Punks of all stripes descended upon the Merry Karnowsky gallery to celebrate 25 years of Alternative Press, a Cleveland-based youth culture magazine. The publication, famous for their coverage of emerging alternative music, chose to commemorate their anniversary by asking members of past-featured bands like Garbage, Marilyn Manson, Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Alkaline Trio, and others to take part in an art exhibit.
The VIP party didn't look like your typical gallery crowd - sleek, euro-styled critics sipping white wine were nowhere to be found. Instead, goths enjoyed catering by Pinches Tacos and young punk fans snapped photos of themselves next to souvenirs of famous concerts.
Several of the artist-musicians who took part in the exhibit came to see their work on display and mingle with fans. Musicians Tim Armstrong of bands Rancid and Operation Ivy, Liz McGrath of Miss Derringer, Carla Azar of Autolux, and Porter McKnight of Atreyu stood by their pieces and praised Alternative Press to the skies for supporting them during their early days.
Liz McGrath's "Ophelia's Head," was one of the most visually intriguing works in the exhibit. The resin and fiberglass sculpture was covered in gold-leaf and studded with crystals and semi-precious stones collected while she was on tour last year. McGrath is also an established artist, explaining, "the art is how I make my living, and the music is more my passion."
Artist Shepard Fairey contributed four pieces to the exhibit, based on the creation of LP covers. He said, "I always say art should be more like music - it should be more democratic, more visceral."
Curious to see if your favorite rock stars can also paint? Then this exhibit is a must-see. The opening reception is Saturday, July 10 from 8pm-11pm and the exhibit runs until July 24.
Merry Karnowsky Gallery
170 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.933.4408