At the end of May, Hibbleton hosted the unveiling of three new zines titled Hibbleton Independent, Dash, and Lexicon Polaroid. The event was held at Violet Hour; a warehouse located on West Santa Fe in downtown Fullerton. The entire event was extremely fun and extremely random. The random part is mainly related to the decor that came with the warehouse. Objects such as giant glowing rabbit heads and oddly displayed mannequins are at the top of the list, but before the decor is explained, lets focus on the magazines themselves.
The main magazine of the night, the Hibbleton Independent, is the most diverse of the three; containing everything from interviews and short stories, to comics. Its main focus is mainly on previous art shows that the gallery has held, as well as interviews with the artists. Similar to Hibbleton’s magazine is Dash, which is the official Literary Journal of Cal State University Fullerton and contains everything from short stories and poetry to art. The final literary creation presented was Lexicon Polaroid. Created by local poet Mike Harper (who performed at the event), this magazine contains mainly poetry and art. The artwork for this magazine goes beyond the inside pages to the binding, which was done by hand with thread. It’s easy to see that a great amount of time and effort was put into all three zines. The bonus is that each magazine contains enough of its own creativity to keep readers interested.
Though these three magazines were the main focus of the night, the festivities that went with it were just as intriguing. Included were a few performances from local bands such as AUDACITY, The Waltz, and Light Music. Each band performed wonderfully, the only complication was the screen behind them. Playing behind every performer that night was the film Dead Man, which was placed on repeat and silenced. Though the rugged and old west style of the film went very well with the style of music performed; it was hard to focus on who was playing. Given the chance to focus on the band or watch Johnny Depp on the screen, it seemed to be Johnny Depp that won.
Along with music was some spoken poetry. Steven Westbook and Mike Harper performed. The good thing about Harper’s performance was that the people who enjoyed it had the option of purchasing Lexicon Polaroid which he created. Out of the two, Steven Westbook stood out the most. His contemporary and humorous poems were obviously enjoyed. So much in fact that most could not keep a straight face. One thing has to be said about his performance, and this is advice for Hibbleton gallery; could you please have an art show based around Steven Westbook? It is pretty safe to say that it would be truly fantastic.
With the magazines, music, poetry, and Johnny Depp covered, the only thing left to mention is the space itself. Violet Hour is actually a warehouse-like studio that owners Michael and Candace Magoski rent out for major events. Its a strange venue that calls to mind everything from old abandon homes to Andy Warhol’s Factory. When you first walk in you will notice a highly decorated golf cart, with a giant pink rabbit head resting on top with glowing green eyes. Across from it is a worn out pink velvet couch that faces a pull down projection screen. When the screen is rolled up a back room is revealed that has multiple intense high fashion-like black and white photographs (created by Michal and Candace) as well as strangely decorated mannequins popping out of large pots. At night this place is quite creepy. Having never seen it in the daylight, its hard to imagine it any other way. But it cannot go unnoticed that this unique (and slightly scary) atmosphere helped to create an interesting and successful night. Had this event been anywhere else, the feel and views of the performers would have been different. Even the presentation of the magazines just would not have been the same. This unconventional space made the night what it was. So congrats to Hibbleton Independent, Dash, and Lexicon Polaroid, your unveiling and magazines all were (and are) a success.
It’s no secret that Hibbleton art show openings are exciting and eventful. I’ve done a few reviews regarding the quality of art and space that is Hibbleton Gallery. But this current show went beyond the normal wine and crackers. Personal Kingdoms had a very active opening. Active because they had audience participation that involved “Best Handshake” “Chubby Bunny” and a “Dance Off.” It’s not often that you get to go to an art show where you, the viewer, are supposed to create. But with this opening, guest were able to show off their own creativity and get rewarded.
Getting rewarded at an art show isn’t a common thing, especially in these economic times, when money is tight and not everyone can spend like they used to. Art shows are just not the same. But artist Jesse Chapo is trying to make it so that anyone (with a little creativity) can have an original piece of his art. That’s why at the opening of his solo show Personal Kingdoms, there were mini competitions where the viewers could go home that night with a personal, one of a kind, signed work of art, at no cost.
Jesse Chapo is an artist on the rise. His work has been shown and published all over the world. For this show, he created a world of unique looking characters; focusing mainly on kings, crowns, and jewels to explore ideas that have to do with personal isolation/selfishness versus community.
Hibbleton Gallery says that Chapo’s work manages to “‘Utilize a playful menagerie of characters” and that his work “looks closely at personal identity, social interactions and the interrelations of the two. The awkwardness of strangers in tight areas, the constant bickering and fighting that occurs between families and lovers and the unease we often have with our appearance and visual identities are a few of the ideas he explores in this exhibit.”
Exploring relationships is not a new topic for artists, but being in Orange County where image seems to be everything, and how you present yourself is who you are, this show brings to light the importance and results of those types of relationships. Chapo even mused; “How you visually present yourself affects your interactions with others.” His visual presentation was a happy bright colorful collection of interaction. One that you will regret if you do not go and see.
Both Costa Mesa and Fullerton have managed to have major art show openings on the same night, and both look to be very promising. Skaters, surfers, and lumberjacks are the stars tonight, and while these may seem a bit random, they are all equally enjoyable and entertaining. So get ready to head to both GoRilla gallery in Santa Ana and Hibbleton gallery in Fullerton, because based on the artwork showing… neither is going to disappoint.
Andy Jenkins, a legendary figure in the skating world, presents in this exhibition several large mixed media pieces incorporating unexpected materials such as admission tickets, car registrations, baggage tags, Democratic ballots receipts, foreign money, as well as selected bail-bond and hymnal literature. All of this is pasted onto large framed what appears to be tea stained boards. This collection of random and significant paper items makes Jenkins’ work seem like a personal journey into his everyday life.
Chris Pastras has three pieces in the exhibition. Pastras’ paintings on wood are probably the most forward with political messages. Images of the white house and references to Obama along with quotes from Lennon and Gandhi make up the subjects used in his works. And while the political subject matter is interesting, its really his rough gestural usage of paint that makes his paintings so intriguing and entertaining.
Chris Yormick’s nine works of art hang in the middle of the gallery and call on the old masters for inspiration. These creative collage pieces mainly consist of different types of printed paper cut and torn to recreate selected famous classical paintings. Looking to such artists as Vermeer, Manet, and Bruegel, just to name a few. These pieces are done in such a way that when looking at the sheet of paper sitting next to the works, with images of the original paintings, its easy to find Yormick’s creations much more intriguing and exciting than the original themselves.
