Clarisse Abelarde's Virtual Visions: Closing Reception & Artist Walk Through June 22nd, 3-5pm

Virtual Visions

Clarisse Abelarde


June 1 – June 22, 2024
Opening Reception, Saturday, June1, 5 - 8pm


LAUNCH Gallery
170 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
LAUNCH Gallery is proud to present Los Angeles based artist, alumni of the Cal State Long Beach undergraduate painting program, and their deeply personal new paintings inspired by memories of the past while simultaneously using the work to contemplate contemporary society and their place in it.
 
Filipina immigrant Clarisse Abelarde uses her oil paintings to navigate themes of displacement and identity in modern times dependent on social media and all-to-often abbreviated interpersonal interactions. Clarisse strives to negotiate the quick, often insincere, frenetic energy of the digital realm with the slower, contemplative nature of oil painting to explore and reflect on contemporary society and her own personal journey through it.
 
Central to my artistic vocabulary is the motif of repetition, a nod to the ubiquitous presence of digital symbols in our social media-driven landscape. Through exaggerated portrayals of online antics, I seek to underline the stark dichotomy between the superficiality of virtual interactions and the profound introspection that is becoming increasingly rare in the human condition, urging you to pause and reflect. In a world where the mundane and the extraordinary converge with alarming frequency, my art serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of human emotion amidst the digital maelstrom.
 

About the Artist

 

Clarisse Abelarde received a BFA in drawing and painting at CSU Long Beach and four associate degrees in General Arts, Liberal Arts, Studio Art, and Art History at Los Angeles City College. Abelarde recently completed the Quinn-Emanuel artist-in-residence and founded Nous-Ance Projects, an online platform for artist interviews, blogs, and annual exhibitions in Los Angeles. Her work has been featured in publications such as Hyperallergic, Primary Magazine, and The City of LA Department of Cultural Affairs Calendar and Cultural Guide. Abelarde’s paintings have been shown in galleries such as Superchief Gallery, Residency Art Gallery, Stay Gallery, and much more. Abelarde lives and works in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles amid the hustle and bustle of city life, which serves as her inspiration daily.

 

LAUNCH LA believes exposure to the arts enhances quality of life and strengthens community for all through the shared appreciation of creative expression in all its forms and hybrids. LAUNCH LA is passionate about providing all artists regardless of race, color, creed or sexual orientation with quality opportunities to present themselves and their creations that reflect our times to a curious and enthusiastic audience at important happenings throughout Los Angeles.

 
Media Contact:
James Panozzo
323.899.1363