- The Beverly Arts
Updated: Sep 27, 2023
Alexandra Grant
Beverly Hills, California, USA. 16th August, 2023. Artist Alexandra Grant has been nominated for a Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) Icon Award by the LABA Organizing Committee. Alexandra Grant is a Los Angeles-based artist who through an exploration of the use of text and language in various media—painting, drawing, sculpture, film, and photography—probes ideas of translation, identity, dis/location, and social responsibility. Grant frequently collaborates with other artists, writers, and philosophers, often going so far as to have specific texts written as the impetus to her intricate paintings and sculptures. She has collaborated with author Michael Joyce, actor Keanu Reeves, artist Channing Hansen, and the philosopher Hélène Cixous, amongst others. Having spent significant portions of her childhood and adolescence living in Mexico, France, and Spain, some of the basic questions that fuel her practice are: How do the languages we speak and the images we see form how we think and exchange ideas? How can artists and writers work to create and influence culture in an increasingly technology-driven world?
Grant has exhibited widely at galleries including Lowell Ryan Projects, Los Angeles; Honor Fraser Gallery, Los Angeles; Night Gallery, Los Angeles; Galerie Lelong, New York City; Galerie Gradiva, Paris; and Harris Lieberman Gallery, New York City; and at institutions such as Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles, CA; The Broad Museum at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; The Contemporary Museum, Baltimore, MD; and Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles, CA. Her work has been written about in the Los Angeles Times, White Hot Magazine, Frieze, Art in America, and Artforum amongst others. Awards include the COLA Individual Artist Fellowship and The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant. Her works are included in museum collections such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, CA; the Orange County Museum of Art, Costa Mesa, CA; and the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, TX.
Grant is the creator of the grantLOVE project, which has raised funds for arts-based non-profits including; Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), Project Angel Food, Art of Elysium, 18th Street Arts Center, and LAXART. In 2017, Grant cofounded X Artists’ Books, a publishing house for artist-centered books. Publications have included collaborations with Diane di Prima, George Herms, Eve Wood, Etel Adnan and Lynn Marie Kirby among others, and are available online and in bookstores throughout Los Angeles, New York, and Paris.
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by The Beverly Arts Foundation
- The Beverly Arts
Updated: Aug 5, 2023
A group photo with Zehra Sun, CEO and Co-founder of MDSUN Skin Care (center left), and Jiannan Huang, LABA Blue-chip artist (center) and distinguished guests
Beijing, China. 5th August, 2023. MDSUN, a high-end scientific beauty and skin care company, appointed LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang, as their "Honorary Design Art Consultant" at a ceremony held at the Jiannan Huang Art Studio located in Shunyi District, Beijing, China. MDSUN's has an international presence in 43 countries, with products sold in luxury boutiques, retail stores, and medical settings.
The distinguished guests who participated in the appointment ceremony included Shudong Zhao, the Honorary President of the China International Painting and Calligraphy Art Research Association, Jiali Bai, a well-known Taiwanese artist and singer, Qian Hong, a famous athlete and Olympic champion, Geliang Liang, the "King of Table Tennis" who has been a world table tennis champion many times, Haigang Huang, Chairman of the International Public Relations Association (ASEAN countries), Chairman of China Juhuang Investment Co., Ltd., Secretary-General of China Cross-Strait Art Collection Association, Yuji Chen, Jiujiufeng Cute Animal Park, Chu Shui, President of China Popular Literature and Art Seminar, and Chen Fu, Chairman of the Beijing Sihai Public Welfare Foundation.
Zehra Sun, CEO and Co-founder of MDSUN Skin Care (left) and Jiali Bai, singer and artist
The international appointment ceremony was presided over by Haohua Wu, host of CCTV Travel Satellite TV. At the beginning of the appointment ceremony, the former Cultural and Art Talent Center of the Ministry of Culture, and Honorary President of China International Painting and Calligraphy Art Research Association, Shudong Zhao, made a congratulatory speech.
"I know that Huang is one of the top artists in the world, specializing in Western oil painting and Chinese ink painting. In 2020 and 2023, he ranked third on the Hurun China Art List and ranked 19th in the world in the 2020 Hurun Art List. In 2021, he was awarded an honorary member of the California Branch of the Royal Society of St. George (RSSG), and in 2022 Received the Royal Society RSSG "Art Master" Award and the LABA International Art Festival "Gold Award for the Top 10 Most Influential and Valuable Artists in the World".
