signed 23" x 23” x 1"
Maria Dolores Felix María Dolores's painting is filled with color and the intense vibration of a fresh composition that seems to catch, like an instant snapshot a thing of fleeting beauty. Nature is both a subject of study and an intimate journal of cotidian landscapes. A form of contemplation, a language that at first glance may appear to state the obvious, the beauty of a flower, the serenity of the tides, gratitude amongst sunflowers. In a more profound view the work evoques the complexity of human emotion and changing posture in the 30 years of professional work by the artist. Nature it's not the goal but the commitment.
Blue, 2017 Mixed media on canvas 58” x 75”
Pat Gainor U.S.A
"I love to manipulate the paint and find unique ways to use colors, shapes, textures and line to convey an idea or emotion. One of my series is based on the “M” theory espoused by Stephen Hawking. It contends that all matter and energy is composed of vibrating strings which can expand into membranes (branes). As these vibrating forces collide they create a break or wormhole leading into another dimension. This series (in Gallery 2, line 2) is my artistic impression to capture that thrilling and unfathomable moment of breakthrough. The goal of my art is to elicit an emotional response from the spectator. To further involve the viewer I often leave out a piece of the puzzle so it is open to personal interpretation."
Genesis, 2017 Mixed media 60” x 48”
Sonia Gold “I’m inspired by human beings, fascinated by human body’s movements, expressions, strength and grace. The major themes in my works are human intimate portraits that capture raw human emotions and emerge out of abstract composition. Each painting has been layered with multiple acrylic and oil pigments, then etched, carved and varnished to achieve subtle depth and surface luminosity. With color, texture and medium I try to create images that merges the abstract and the figurative, the order and chaos, shade and light. I want to celebrate the human, the marks people make on the world.”
Selfdistraction, 2016 Mixed media on canvas 30” x 40”
Memories, 2016 Mixed media on canvas 36” x 36”
Emily Halpern b. U.S.A.
“My paintings map my inner world. My process seeks to open the locked door of the unconscious through methods suggested by Surrealism. I use a square format that negates hierarchical narrative composition, whether top-to-bottom or left-to-right. As I work, I frequently rotate the canvas in order to disorient the view, helping new directions emerge and facilitating my stream of consciousness approach. Color is used to reconstruct different moods and to connect to fragmentary, cryptic narratives. My goal is to create "nowhere" spaces with an absence of horizon lines and populated by what psychoanalyst Carl Jung referred to as archetypal imagery such as flying and floating contraptions, rocks and snakes. The mark varies from heavy and textural to a light touch befitting the content of the piece. My intention is to engage by slipping away, leaving gaps for viewers to fill as a springboard for their own imaginations.” – Artist Statement
Falling in Love with Icarus, 2016 Mixed media, resin 16” x 16”
Tightrope Walking for People with Complicated Lives, 2016 Mixed media, resin 16” x 16”
Peggy Hinaekian U.S.A
Hinaekian is an internationally recognized artist whose works consist of a variety of mediums ranging from oils, acrylics, to collage, monotypes and etchings. Most notably, her etchings were distributed by Christie’s Contemporary Art, London, Edition de Francony, Nice, and Stuio Arco of Rome. Since then she has embraced abstract art and produced a great number of paintings on canvas along with collages on paper. She has exhibited extensively in Switzerland, France, England, Spain, Germany, Italy, Norway, Austria, Japan, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Canada, South Africa and the United States. Before pursuing art as a profession, Hinaekian was a fashion designer in Boston and Manhattan. As an artist, she is a multi-faceted creator with a deep interest in color—indeed, her hues can be seen as allusions to the natural wonders of the landscapes she has experienced during her worldwide travels. Hinaekian has a fascination with creative imagery and considers herself as a color field artist; she describes the nostalgic character of her work as atmospheric, poetic and quiet. She tries to breathe movement into her “abstract landscapes” (blue and earth colors) and “quiet collages” (where the dominant color is red, blue or black) to guide the viewer into the paintings and making them wander into a different reality.
