Seven Days, Santa Monica, Art Gallery

New Exhibition At TAG Gallery On Show Through Dec. 21

Posted Dec. 6, 2013, 9:40 am

Mitch James / Mirror Contributor

An opening reception will be held this Saturday at TAG Gallery in Santa Monica for a new exhibition featuring the works of Shelley Lazarus, Ernie Marjoram, and Jane Peterson.

The reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 5 pm to 8 pm.

An artist talk will be held next Saturday, Dec. 14 from 3 pm to 4 pm.

As a watercolor and mixed media artist, Lazarus’ latest series looks fondly at her native city of New York, and her current homes in Los Angeles and Ventura.

Lazarus’ expressive brushwork portrays sentimental moments and landscapes with a mixed media technique combining watercolor, acrylics, graphite, and colored pencil.

In her current show, “Multiples,” Lazarus made her focus on the subject of grouping.

“I grew up as one of five children and I learned that we all have to form our own identity,” Lazarus said. “This show is about that dynamic – shining through as part of a group.”

From iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Chrysler building to Ventura seascapes and more intimate interiors, Lazarus uses the idea of multiples to explore different perspectives.

Proceeds will benefit the Robert David Lazarus Pulmonary Rehabilitation unit at Cedars Sinai Hospital.

Borne out of his previous food studies of decadent main courses, artist Marjoram’s current exhibition is a playful look at candies and confections in their various shapes and sizes.

Marjoram’s magnified perspective provides a glimpse into a sea of truffles, salt water taffy, foil-wrapped Hershey’s Kisses and nostalgic treats.

The result is a vibrant study in color, as well as detailed pattern and texture.

“I have a sweet tooth the size of Texas,” Marjoram said, who said his current work was more than a natural choice. “I saw this series as an opportunity to work with fun color and transparency.”

Ribbed, colorful gummy worms become studies in transparent color gradation, while cellophane candy wrappers appear as reflective abstractions.

Compositions are closely cropped to emphasize line and shape, referencing traditional still life, while exploring oil painting with a contemporary approach.

Transitioning from her previous series Pith and Vinegar, mixed media artist Peterson’s current exhibition uses characters to communicate contrasting human emotions of fear, trust, and comfort. Using current events as a reference, Peterson’s characters’ are expressive vehicles constructed from a range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional media including oil on canvas, pen and ink, and digital painting.

Peterson’s figures are startlingly grotesque, yet familiar, as insects and shape-shifting human amalgams convey mixed passions and anxieties.

Detailed antennae and liquid forms make reference to surrealism, while Peterson’s mixed media arrangements hold personal value to the artist.

In a series of photographs, Peterson injects herself into the composition, communicating directly with her characters and the core struggle within.

The bridge between real and surreal is blurred, as the Peterson poses the question of what world is our own.

This new exhibition will run through Dec. 21, 2013.

TAG Gallery is located at 2525 Michigan Ave. D3 (Bergamot Station), Santa Monica. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm.

For more information, call 310. 829.9556 or visit www.taggallery.net.