Chelsea Dean and Donald Krieger at Happy November 6, 2009

Exhibitions: November 6 - November 29, 2009

Opening reception: Friday, November 6, 6-9pm

HAPPY is pleased to present “Vestiges of the Original Plan”, an exhibition of new work by Los Angeles artist Chelsea Dean. Dean offers drawings and photographic light boxes showcasing the mid-century modern architecture of Rudolph Schindler, Richard Neutra and John Lautner - three influential architects of the twentieth century whose most important work can be found in South California. Dean’s pristine drawings and photographs of selected Southern California structures honor and document these aging and, in some cases, deteriorating monuments. As the elements and years of neglect wreak havoc on these symbols of perfection, Dean comes to terms with her own artistic concerns by allowing the elements (rain, sun, pollution) to wreak havoc directly on her photographs. In addition, Dean’s painstakingly rendered drawings are further manipulated by the artist in an act of self-defiance that allows her to collect, re-create and ultimately let go. Dean’s celebration of these icons is cautionary and situates the artist as detective, conservator, historian, performer and martyr. “Vestiges of the Original Plan” is a memorial to passing perfection. Chelsea Dean was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and has a BA in Studio Art from the University of Puget Sound and an MFA in Drawing from Claremont Graduate University.

In our project room Donald Krieger produces a site-specific installation entitled “A Garland for Walt Whitman”. Using a series of quotes and images pertaining to and taken directly from the life and work of the celebrated American poet Walt Whitman, Krieger honors the writer with a garland that will emerge from Happy’s closet and travel the span of the showroom. Krieger collaborates with Whitman creating intimate keepsakes with striking imagery that is political, subversive, cryptic and whimsical. Krieger takes the essence of Whitman’s work and gives us a fusion of writer and artist, mentor and messenger. Donald Krieger is a painter, performance artist, curator, graphic designer and musician born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He received his BFA from UC Irvine and an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts. He lives and works in Los Feliz.

Official Website: http://www.happyonlinestore.blogspot.com