NICHE.LA PRESENTS 04/05/06
new work by Retna and Michael Allen
curated by Marcela Garate

LOS ANGELES, CA – On September 14, 2006 (12:00 – 9:00PM), Niche.LA presents “04/05/06,” curated by Marcela Garate, featuring digital artist Retna and video artist Michael Allen.

Los Angeles based artist Retna removes corporate advertisements of women from illuminated signs and embellishes them in a style that not only recalls Mayan and Egyptian hieroglyphs but even the aesthetic heights of Byzantium with its mosaic tiling of Christ and other deities. In one work, the well-known and ill-fated singer, Aaliyah, gazes upwards while color explodes like jeweled fragments around her. Retna’s intervention in these advertisements elevates the perception of the mostly anonymous females – fodder for representing desire and selling other objects – to a form of idolatry.

Situated in the heart of Gallery Row on the 4th floor of the Spring Arts Tower, Niche.LA is a dedicated mixed-media/digital art gallery and private 18-seat screening room. Located at 453 S. Spring St. #443, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (www.niche.la), Niche.LA is operated by Nic Cha Kim. Nic also serves as President/Co-Founder of Gallery Row Organization (GRO) and Resident Producer of Lodestone Theatre Ensemble.

“04/05/06 ” – curated by Marcela Garate

Niche.LA 453 S. Spring St. #443, Los Angeles, CA 90013
September 14th & October 12th, 12:00 – 9:00PM
Additional viewings by appointment only