Zehra Sun, CEO and Co-founder of MDSUN Skin Care
Then Zehra Sun, CEO and Co-founder of MDSUN Skin Care, an international philanthropy expert, trustee with the Bower Museum, one of the top ten museums in the United States, winner of the The 2nd Icon Award of LABA International Art Festival gave her speech, stating:
"I am Zehra Sun, CEO and Co-founder of MDSUN Skin Care, a high-end scientific skin care brand. I was first introduced to Huang by the organizing committee of the LABA International Art Festival through a video call conference in the United States. I am also the winner of the 2nd Icon Award of LABA International Art Festival, and Huang happened to be one of the judges for this award.
Zehra Sun, CEO and Co-founder of MDSUN Skin Care, gets applause from audience
I know that Huang is one of the top artists in the world, specializing in Western oil painting and Chinese ink painting. In 2020 and 2023, he ranked third on the Hurun China Art List, and ranked 19th in the world in the 2020 Hurun Art List. In 2021, he was awarded an honorary member of the California Branch of the Royal Society of St. George (RSSG), and in 2022 Received the Royal Society RSSG "Art Master" Award and the LABA International Art Festival Gold Award for the Top 10 Most Influential and Valuable Artists in the World."
Zehra Sun, CEO and co-founder of MDSUN Skin Care, Jiannan Huang, LABA Blue-chip artist (center), and Jiali Bai, singer and artist
For Huang's works of art and his personality, it can be said that he has both virtue and art!
His international, forward-looking, authoritative, creative and continuous improvement are completely consistent with our brand philosophy. Therefore, we were very pleased that Huang accepted the invitation to be the honorary art design consultant of the MDSUN brand. Thank you very much! I think that Huang’s artistic attainment and influence will definitely bring MDSUN a more enhanced brand image!
Zehra Sun, CEO and co-founder of MDSUN Skin Care, and Jiannan Huang, LABA Blue-chip artist
Before leaving the United States, I had the honor to appreciate the creation of the international art sculpture "Silver River flowing through Golden Valley“ in cross-border cooperation between Jiannan Huang and Lisa Schulte, a master neon artist in Los Angeles. The artistic charm exuded by the artwork once again interprets Huang's continuous efforts in art and his innovative spirit of inclusiveness! In the past 22 years, we have continuously cooperated with museums, medical circles, art circles, etc., and through various efforts, we hope to bring more interpretations to "beauty".
Zehra Sun, CEO and co-founder of MDSUN Skin Care, presents Jiannan Huang, LABA Blue-chip artist, with a silver plate appointment letter
August 5th is a wonderful day! On this day, I hope that all the guests can admire the beauty of the work "Jingu Yinliu", and experience the artistic light it gives to illuminate the world. The MDSUN brand walks with you, Mr. Huang, adding more elegance and beauty to the world! Thank you all!” When Huang, received the silver plate appointment letter from Zehra Sun on behalf of the MDSUN board of directors, he stated:
"First of all, I would like to thank all the distinguished guests for their hard work in supporting this appointment ceremony. In 2020, I participated in the LABA International Art Festival, and was also elected as a blue-chip artist by the LABA International Art Festival organizing committee. Today's appointment ceremony was also supported by the LABA International Art Festival. It was such an honor to be recognized by the international beauty technology brand MDSUN as the brand's 'Honorary Art Design Consultant.
Jiannan Huang, LABA Blue-chip artist, is interviewed by the media in China
MDSUN is an international scientific and technological beauty product licensed in 43 countries, especially blessed by Hollywood stars and celebrities. The LABA International Art Festival has emphasized the "international, mainstream, authoritative, professional and commercial" nature of the art festival from the very beginning. As the new rotating chairman of the LABA International Art Festival, I am also very pleased to be awarded the title of "Honorary Art Design Consultant." This title just fits the theme emphasized by our LABA International Arts Festival.
Thanks again to Zehra Sun and MDSUN for this wonderful honor. Once again, thank you all distinguished guests for your presence and support."
