July 8, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Experience “The Beauty Of Inner Truth” At JNA Gallery In Santa Monica:

JNA Gallery at Bergamot Station this weekend presents the new exhibit “The Beauty of Inner Truth” – an exhibition of mixed media works by the Iranian-born artist Fariba Ameri (pictured right).

An opening reception will be held Saturday, July 13 from 6-9 pm.

Each of Ameri’s paintings tell the story of “woman” and the common challenges faced by individuals of differing cultural origins through the ages.

The exhibition will run through Sept. 1.

Ameri’s work is influenced by her personal experiences as a woman with a diverse, multi-cultural heritage.

Her inclusive worldview was shaped by a mélange of Eastern and Western cultures which are reflected in her artistic style and sensibilities.

“The Beauty of Inner Truth” speaks to this complexity that Ameri likens to a “thousand-piece puzzle.”

Many of her subjects, like herself, are immigrants.

“We could all be considered immigrants of the world, women and men alike, in search of our own destiny and purpose,” Ameri said. “We cannot survive time but our stories will. This is how we become immortal.”

Using mixed media, strong contrasting colors, and animated brush strokes, her work has an intense physicality.

Drawing upon Persian and other mythological themes, symbolic objects (both painted on the canvas and/or embedded) such as fans, head-dresses, jewels and elaborate adornments, Ameri highlights the contrast between what is seen and what is hidden – the creative and expressive side that struggles for personal meaning and validation.

The mysterious and evocative faces that peer back from Ameri’s canvases challenge the traditional notion of a woman’s identity solely represented through her physical beauty.

“As a visual story-teller, I am shaped by my past as much as by my present; in between are the values of various cultures,” she said. “What has evolved from my Western and Eastern experiences is a commitment to the freedom of self-expression and a respect for individualism. I feel as Virginia Woolf did who wrote ‘As a woman I have no country. As a woman my country is the whole world.’ I believe that I am a part of a larger world that surpasses nationality and religion.”

Born in 1959 in Tehran into a multicultural family of Russian, German, and Iranian origins, Ameri began to paint at age 14 inspired by a book about Van Gogh.

Having finished her high school education in Leysin American School in Switzerland, she moved to the United States in 1977, where she got her BA at the University of Southern California.

With the outbreak of the Iranian revolution in 1979, she made California her permanent home.

The JNA is located in the Bergamot Station Arts Center, 2525 Michigan Avenue, D4, Santa Monica.

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 12-5 pm.

For more information, call 310.315.9502 or visit www.jnagallery.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: Architect Eric Owen Moss Debuts Shape-Shifting Design

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Pistachio-Colored Marvel Boasts Curving Walls, Sharp Angles, and Challenging Design A striking residence in Santa Monica is turning heads with...

Caitlyn Jenner’s Friend and Former Foundation CEO Dies in Malibu ATV Crash

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

ATV Plummeted 350 Feet After Rear-Ending Vehicle in Malibu Sophia Hutchins, former CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation and longtime...

New SaMo Bridge Program Refers 56 People in First Month; 37 Connected to Services

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

According to city officials, the program is on pace to meet its goal of serving 260 individuals annually Santa Monica’s...

Multi-Family Venice Property on Rare Double Lot Lists at Over $5M

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

In total, the four units provide 5,398 square feet of living space A multi-family property located one block from Venice...

Hama Sushi Hosts Weekly Music and Comedy Open Mics

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The venue, a Venice Beach staple since 1979, has recently expanded its legendary happy hour to the entire patio Hama...

Connections Breakfast to Network Local Business Professionals in Malibu

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The event, sponsored by Malibu Country Mart, will feature a breakfast mixer where attendees can meet new contacts  A Connections...

12th Annual Gopher Scramble Golf Tournament to Benefit Venice Heritage Museum

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The museum opened to the public in March 2024 at the Main Street Design Center with its inaugural exhibition, “This...