"Luminosity" Opening Exhibition at Loisir Art Gallery in West Hollywood, California

Gallerist Ronel Similien, artist Todd Williamson, gallerist Fernanda Hypko of Loisir Art Gallery, and artist Vlad Pocol

West Hollywood, California, USA. 12th September, 2024. The art exhibition "Luminosity" opened at Loisir Art Gallery in West Hollywood, California featuring the artwork of four international artists: Ian Rayer Smith, Todd Williamson, Fontaine Scarelli, and Vlad Pocol. Each artist brought a distinctive style to the exhibition, presenting a contemporary display of vibrant colors, diverse textures, and abstract expression. Loisir Art Gallery stated, "In today’s world where confusion and unclarity prevails, Loisir brings a spark of bright light, we are what we emit and so this collection is being in a state of LUMINOSITY." Members of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) and the LABA Biennial International Art Festival attended, with international artists attending by video conference.

Artist Todd Williamson stands in front of one of his paintings at the exhibition

Todd Williamson is one of the featured artists, a Los Angeles contemporary artist, and former Arts Commissioner for the City of West Hollywood, California. He studied at the American Academy in Rome Italy, the Nuove Opere Napoltane in Naples Italy, the Skopelos Foundation-Skopelos Greece, the Scuola Internazionale di Grafic Venice Italy, and the Louise Bourgeois’ Artists Salon in New York. Williamson has exhibited around the world, and was the recipient of the prestigious Pollock Krasner Foundation award grant. His work can be seen in galleries including Galerie Michael in Beverly Hills, Georges Bergés Gallery in New York City, Nicole Longnecker Gallery in Houston, Texas, Premium Modern Art in Germany, and Art 1307 in Italy.  ​​

Artist Vlad Pocol in front of two of his paintings on display at the exhibition

Vlad Pocol is an international artist, who was born in Switzerland in 1992. He is a multidisciplinary artist whose work delves into themes of migration, identity, and emotional transformation, with a strong emphasis on intuition. As a descendant of Romanian political and intellectual refugees, his rich cultural background shapes his artistic vision. Drawing from his experiences in Geneva, Paris, and Riyadh, Vlad Pocol’s art reflects a global perspective, resonating with audiences worldwide through both geographical and emotional migrations.

Attendees enjoy the gallery exhibition

Artist Todd Williamson, TV host Joey Zhou, founder of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts, with artist Rosana Largo Rodriguez, LABA CEO for Europe, attending by video conference, and gallerist Lars Hypko of Loisir Art Gallery

Rosana Largo Rodriguez is a Spanish artist who creates contemporary surrealist paintings inspired by classical techniques. She incorporates a variety of techniques and materials to create engaging visual elements and chromatic softness. Largo is the Director of the Museum of Science and Children's Literature in Spain and has exhibited her works in galleries throughout the world. She has received many awards including the Michelangelo International Prize in Rome in 2019, one of the most prestigious art awards to be received, as well as the Top 10 LABA-MIMV Artist Award in 2022.

Artist Todd Williamson with artist Chun Liu attending by video conference

Chun Liu is a first-class artist in China and a prominent figure in the contemporary art world. Her exceptional contributions to the fusion of Chinese and Western artistic styles have earned her widespread recognition both domestically and internationally. Liu has received many honors and awards for her artwork which incorporate a commitment to innovation while honoring the traditions and heritage of Chinese culture.

Liu currently has an exhibition in Beijing, China called "Dedicated to the Artistic Conception of Spring - Chun Liu Painting Art Exhibition held at the Literature and History Museum." The exhibition was featured on the Painting and Calligraphy Channel in China: web.shtv.net.cn.

Filmmaker/director Harrison Engle with Gavin He, Chairman of the LABA Hong Kong and Macau Regional Executive Committee, attending by video conference

Gavin He serves as Chairman of Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Trade and Industry Association (www.hcfsme.org) – High Technology Development Committee and Chairman of the 2022-2024 Los Angeles Biennial International Arts Festival (www.thebeverlyarts.com) – Beverly Arts Hong Kong and Macau Regional Executive Committee. He once worked in the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, focusing on Cross-Strait cultural exchange, and was also awarded “Ambassador of the Cultural Exchange” regarding Cross-Strait relationship contribution, and served as the executive deputy secretary general of the Central Asian Buddhist Association, and the deputy secretary general of the Overseas Security Committee of the China Asia Economic Development Association. 

Sir Laurent Khaiat with artist Jie Geng, LABA Overseas Envoy, attending by video conference

Jie Geng is a contemporary artist born in Shuangliao City, Jilin Province, China in 1964. He currently lives in Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province, China. As an artist, he specializes in contemporary Zen ink painting, oil painting, and sculpture creation. He has written many articles on art that have been published in academic and professional publications, both at home and internationally.​ He is Vice President of Liaoxi Regional Culture Research Association of Bohai University, member of French National Artists Association, member of the Association of Artists and Sculptors of the Kingdom of Spain, member of French Century Art International Cultural Exchange Association, and Honorary citizen of Saint-Rémichevres, Paris-Versailles region, France.

Artist Todd Williamson with artist Xiaoyin Tan attending by video conference

Xiaoyin Tan is a highly regarded artist in the field of contemporary Chinese art. His paintings are like passionate symphonies, allowing people to feel the vitality and passion of life through the interweaving of color, shape, and line. His world is a world full of colors, emotions, and vitality. Since childhood, Tan has been deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture, and it is the essence of these traditions that has provided a rich inspiration and profound heritage for his painting creations.

Artist Belle Zhang

Belle Zhang (Keqi Zhang) is the youngest artist to join the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) Biennial International Art Festival. She is 11 years old and began formal art training at the age of seven. Born in China, Zhang now lives in Southern California, attending school while further developing her artistic skills. Most recently she spent time studying with artist Lisa Schulte, renowned for her neon sculptures and artistry, and artist Marisabel Bazan, on improving her painting skills. Zhang is passionate about drawing and painting, with a focus on creative expression. She enjoys creative challenges and finding new ways to innovate her art.

The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by Qiuli Si Beverly Art Studio, MDSUN, and En Guangzhi Art Studio