John Scarpati
Cramp, Slash & Burn
Opening Reception and Book Signing:
Friday, June 22nd; 8-11 PM
Exhibition run dates: June 22 – July 1, 2012
Texacala Jones Chromata canvas Thick bar & varnish, black edges 30" x 30" $700.00
John Scarpati was the house photographer for the Sunset Strip of the 1980s, when Punk & Glam were twins.
“You’ve probably heard that line about the sixties – if you remember much of it, you must not have been there. The same could be said about Hollyweird in the 80s, although by then we’d developed a whole different slant on coloring outside the lines. Sharper. Darker. More dangerous, (if that’s even possible). Of course there was no guarantee anyone would make it out the other end of that jagged kaleidoscope alive. But if you did survive, whatever memories you could smuggle out in your guitar case were definitely going to be worth their weight in skulls and mascara. On behalf of everyone who reached down deep to share the stories collected here, I dedicate this book to all those who stepped off the rollercoaster while it was still blazing like a meteor across the skies high above Sunset Boulevard. We had a good run. This is Scarpati”
He wanted to be a painter. He wanted to be a rock star. He ended up being neither – and both. Scarpati, whose images span four waves of modern music and have become some of the most enduring iconics of metal, rock and punk, was raised in New Jersey, came of age in San Diego, gained notoriety in Los Angeles, now calls the world his home and Nashville his return address. His work has been cited by The Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone and PDN.
Rather than print his iconic photos on standard kodak paper, Scarpati has researched the best giclee on canvas process for adapting film to a media most often associated with oil painting; and the final product is astonishing. An enduring, archival presentation of award-winning photography via a fresh new exhibition concept in a setting that recalls the era documented within his brand new art volume.
This is Scarpati’s first exhibition at La Luz de Jesus. Books are available for preorder now.
There will be live reunion / jam taking place at the gallery, at 8:45 PM the night of the opening. Artist to be announced!
La Luz De Jesus Gallery
http://www.laluzdejesus.com/
4633 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 666-7667
PARKING: Note – on busy nights, there is limited parking around the area – It is always wise to come early, carpool or even hop on the Metro which stops right near the shop.
