And Pens presents,
Sexy Lil’ Art Show
a group show curated by Darin Klein
Opening reception
Saturday March 9, 2024 from 6-9 pm
at
And Pens
4533 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA.
On display through April 1
Featuring the works of:
Ron Abram • Devendra Banhart • Happy Hour Ceramics • Mark Golamco • Mattazine Society • Oat Montien • sweaterqueens • WILE Scents • Frank Xarate
*with performances by Tyris Winter and Mark Golamco at 8pm
Info:
Sexy Lil’ Art Show at And Pens Art Book Store and Gallery in Eagle Rock to feature drawings, paintings, artists’ books, zines, ceramic sculptures, perfume, and fine art prints – all exploring intimacy, erotica, sex, sexuality, longing, and desire. Artists represented in the exhibition hail from Bangkok, Thailand; Buenaventura, Colombia; Granville, OH; Los Angeles, CA; and Portland, OR. Free admission, open to the public.
Master printer Ron Abram’s etchings and aquatints explore popular myth and stereotypes by including representations of Mexican Vaqueros that historically inspired the American Cowboy. In doing so, the work envisions a queer dance across our borderlands. Internationally renowned musician Devendra Banhart’s visual work represents “…a constellation of references akin to an Allen Ginsberg poem.” (Hyperallergic). Classically trained Viola player Mark Golamco’s musical background and visual art education have led him to create performances that combine his original music with artwork that ranges from painting, drawing, dance, and video. Happy Hour Ceramics (Ashley Campbell and Brian Porray) are lovers and best friends who make small-batch ceramic objects and home goods. Inspired by midcentury California design, Las Vegas signage, and Memphis furniture, the works in Sexy Lil’ Art Show mark the worldwide debut of their new line of whimsical dildo and butt plug inspired sculptures. Mattazine Society is a queer zine collective helmed by artist and Tom of Finland
Foundation Artist Coordinator José Tinoco and artist Mark Timothy Hayward based in Los Angeles that publishes the ongoing series of fanzines, “For the Love of…” The series has profiled personalities Holly Woodlawn / Joe Dallasandro, Dennis Cooper, Kristian Hoffman, Cookie Mueller, and Julius Eastman. Oat Montien, 2022 and 2023 Tom of Finland Foundation Artist in Residence, has always been inspired by sexuality and nightlife. His background in museology has geared his artistic practice towards queering the historical canon. His drawings and paintings interrogate the intimacy between artist and model, with strong emphasis on their gender identities. sweaterqueens is prvtdncr and bodega vendetta. The duo have exhibited their collaborative work at venues and in exhibitions including Bitches Rule cycles 1-4, Luis De Jesus, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Annual Queer Pile-Up!, Upstairs at Paul’s, and Printed Matter’s LA Art Book Fair at the Geffen Contempory at MOCA in Los Angeles; [ 2nd floor projects ] in San Francisco; Printed Matter in NYC; Private Places in Portland, OR; and Dog & Pony in Spokane, WA. Their work has been described as “encrusted” in Artforum. WILE is an unapologetic and uncensored fine fragrance brand envisioned by Dan Lang with no limitations, inspired by the way scent unravels with the warmth of bare skin and the use of scent in intimate spaces. Spring 2024 Tom of Finland Foundation Artist in Residence Frank Xarate is a Black and Indigenous artist from Colombia, now based in Argentina whose work explores connections between the foundational imagery of his childhood dreams, Indigenous heritage, and modern life.
An ever-expanding, analog network of collaborators, Darin Klein & Friends presents dynamic and engaging exhibitions, arts programming, and artists’ publications. Collective endeavors have been featured in venues including Wexner Center for the Arts (Columbus, OH); Amy Adler’s Echo Park Studio, Craft Contemporary, Hammer Museum, LACMA, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, Outfest Platinum, Printed Matter’s LA Art Book Fair (Geffen Contemporary at MoCA), REDCAT Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater, and Tom of Finland Art and Culture Festival (Los Angeles); Yale University (New Haven, CT); MOMA, Printed Matter’s NY Art Book Fair (Dia:Chelsea, Philips de Pury, MOMA PS1), and White Columns (New York); and 54th San Francisco International Film Festival, Baer Ridgeway / 2nd floor projects, ESP, New Langton Arts, scene/escena, SFMOMA, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (San Francisco). With Saskia Wilson-Brown and the Institute for Art and Olfaction, Darin Klein & Friends has co-produced Scent Fair LA in 2016, 2018, and 2023.