TAG Gallery is delighted to share the works of artists Michael Burnham, Gianna Vargas, and Garo Ourfalian. Their upcoming solo exhibits open August 11. Visit our website and social media for updates on opportunities to view the works virtually and in person. Please call TAG Gallery for viewing opportunities when Stay Home orders are lifted.
August 11 – September 5
Michael Burnham
Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously
Gianna Vargas
Shelter At Home
Garo Ourfalian
0 to 1
Michael Burnham
Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously
Existentialist philosopher Jean Paul Sarte once stated “We are all condemned to be free.” In Sarte’s mind and philosophy life functions as a weight of sorts around one’s neck, a heavy sentence of responsibility in a dark meaningless world. In Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously, Burnham challenges the notion that life is a constant burden, instead opting to find humor and levity amongst the randomness of the constant adversity of everyday life. As such, Burnham has mastered the art of leaning into accepting the concept of personal responsibility, finding meaning and purpose within his life. Burnham applies these principles to his practice as well, photographing his subjects from unique and interesting angles, inserting a sense of child-like inquisitiveness in each composition.
Life Is Too Important To Be Taken Seriously revels in the “burden” of responsibility with a celebratory tone, to the point of giddiness, subscribing to the idea that accepting responsibility for one’s own life opens the door to incalculable possibilities that can overwhelm the mind to the point of nonsensical absurdity.
Gianna Vargas
Shelter At Home
In creating the paintings for this show, Vargas strove to create beautiful artwork that is both dynamic and optimistic. “I wanted the work to project an idea: though often changeable and unsettling, life can be beautiful and hopeful. I recognize the value of belonging and community and also that many people lack this opportunity. For foster youth aging out of their foster home, being thrust into the world without a family can be depressing and daunting. ASOH supports foster youth as they transition into independent housing by transforming empty apartments into beautiful homes.”
How does one create a sense of home? Quality furnishings designed with care and beautiful art on the walls can impart prestige and a sense of worth to the individual who resides there. It says, “You are worth having wonderful things.”
My technique for these paintings was to use layer and abstraction to create amorphous organic shapes that draw in the viewer and allow them to escape into color. I used a variety of marks such as drips, brushstrokes, and line. I mostly let the paint do what it wanted with my gentle direction. The end result is work that is engaging and will leave the viewer with a sense of hope. I am so proud that this work will help to create a sense of home." 100% of net proceeds will be donated to ASOH.
Garo Ourfalian
0 to 1
In 0 to 1, Ourfalian utilizes oil paints and mark making in an effort to investigate and traverse the powerful ability of art to shift our consciousness and emotional state. As such, this work is aimed at molding the viewers sensibilities into what it is they so desire to receive from within. Whether it be broadening our perspectives or finding value in the unexpected, the intent is to reach uncharted territories.
A self taught artist who moved to Los Angeles in his 20’s, Ourfalian found a fertile ground for more inspiration through Southern California’s profound diversity. As a result, he aimed to expand his inquisitive mind by branching out from his Middle Eastern traditions, creating an abyss that was eventually filled with cultural influence from all over the world. The melting of different cultures, styles, and languages assisted in Ourfalian uncovering a new realm of complexities within himself along with the sudden realization that his current location was just a sizably larger version of what he experienced in the Middle East.
Ourfalian uses his practice as a means of understanding himself, human behavior, and social interactions. Shapes, symbols, colors, and are key figures in his work; as such, his practice elicits a timeless, yet emotional impact on viewers. “Every human interaction drives me to create symbolic art and images that penetrate the psyche behind action and behavior.” He also states, “Life may be a series of choices, but art never was... It is as basic a need as air and water.”
Now Accepting Art: 2020 California Open
Deadline To Submit: August 8.
Acceptance Announced August 18. Apple Here.
The 15th Annual 2020 California Open is a national juried competition celebrating contemporary and modern art hosted by TAG Gallery.