Red Desert Yellow Sky, 2017 Acrylic 36” x 36”
Beliz Iristay b. Turkey, lives and works in Mexico and U.S.A.
Born in Izmir,Turkey, Iristay graduated from Dokuz Eylul Fine Art University with a focus on Turkish Ceramics Arts. She moved to both USA and Mexico in 2005. In her work, Beliz often uses the venerable traditions of her home country(s) and combines them with contemporary techniques. She collects the subject materials for her work from the traditions and politics of the countries she is living in. Iristay now passes on her ceramic knowledge by teaching in her studio in EnsenadaMexico. As an artist, she continues to explore new ways to develop her work in different forms. Iristay has shown her work internationally in Usa,Turkey and Mexico. She has been nominated for several arts grants and public art projects in San Diego, CA, as well as in Izmir,Turkey. Currently, she lives in two locations: Baja California, Mexico and in San Diego, California with her family.
El Luca Libre 2017 Low fired slip cast clay, handpainted acrylics, gold leaf, la bolsa de agua caliente 7” x 7” x 14”
Oskar Laffont U.S.A
Oskar Laffont is an award winning artist and filmmaker living in Los Angeles California. He describes his practice as Mystical Surrealism, often reinterpreting religious iconography and pop culture against modern day Los Angeles. Oskar started exhibiting his work in native Mexico at the age of 8 years old and after several solo exhibitions earned a scholarship study fine art in London where he earned his BA in Fine Art at the renowned Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. He then finished an MA in Filmmaking at the London Film School. He has exhibited in Europe, Mexico and the United States extensively. His documentary "Behind the Mountains" won him a Special Human Rights Award from the Mexican government for defending indigenous rights in the north of Mexico. He's currently the figurative painting teacher at the Palos Verdes Art Center and in pre-production of debut fiction film called "Hollywood Underground".
The Lovers, 2017 Oil on canvas 72� x 48�
Echo Lew b. Taiwan
“After several hours of preparation, I use just a single shot to complete each image. During an exposure time of approximately one minute, I manipulate lights in front of the camera to create ‘Light Drawings.’ Sometimes I invert the positive image to a negative one on a computer but otherwise the ‘Light Drawings’ are not manipulated. Sometimes I put the same positive and negative images side-by-side in the finished piece. . . I became curious about the effects of lights in motion. Could this become the basis of a new kind of drawing? I experimented with cameras and lights until I was able to spontaneously tap into decades of drawing experience while the camera’s shutter was open, bringing life to a series of ‘Light Drawings.’ The technique originated in 1914 when scientists Frank and Lillian Gilbreth used small lights and an open shutter to track the motions of factory workers. My light drawings are inspired by Jackson Pollock and Cy Twombly, whose paintings are composed with spontaneous actions, performances traced in time. I have been an abstract painter for many years, concerned with line, shape, composition and concept. Digital photography allows me to expand creatively while using an ultracontemporary medium with limitless potential. Art for me is an experimental adventure, a profound form of play.” – Artist Statement
Untitled_5424, 2014 Mixed media 48” x 60”
Maidy Morhous b. U.S.A.
An accomplished printmaker as well as sculptor Maidy Morhous was born in Upstate New York. She currently creates out of her studio in Del Mar thirty minutes north of San Diego, California. Morhous received her Master of Fine Arts degree while continuing studies at Stanley Hayter’s Atelier 17 in Paris, France in the mid-1970’s. Before returning to the States she traveled to Italy to study casting techniques at the Marinelli Foundry, in Florence. Morhous became fascinated with how bronze; a cold hard metal could take on such a soft sensuous appearance, and has since worked exclusively with bronze as her form of creative expression.
Doctor’s Orders!, 2016 Bronze 12” x 6” x 5”
Hung Viet Nguyen b. Vietnam, lives and works in U.S.A.
