SMEAR – I’m Tired of Being Sexy

Will Potter – Listen to What the Nice Lady Says

August 15 – August 29

Opening Reception, Saturday August 15th, 6 – 10pm

Filled with references to growing up in East Hollywood, SMEAR’s artwork incorporates these images to create a fascinating puzzle. Colorful and innocent at first glance, these urban compositions unveil a more complicated story. Upon closer inspection, the imagination of a non-conformist becomes evident as it unleashed a singular perspective.

Lawrence Asher Gallery also introduces photographer Will Potter who captures moments of everyday life unfettered by pre-conceived notions. Potter’s glimpses of Los Angeles transform and refresh the city as if newly discovered.

Please join us for the opening reception of these exceptional exhibitions on Saturday, August 15th, 2009, 6 – 10 pm. 

Lawrence Asher Gallery is located at 5820 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, across the street from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and adjacent to the Craft and Folk Art Museum. Parking is available on Wilshire Blvd., along Stanley Ave and behind 5858 Wilshire Boulevard. 

The Artists

SMEAR - I paint because I have no choice. After being an ink-stained graffiti writer in the streets of Los Angeles for more years than I care to disclose, the choice of making marks on surfaces with some sort of tool is out of my hands. I only have (some) control in choosing which surfaces I will use

I paint the world around me and the world inside me. I mix up the ingredients and put down the impressions I get while it's all still hot and fresh...I give it to you raw. Crime transformed into art. An obsessive addiction transforming into another manifestation of the same addiction. I paint because I have no choice. - SMEAR

SMEAR, Al Jafee, 2009, limited edition giclee print

WILL POTTER - Throughout the day moments occur…little pieces of time revealing themselves in a life so brief it is almost immeasurable.   They quietly step out of hiding, not necessarily wanting to be seen but are, instead, simply there. It’s this simple magic that never ceases to amaze and inspire me.  Discovering and sharing these moments provide a window to my reality…one quite different from what CNN and the New York Times tell me is real.

I grew up in Pittsburgh, our house set back about 200 yards off a series of major rail lines stretching alongside the Ohio River.  Late at night, dead silence would rip open with the cry of a rail horn, the train running so close to the house that my bedroom would shake and rumble as though it were going to explode.  Rather than being afraid, I was excited.  Excited and exhilarated!  It was in these moments that I felt absolutely anything was possible.  That horn calling out, begging me to join in as it raced off to the dark unknown. - WP

Will Potter, SharonInspirasian, 2009, lambda digital c-print