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Egoism, Nature, and Upcycling; Dual Exhibitions at Topanga Canyon Gallery 

I am Seen. By Lisa Baldwin. Photo courtesy of the artist

Topanga Canyon Gallery is presenting both a conceptual and material exploration of our relationship to, and use of, nature, through two solo exhibitions; ‘Pictures of the Floating World’ by Lisa Baldwin and ‘Reimagine’ by Trudy Perry. The shows will run simultaneously April 15 through May 1, with an opening reception on the gallery deck Saturday, April 16 from 4PM to 7PM. 

In the North gallery, oil painter Lisa Baldwin explores themes of self vs nature in her conceptual series ‘Pictures of the Floating World’. Baldwin draws parallels between 19th century Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e), and the societal selfie obsession of today. 

Baldwin is the new Creative Director of Topanga Canyon and responsible for the development of the firmly contemporary statement visitors are seeing today. 

In the South gallery, fiber artist Trudy Perry presents ‘Reimagine.’ Using rope, yarn, string and leather, her wall art is textural, while fluid and emoting. This exhibition is intended to be an exploration of material, using what is readily available without additional consumption. In relation to that, Perry has asked herself “what are the results of working within one’s limitations?” Her approach is to allow the material to be transformed as in a cycle of renewal. 

Perry is leading a workshop, ‘Introduction to Woven Art’ Saturday, April 23, from 3PM to 5PM. All participants will learn the basics of weaving and leave with a completed piece of their own woven art. You can find out more about Perry in this issue as she is profiled in the ‘Artists of the 2022 Studio Tour’ column on page 10.  

Topanga Art Lovers have a unique opportunity during the final weekend of these exhibitions to participate in a discussion with Peter Mays, Director of the Los Angeles Art Association and Gallery 825. Mays will discuss emerging art and artists followed by a question-and-answer period Saturday, April 30 from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at Topanga Canyon Gallery. www.topangacanyongallery.com

Topanga Canyon Gallery is located at 137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Hours: Friday 2PM – 7PM, Saturday and Sunday Noon to 5PM.

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