ART IN THE TIME OF CORONA™ VOL.1

GALLERY EXHIBITION | LOS ANGELES

5/31/21 - 8/1/21

The Dab Art Co. is please to present an exhibition of contemporary artwork created during civil uncertainty at our Main Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles.

ART IN THE TIME OF CORONA™ Vol.1 was launched at the start of the pandemic and open for artist participation until December 31st, 2020. Of the 1,304 submissions we received, 455 pieces selected for the ongoing online exhibition. With all the incredible work to choose from, our curatorial staff was somehow able to narrow down their choices to an even more exclusive group of only 72 gallery exhibitors to display their work in 3 different cities including Ventura, Los Angeles and Mexico City

As quarantines come to an end and mandates are lifted, our resilience as artists have proven to be the foundation for social unit.

Director and curator in chief Yessíca Torres wrote and released an essay about the importance of art and artists in a turbulent time. For almost 10 years Yessíca’s passion for contemporary art and commitment to the exploration of the artist process have been reflected in her gallery program, taking a progressive and in some ways rebellious approach to art exhibitions. Her mission with ART IN THE TIME OF CORONA™ proposes an unconventional solution to keeping contemporary art relevant, propelling the art experience forward and promoting the valuable role artists will play in this time of global crisis.

The goal of this innovative project is to record and exhibit (in real time) defining artwork. Her hope is to unite viewers and help them find the sanctity, comfort and inspiration needed to heal a world in turmoil.

Viewable Online | ARTSY

Gallery Reception Saturday, June 26th 5-7p | 334 S Main St, No.5001, Los Angeles, CA | PARKING

ARTISTS ON EXHIBIT

JANET MILHOMME

ELOISE LARSON

TERRI LLOYD

MUKA

MARGARET REALICA

ERIN HOUGHTALING

MAX STEELE

LYNDA LEVY

KRYSTAL KOOP

LESLIE KITASHIMA GRAY

ELYANA SHAMSELANGEROODI

MUMTAZ ESSA

ART IN THE TIME OF CORONA™

During global turmoil, history dictates that art and artists matter more than ever. Artistic representations created in times of plagues, wars, persecution, political uncertainty, migration and natural disasters are significant, revered and even celebrated. In contrast to the media artist’s do not report on events, they record personal experiences. The artwork put forth by these creative correspondents reflect the realities of their lives, families and communities. 

Our current media outlets and news cycles can be unreliable, biased and sometimes discriminatory. Through such instability, artists can create an escape, inspire change and restore the human spirit. The world’s unity and restoration of hope will be accomplished through the work of muralists, sculptors, painters and photographers; as they will be the ones who observe and record the world’s truth.

Artwork doesn’t have to be sold to have value; but it does have to be made and it does have to be viewed. Art made in the time of Corona is unique in that we are experiencing this world health crisis in the digital age. Even though precautionary safety measures have closed major museums and manifested exhibition challenges for private galleries; art can still be viewed, it can be enjoyed and most importantly, it can make a difference. The online art community is abundant and thriving in spite of city quarantines and social upheaval. 

My expectation during this time of unrest is that artists will find meaningful perspective in chaos and construct defining artwork. My hope is that the viewer will follow suite and recognize the importance of the contemporary work being created in this moment.

Salud, 
Yessíca Torres