As defined by Merriam-Webster, the word totem means “an object (such as an animal or plant) serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry.” A practice which has transcended generations, the word carries with it a significant weight as it bonds together a family, or group, or community together to protect the regarded item. TOTEMISTS, an exhibition held at LY, a gallery located in Downtown, Los Angeles, features seven vastly different contemporary artists as they attempt to reestablish totemic practices in our everyday world.
Upon entry into LY, your eyes immediately fixate on the installation titled _Pergusa_. Crafted together by Olivia Erlanger, the artist uses silicone, polyester foam, MDF, and plywood to create the image of a massive fish (or mermaid) tale sticking out from an actual commercial washer. Elsewhere in the exhibition, you’ll find mixed media prints by Amy Granat, oil paintings by Luchita Hurtado which depict birds, along with other animals, residing in their natural habitats, and _Adapter_ a work by Andrea Longacre-White constructed together with Amazon box forms, satin, Pampers, swaddle blankets, burp clothes, a max load tow chain, baby food packaging, an O-ring, and 3D-printed teething toys.
Opened by Linda Yun, LY is a new gallery in Downtown, Los Angeles, opened with the intent to provide emerging artists a space where they can not only exhibit their work but, also, connect and build with a community of like-minded individuals. TOTEMISTS opened on February 2nd and continues its run until March 9th.
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TOTEMISTS is on view at LY gallery until March 9
1501 S. Alameda St. Suite D Los Angeles, 90021
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