Zehra Sun is interviewed by the media in Beijing, China
After the awarding ceremony, the event interacted with the Zhouzheng Art Studio in Los Angeles by live video call to receive congratulations from Joey Zhou and those at the studio. Jiannan Huang was also congratulated by a video sent by the LABA International Art Festival members: Princess Karen Cantrell, Honorary Chairman, Todd Williamson, Co-chairman of LABA International Art Festival and renowned artist, Lisa Schulte, Co-chairman of LABA International Art Festival and renowned neon artist, Harrison Engle, LABA Board member, Joey Zhou, the founding chairman of the LABA International Art Festival and International bilingual host, and other members of the organizing committee.
Joey Zhou, founding chairman of the LABA International Art Festival, Jiannan Huang (iPad) by video conference, and Zhouzheng Art Studio art studio guests
Jiannan Huang is one of the best artists in the world, specializing in Western oil painting and Chinese ink painting. With sales of US$29 million, he ranks third on the 2023 Hurun China Art List and 19th on the 2020 Hurun Global List. Huang serves as a director of the Chinese Traditional Culture Promotion Association, a member of the French National Artists Committee, an art consultant of the World Low Carbon Cities Alliance, and a gold honorary citizen of Geny, France. He was awarded the title of "Count" by the Indonesian royal family. In 2021, he was awarded the honorary membership of the California Chapter of the Royal Society of St. George (RSSG), and in 2022 he won the Royal Society RSSG "Master of Art" Award and the "LABA Global Ten Most Influential and Most Valuable Artist Gold Award.
Jiannan Huang, LABA Blue-chip artist (iPad) by video conference in China
Zehra Sun, CEO and co-founder of MDSUN Skin Care (iPad) by video conference in China
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA with Zhouzheng Art Studio guest
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by JHSZ International Art Institute
- The Beverly Arts
Author: Princess Karen Cantrell, Chairman of the Royal Society of St. George, California Branch
Painting by LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang
Why has it been said that the unique style created by Jiannan Huang's combination of oil and ink painting, along with his innovative techniques, will lead the world's art for decades to come?
Jiannan Huang has had a vast and profound career as a visual artist. His work is the sum of innovative techniques and skills developed during many years of painting. His technological innovations, cultural inheritance, and artistic development will have a profound impact on the world of art over the coming decades, and we believe he will rise to become one of the most influential artists of our time.
Huang’s artistic practice perfectly integrates oil and ink painting in a manner never seen before. Traditionally, oil painting and ink painting are regarded as distinct forms, but Huang has broken the constraints and traditional boundaries to create his own innovative style. His work represents both Western and Eastern styles of painting by incorporating traditional and aesthetic concepts. He has had the courage to combine the best of these two art forms, so that oil painting and ink painting are seamlessly integrated in his work.
Painting by LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang
Huang’s work integrates the unique styles of Eastern and Western cultures. He not only demonstrates the philosophy of traditional Chinese ink painting, but he also combines this with the the expressiveness and delicacy of Western oil painting. Chinese ink painting is known all over the world for its elegant and artistic expression. Western oil painting, on the other hand, is highly respected for its vivid and realistic images. Huang’s works integrate these two different artistic styles, satisfying audiences with different cultural backgrounds, while simultaneously generating cross-cultural artistic exchanges and dialogues.
Huang pays attention to emotional expression in painting. His perceptions of life, nature, human nature, and other themes endow his work with passion and appeal, arousing the senses, thoughts, and emotions of the audience. This kind of personal and emotional expression is very important in today's world of art.
Painting by LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang
With the development of globalization, artists around the world are constantly exploring new kinds of artistic expression. Huang has succeeded by creating a new art form: the combination of oil and ink painting that not only addresses the need for diversity, but also speaks to social trends and the pursuit of individuality.
Huang’s breakthrough in painting also embodies the spirit of Chinese art, which has had a long and treasured history for thousands of years. His work not only embodies the essence of traditional Chinese painting, but also integrates the innovative and avant-garde elements of modern art. His works are based on a traditional foundation, yet possess the vitality and creativity of modern art. This combination of traditional and modernity demonstrates the unique charm of his art, providing a strong voice in the international art world. Huang’s works have great artistic value and influence, and are expected to lead the world of art in the decades to come.
Painting by LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by JHSZ International Art Institute