Hung Viet Nguyen was born in Vietnam in 1957. He studied Biology at Science University in Saigon, Vietnam, then transitioned to working as an illustrator, graphic artist and designer since settlement in the U.S. in 1982. He developed his artistry skills independently, studying many traditional Eastern and Western forms, media and techniques. Nguyen’s complex, labor intensive investigations of oil paint reveal a methodical mastery of texture. While portions of Nguyen’s work suggest the influence of many traditional art forms including woodblock prints, Oriental scroll paintings, ceramic art, mosaic, and stained glass, his ultimate expression asserts a contemporary pedigree.
Sacred Landscape III #38, 2017 Oil on canvas 84” x 48”
Jeehye Shin b. South Korea, lives and works in U.S.A.
Jeehye was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1979 and spent most of her adolescence in Korea. A new chapter in her life began when she moved to the United States in January 2000. Her life as an artist began as she completed her undergraduate studies majored in Illustration at Parsons School of Design in New York in 2005 and continued her studies majored in 3D Animation at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 2010.She realized that she was truly passionate about illustration and decided to take a courageous turn towards a different path in the Art world. Doing 3D animation served as an opportunity for her to realize that her true passion lied in Illustration.She believes simple drawing implement such as markers or pens are best materials. With this emphasis on her drawings, she creates lines even with very limited colors, black and white, and focuses on negative spaces.
Pig with Pearl Necklace Digital print (edition of 50) 20” x 17.5”
Gloomy Owl Digital print (edition of 50) 14” x 17.5”
Shinpei Takeda Shinpei Takeda is a visual artist and filmmaker. His works involve a wide range of themes regarding memories and history. He uses multi-media installations, sound interventions, documentary films, large-scale photography installations, and collaborative community projects in various public contexts. Shinpei is also a Founder and Creative Director of The AJA Project, a nonprofit dedicated to working with resettled refugee children in San Diego and displaced youth in Colombia and Thailand using a participatory photography. As a documentary filmmaker he works on films with diverse topics including pre-WWII Japanese immigration to Tijuana, Mexico and the atomic bomb survivors living in the Americas (Atopus Studio). As an artist, he creates site-specific installations / interventions such as an outdoor urban photo montage in collaboration with the community, or visual installations on floor of a gallery. As a performance artist, he directs Ghost Magnet Roach Motel, a noise performance unit from Tijuana, Mexico.
Trinity 72 years after, 2017 Acryl on canvas 71� x 83�
Marion Wood “The joy and pain of creating is another duality I explored in this work. The physical act of painting, a messy and explorative undertaking, is the core of my connection to each piece. I chose to inhabit my paintings and move within them the way you would inhabit a location in the more traditional sense; by wandering, searching, reveling, taking risks, failing, feeling the natural flow, getting messy.”
Downtown Rain, 2017 Acrylic 60” x 48”
Jody Wiggins U.S.A.
“My world of Art has given me a life with deep valleys and huge plateaus. Often I uncover ideas and dreams never possible without the constant urge to attempt new avenues on paper, canvas and wood. The unknown world has given me a purpose to create; to explore and to deliver. I want to try new techniques and learn from what works and what doesn’t. The adventure of art is my gift to myself. Pablo Picasso said, ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away!’ Life is as busy and complicated as I want to make it so I’ve decided to make the time and the effort to just paint. The more I paint; the more I learn. Some days are dreadful while others shower me with inner peace.” – Artist Statement
Galactica, 2017 Watercolor 30” x 38” (matted, framed)
David Zhuang Jinghui Zhuang is a well-known pupil of Daqian Zhang’s student, the president of America’s Daqian Zhang Art Association, the president of America’s Oriental Association, and the Director of Western East Historical Antiques Collector Association.
The Imagination of the Universe, 2017 Chinese Xuan paper, acrylic, ink 40” x 40” (framed)
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