October 18, 2022

Hot Concrete | Brings LA Art to the Streets of Hong Kong

by Tamara Jiji

Hilary Pecis. *Blue Still Life,* 2021. Acrylic on linen. 82 x 107cm. Image courtesy of the artist and David Kordansky Gallery, New York, and Los Angeles.

Hot Concrete, the exhibition brought about by Sow & Tailor Founder and Director, Karen Galloway, is set to feature 30 artists spanning from different mediums, backgrounds, and disciplines. Connecting two of the world's most bustling metropolitan cities, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, the exhibition brings forth a diverse arrangement driven by community-oriented, socially engaged artists. Featured artists include Greg Ito, Alfonso Gonzalez Jr., Austyn Weiner, Hilary Pecis, Miranda Byk, Jan Gatewood, Ryan Preciado, Tidawhitney Lek, Veronica Fernandez, and more.

Hot Concrete is on view from October 21 until November 13. The exhibition is curated by Sow & Tailor (Los Angeles), presented by K11 MUSEA (Hong Kong) and WOAW Gallery (Hong Kong); and co-organized by Ouyang Art Consulting (Los Angeles).

Greg Ito. *The Last Serenade*, 2022. Acrylic on canvas stretched over panel. 213 x 533.5 cm. Image courtesy of the artist and Anat Ebgi Gallery, Los Angeles.

Hot Concrete was curated with Ikebana—the Japanese art of flower arrangement—in mind. The curatorial perspective, ushered by Sow & Tailor’s Karen Galloway alongside, evokes movement, balance, and harmony. By fusing the two major cities, Hot Concrete presents a cultural exchange of sorts, one in which the Hong Kong art-viewing community is given the opportunity to view the current state of Los Angeles contemporary art, and conversely, Los Angeles is thrusted into Hong Kong’s cultural landscape. “I feel like we all have a similar vibe that comes from our common interests, passions, and love for art. Collaborating on this exhibition came naturally as we worked together to connect our scenes, our communities.” Galloway shares.

We spoke with Karen Galloway, curator of the exhibition, on the inspiration behind the arrangement, the roles community and social engagement play in the curated works, and more.

Mario Ayala. *Tinsel Town Towing*, 2022. Acrylic on panel in artist frame. 46 x 61 cm. Image courtesy of the artist and David Kordansky Gallery, Los Angeles.

The exhibition is titled, HOT CONCRETE—what inspired this title and the exhibition?

When we first opened our doors last year, it was right after my daughter ‘Spring’ was born. I wanted to present our space with a group show to reconnect with our community and bring artistic energy into Springs life after our COVID lockdown pregnancy. It was like a celebration bringing people together. When we were thinking of names the title “Hot Concrete” came up in discussion with Greg and Stefano it just felt right, it felt like LA and its energy, the city We all grew up in and continue to live in with my growing family.

What were you looking for when curating in both the artists and the art for HOT CONCRETE?

When we curated the first Hot Concrete in 2021 we started with mostly our friends and family. My husband Greg Ito is an artist so naturally our friend group is artists and creatives. We also invited new faces too who soon became family at sow & tailor. When we were invited to bring Hot Concrete to Hong Kong by K11 Musea, Kevin Poon (Woaw Gallery) and Melanie Lum we expanded the group to 30 artists from our community to present a larger group that emits LA’s energy at this current moment. Most of the works we are presenting were made specifically for this exhibition and it is the first showing in HK and even Asia for a majority of the artists. We are so thankful to be able to present this incredible show with the help of our Hong Kong family after their long Covid restriction, which has recently opened up just weeks ago.

What do you anticipate will be the takeaway for visitors viewing a cultural exchange like this for the first time?

It’s hard to say what viewers will take away from this exhibition because there has never been one like it in Hong Kong, especially at this level. I’m just excited to see peoples reaction and wish for them to enjoy and embrace this cultural exchange that we offer through the exhibitions curation. Visitors will encounter so many new artists and incredible works they haven’t had the opportunity to see in person until now. The last few days have been magical installing the exhibition and working with our HK team finishing the last few details. It’s my first time in Hong Kong and I brought my family to enjoy it with me. A handful of artists were able to join too so it’s been a fun and eventful trip so far!

Sayre Gomez. *Safe Space (6)*, 2022. Acrylic and automotive paint on canvas. 40.5 x 51 cm. Image courtesy of the Artist and François. Ghebaly. Photo credit: Morgan Waltz

What roles do community and social engagement play in the artists and the works that you've curated?

Almost all the artists and their works are connected in some way. When I walk through the show and look at the artworks, I see people, I see the relationships between them and the cultural landscape of LA. Some of the artists share studios together, some are protégé of others, some are mentors, and some share the same mediums, friendships and inspirations. We are all living and working in LA now so it’s hard not to be connected to one another somehow. Our space Sow & Tailor is a hub for these kinds of connections, and we aim to cultivate and share them, which is why we are currently in Hong Kong.

How is the Sow & Tailor ethos continued in HOT CONCRETE?

We do what we love and what feels right at Sow & Tailor. This is the way of Sow & Tailor. We’re doing what feels true to us and working with people we love. Hot Concrete is not only the title of this exhibition, but it’s also a feeling, and a moment in time that is always changing. It is home, a flame that just started burning and will continue to shine brightly. We feel like we are just getting started, and it all wouldn’t be possible without our community of friends and family. We are infinitely grateful!