Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Rababy.
Michael, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Working with film combines chemistry with alchemy. I’ve spent many romantic all-nighters in the darkroom, obsessively dodging and burning the perfect print. Now, I spend hours manipulating electronic pixels at a desk. Computer processing has advanced photography beyond the limits of optics but with the ubiquitous presence of camera phones, people are turning back to tactile, unique, hand-made processes that can’t be easily replicated with an Instagram filter.
For the Hive Gallery’s 4th Annual Photography show, we’ll be exploring the similarities and differences between analog film and digital imaging. I’d like the audience to walk through and try to guess if a piece was shot on film, digital or a combination of both. The exhibit features techniques unique to film: wet plate collodion, Polaroid transfers, pinhole, cross-processing, silver gelatin prints… or are they simulated digitally? Find out Saturday, March 3rd from 8-11pm at the hive gallery 729 south Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Show runs through Sunday, April 3rd.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about the hive gallery photo exhibit – what should we know?
Founded in Spring of 2005, The Hive Gallery and Studios is a truly unique and vibrant gallery/studio experience. It is a virtual think-tank, buzzing with 5 featured artists a month, two full galleries, 25 working artists and an artist-made item store. One of the longest standing galleries on the Downtown Art Walk, the Hive is on the forefront of establishing the Los Angeles Metro area as a world-wide art mecca. In addition, the gallery serves as an arts community hub, holding various fundraising events and gallery programs such as yoga, figure drawing, private movie screenings and more.
Fundamental to The Hive Gallery’s vision of creating a thriving community of artists, is its opening monthly art show. “We seek to break down the quiet, traditional, art-on-white-walls, viewing experience and create a gallery atmosphere that is as equally alive as its artwork.” Openings usually include 5 featured artists, up to 100 group show artist, live painting and more.
The art featured in the gallery leans toward neo-pop illustration in nearly all mediums that are highly crafted and affordable. Artists that show at The Hive have proven their dedication to the community by consistently producing high quality work on a month to month basis. Frequent monthly shows encourage the participating artists to fine tune their craft, develop new communication forms and experiment with particular styles, imagery and techniques.
Operating on a low commission basis, The Hive allows the artist to sell high quality work at a low cost, making it more affordable for the general public to purchase an original piece of art. The Gallery is a breeding ground for young buyers with work ranging from $10-$5000 and an artist-made item store which includes all work for under $50. In addition, the gallery provides more expensive work by established artists for both the new and seasoned art patrons. The Hive studios allow buyers to build close relationships with artists who work out of their spaces. This allows resident artists to sell, exhibit and network from their studios with a no-commission, artist to buyer policy.
In essence, The Hive provides an enriching art gallery experience and is a hub for artists from around the country. Its accessability to the new art buying audience and fresh vision for the gallery viewing experience makes it a pivotal gallery landmark for the emerging Los Angeles art scene.
Contact Info:
- Address: 729 S Spring St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90014 - Website: http://hivegallery.com
- Phone: (213) 955-9051
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullonrad/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hivegalleryphoto
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