L.A. Arts Show & Local Artist J. Michael Walker

From oversized photographic cut-outs of a woman sticking out her tongue whose skin is actually cat hair to a sketch by Rembrandt, this is the L.A. Arts Show.

Last Wednesday night was the gala opening and thanks to Victoria Wilson Roberts and Vicki Laidig, yours truly was able to experience the evening. Also in the group was Altadena resident Peggy Sue Davis and Pasadena realtor Rosey Bell who ran into all sorts of folks they knew while we attempted to logically and methodically walk the aisles (with short breaks for a bar run, a pumpkin ravioli nibble, or a spicy tuna wrap).

Among the many highlights were two works by J. Michael Walker. First is his 7′ x 15′ “San Miguel Street: The Last Judgement of Don Vicente de los Reves de la Osa” (2007). The soulful, thoughtful, perhaps even resigned look in Don Vicente’s face, along with the incredible detail, is mesmerizing. Wait for a moment when it’s not crowded, so you can step back and engage the whole image; it takes a moment to absorb it all.

His next submission is “La Santa Desconocida; An Unknown Saint” (1994). The saint’s eyes draw the observer in, along with the strength of her jaw and the settledness of her lips. She may be “unknown” amongst the dozens or hundreds of revered saints, but Walker’s skillfulness makes her powerful presence.