Shadow Selves: “In Rooms” by Brittany Markert

In Rooms by Brittany Markert
In Rooms by Brittany Markert

“To confront a person with his shadow is to show him his own light.” – Carl Jung

These words grace the opening pages of Brittany Markert’s photobook “In Rooms Volume 2 (2016-2017).” They play an essential part in not only grasping the photographer’s intention behind the “In Rooms” series, but also in how the spectator connects to it. Psychoanalysis, repression, female objectification, mental illness and eroticism are just a few of the themes explored.

Recently, Lethal Amounts gallery hosted a lecture and pop-up exhibit by the artist. On display was “In Rooms”—a three-installment collection dating from 2014 to the present. Formatted like a personal diary, it is set in chronological order and exposes Markert’s psychological and emotional states in progressive stages. During the presentation, guests were given an intimate glimpse inside her creative process and personal evolvement, as well as the opportunity to view her portfolio of work up close. Continue reading “Shadow Selves: “In Rooms” by Brittany Markert”

Lux In Tenebris at Lethal Amounts

From left to right:
From left to right: “Little Ghoulie Fig. 10” and “Little Ghoulie Fig. 11” by Steven Russell Black

“Lux In Tenebris,” which translates to “Light in Darkness,” is the latest exhibit at Lethal Amounts in Los Angeles, California. The group dark art show features more than 30 artists from across the globe and was curated in collaboration with Ahuixa Swimwear and Brooke Kent Art & Design.

Ahuixa is a high-end alternative swim apparel line that takes its name from the Aztec goddess Ahuic who guides running waters. Brooke Kent is an artist and graphic designer whose work highlights death, beauty, the natural and the subconscious. Both curators hold a deep appreciation for creativity that embraces the shadows and morbidity inside us, and the exhibition reveals this aesthetic. Continue reading “Lux In Tenebris at Lethal Amounts”

The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Angel Dust”

From left to right: "Fields" and "Fed The Lions II " by Iva Troj
From left to right: “Fields” and “Fed The Lions II ” by Iva Troj

This past weekend, The Dark Art Emporium in Long Beach, California, introduced its latest exhibit, “Angel Dust,” featuring Rachael Bridge, Iva Troj and Meagan “Magpie” Rodgers. Each artist created a series of new pieces that collectively evoke a realm of morbid enchantment. Continue reading “The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Angel Dust””

Lethal Amounts Presents Exclusive Charles Manson Exhibit

Charles Manson Exhibit at Lethal Amounts
Charles Manson Exhibit at Lethal Amounts

On August 9, 1969, the Manson Family would commit five brutal murders that included actress Sharon Tate and her unborn child. On the 50th anniversary of the massacre, I attended the opening reception of the Charles Manson exhibit at Lethal Amounts.

For four days, from August 8th to August 11th, the gallery showcased never-before-seen artifacts that either belonged to Manson or those connected to him, original art, newspaper clippings, letters and other pieces. Highlighting a controversial and vicious time in American history, the event gave insight into how these killings deeply altered an era. Continue reading “Lethal Amounts Presents Exclusive Charles Manson Exhibit”

Vincent Castiglia’s Blood Sacrifice

Vincent Castiglia Autopsy of the Soul
Vincent Castiglia’s “Autopsy of the Soul” at The Dark Art Emporium

When we think of putting one’s ‘blood, sweat and tears’ into something, it’s usually intended figuratively. Vincent Castiglia, though, takes the phrase to an entirely literal and ethereal level. Creating pieces that draw from his own blood, he gives life to the subjects he imagines. They are no longer renderings on paper, but beings that possess and manifest a human lifeforce.

The Dark Art Emporium in Long Beach, California, is offering the public a rare opportunity to see Castiglia’s art up close. Recently, the gallery held an opening reception for the exhibit titled “Autopsy of the Soul” & Retrospective, which features more than 20 works. To lay eyes on the pieces was, like the art, surreal. Continue reading “Vincent Castiglia’s Blood Sacrifice”

The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Prone to Exaggeration”

"Prone to Exaggeration" at The Dark Art Emporium
“Prone to Exaggeration” at The Dark Art Emporium

In the gallery’s latest exhibit, The Dark Art Emporium presents the works of three artists – Rick “Dienzo” Blanco, Bob Doucette and Richard J. Frost. “Prone to Exaggeration” is an impressive collection of paintings that gives insight into the dark imaginings of each of its creators.
Continue reading “The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Prone to Exaggeration””

The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Dakuato” & “12 Inches of Wood”

“Loveless” by Meimaro

“Dakuato” is the newest exhibition at The Dark Art Emporium in Long Beach, California, presenting the work of three artists hailing from Japan — Meimaro, Ren Hoshi and Niku. Also on display is “12 Inches of Wood,” a collection of provocative erotic art. Read on for a closer look at the artists and their intriguing and macabre creations. Continue reading “The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Dakuato” & “12 Inches of Wood””

The Art of the Grotesque at Copro Gallery

“Icon of Sin” by Christian Marchwinski

Located in Santa Monica, California, Copro Gallery showcases high-quality works by up-and-coming artists. This past weekend, I attended opening night of its latest exhibit, “Conjoined vs. Grotesque: Denizens of the Dark.” The event welcomed the public to enter a morbidly fascinating world created by some of the most talented individuals in the Dark Contemporary Art Movement, motion picture and music industries and beyond. I managed to capture countless photos, so, without further ado, here’s your look inside. Continue reading “The Art of the Grotesque at Copro Gallery”

The Dark Art Emporium Presents D.W. Frydendall’s “Haunted Mansion”

"Madame Leota" and "Watching Busts" paintings by D.W. Frydendall
“Madame Leota” and “Watching Busts” paintings by D.W. Frydendall

The Dark Art Emporium, a fine art and oddities shop in Long Beach, California, recently debuted the latest uncanny collection by artist D.W. Frydendall — “Haunted Mansion.” It commemorates the upcoming 50th anniversary of the iconic Disneyland attraction. I stopped in opening night and captured photos of the exhibition and more. Have a look! Continue reading “The Dark Art Emporium Presents D.W. Frydendall’s “Haunted Mansion””

Welcome to the Lair of Leafar Seyer

"The Pain Isn't Over" art exhibit by Leafar Seyer of Prayers
“The Pain Isn’t Over” art exhibit by Leafar Seyer of Prayers

Images of Aleister Crowley, Baphomet, serpents, a skull-faced Virgin Mary, inverted crosses and the number 666 fill the gallery space at These Days in Los Angeles. This is the realm created by Leafar Seyer for his debut solo art exhibition “The Pain Isn’t Over.” The artist is one half of the duo Prayers — self-described cholo goth musicians who formed the electronic rock group back in 2013. Continue reading “Welcome to the Lair of Leafar Seyer”