Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
LOS ANGELES, CA—- Due to the mandatory closing of all non essential business, Art Angels LA has had to close its’ gallery doors temporarily. Wanting to find a way of bringing art to the community, Gallery owners Kat Emery and Jacquelin Napal commissioned one of their favorite artists; PUNKMETENDER to paint and install a mural on the exterior of the gallery.
The beautiful and timely mural is one example of how small businesses are reflecting themes of resilience to the community and supporting their artists during uncertain times.
“We chose PUNKMETENDER because butterflies are a powerful symbol of hope and transformation in a period of challenging and uncertain times,” says Kat Emery, co-owner of Art Angels Los Angeles. “He is the hero we needed and he certainly delivered on this mural, bringing the life of the gallery to the streets in this time of closure.”
To many cultures, the butterfly is a symbol of a battle won, a beautiful goal achieved through perseverance. After all, only through the chrysalis can the plain caterpillar reach the heights of the butterfly. However, the butterfly’s most common symbolism is one pertaining to growth and progress. It teaches us to be aware of the heights we could reach, and to consciously work towards the summit. It reminds us that the long journey behind us is daunting — it is meant to be this way.
“We hope the mural is a reminder of connection and inspiring to the community,” say Jacquelin Napal, co-owner of Art Angels LA. “After all, only through trials can we really taste the sweetness of victory.”
“After the mandatory closure of the gallery all our fine art specialists started working immediately from home,” said Kat Emery, co-owner of Art Angels. “We are utilizing all our online platforms to assist collectors with their art choices including exhibition videos and view in room programs,” adds Emery. “It has never been easier to purchase art from the comfort of your own home.”
Art Angels’ website gallery provides View in Room functionality for every artwork, the latest online viewing rooms, updated on future exhibitions.
For high resolution images, click here: EXTERIOR MURAL. To interview gallery founders or the artist, contact Julie Du Brow or Shaun Thompson above.
————————————————
PUNKMETENDER | Series Statement
The mysterious artist Punk Me Tender is known for his very graphic, raw form of art. Inspired by women, fashion, and style, his art offers a new look on the female body, claiming that desire is the biggest drive in everybody’s soul.
?Born in France on September 4th, 1982, the artist came to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams. Whether it is art in the form of graffiti, a mural, or photography, his works are always a surprise and unexpected. Like many artists, Punk Me Tender doesn’t have a strategy for his art. He only acts based on instinct and doesn’t follow any rules. Much of his photography has themes of sensuality and wanting.
??His murals show women in varied color schemes and are a sensation. His mixed media pieces utilize black and white photography, bright splashes of pinks and blues, and incorporate real pieces of clothing. The artist maintains that a mix of graffiti and fabric is an original approach that never fails to intrigue and captivate the viewer.
?
??His identity is kept secret in order to maintain freedom and express himself as he desires. When interviewed he uses a surrogate, such as a model, to speak for him. The artist sees women as heroes and has a deep passion for them.
VIEW THE COLLECTION
ARTWORKS – INSTALLATIONS
About Art Angels Los Angeles Gallery
With flagship galleries in Los Angeles and Miami and permanent art curations in Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, Eden Roc Hotel Miami Beach and Catch Restaurant Los Angeles, Art Angels was founded in 2013 by Jacquelin Napal and Kat Emery. Art Angels’ contemporary and provocative style has attracted collectors from around the world. Art Angels describe themselves as a premium luxury brand who are inviting and very approachable. The Gallery exhibits a selection of both established and emerging artists, offering a truly eclectic mix for their clientele. Showcasing a number of barrier breaking exhibitions including David Yarrow, Russell Young, Flore, Nick Veasey and Mike Dargas to name a few, the gallery was quick to build a cult following – so much so that they have recently expanded their LA gallery and recently opened a new space in Miami, with more to come. The rapidly successful gallery has become the go-to destination for artists and collectors alike, who want to be a part of something visionary and unique. Now one of the leading galleries in Los Angeles and a major player in the art and creativity sphere, the gallery has a core team of art specialists dedicated to providing collectors, designers, developers and corporations with the tools needed to offer innovative and creative art from around the world. For more information on Art Angels Galleries, upcoming exhibitions and current collections, contact Gerry Conedy, Gallery Director at Art Angels LA, 619.994.3130. 9020 Beverly Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90048. www.artangels.net. Instagram: @art_angels.
