Hermathen (left) and Caryatid (right) from the Ideal Woman series. Images courtesy of AlliePohl.com
The avatar that Allie has actualized symbolizes anti-perfection and is repeated throughout her work in sculpture, video, ceramic, installation and the more accessible and very on trend jewelry (spotted on the likes of Lena Dunham, Rosario Dawson, Sophia Bush and Jill Soloway to name a few) and stickers. If you take a closer look, The Ideal Woman smiles back at you—a reminder that she is an unrealistic, oversimplified conception of society.
Abs and Pecks from Peacocking series
Hot Seat — Images courtesy of AlliePohl.com
Obviously, she’s making her mark on the art world with cultural shattering themes, but what’s the current status of women in art as a whole?
OCHI PROJECTS
Pauli Ochi outside of her project space in West Adams. Image by Allie Pohl
Allie Pohl: OCHI Projects was founded in 2015 in the West Adams district of Los Angeles. Pauli Ochi’s vision for the project space is to expand beyond the scope of a traditional gallery program, with an emphasis on installations. OCHI encourages site-specific installations, performances, and events to foster education and dialogue in the community about contemporary art. Pauli used to be the director of Ochi Gallery in Sun Valley, Idaho, which was founded over 40 years ago by Pauli’s parents. Pauli is truly a gallery girl!
Karma International
Karolina Dankow and a work by Martine Syms at Karma International. Image by Allie Pohl
AP: Karma International was founded in 2008 by Karolina Dankow and Marina Olsen in Zürich and has recently expanded to Beverly Hills. Dankow and Olsen place a strong emphasis on unique conceptual positions, expanding art ideas by presenting engaging work with a combination of individual artists and spirited thematic group shows. The gallery is definitely worth a visit while you are shopping on Rodeo. It’s a hidden gem above Villa Blanca on the 4th floor.
Chimento Contemporary
Eva Chimento outside of Chimento Contemporary in Boyle Heights. Image by Allie Pohl
AP: Chimento Contemporary opened its doors in 2015 on the gallery-filled street of south Anderson. The gallery focuses on mid-career LA-based artists with a few emerging and international artists mixed in. Eva has worked in the arts in Los Angeles for 24 years. The gallery is slightly off the beaten path, located in the back of a warehouse with a fruitfully graffiti-covered backyard.
Harmony Murphy Gallery
Harmony Murphy and Moses with works by Kathryn O'Halloran and Robert Irwin at her DTLA gallery. Image by Allie Pohl
AP: Harmony Murphy is located near the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Little Tokyo. Harmony opened her own gallery doors in 2014. Previously, Harmony was the curator at Pace Gallery and the curatorial director of L & M Venice. Murphy presents an array of emerging and established international contemporary artists. She also has the cutest dog, Moses, who will surely greet you with a sweet hello!
The Box
Mara McCarthy with a work by Wally Hedrick in DTLA. Image by Jason Underhill courtesy of The Box
AP: Mara McCarthy is the principal and curator of The BOX Gallery, located in the DTLA Arts District. Since opening in 2007, The BOX’s mission has been to create a diverse art program surveying historical artists and their contemporaries. Their artists cover a span of nearly five decades— the past generations provide a historical basis in which to contextualize the expansive development of art today. Mara believes in supporting artists who have been unsupported and forgotten.
Sprüth Magers
Monika Sprüth and Philomene Magers in their Berlin gallery. Image by Dagmar Schwelle courtesy of Sprüth Magers
AP: Monika Sprüth and Philomene Magers are two feminist gallerists who have helped pave the way for some of my favorite female artists. Adding to their London and Berlin galleries, Sprüth Magers recently opened new doors across from Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Los Angeles is truly lucky to have these two women’s program!
GAVLAK
Sarah Gavlak with a work by Lily Stockman at her gallery in Hollywood. Image by Allie Pohl
AP: Gavlak is located close to several other museum-like galleries. Sarah Gavlak is a contemporary art dealer with galleries in both Hollywood (2015) and Palm Beach, Florida (2005). She represents an international roster of emerging, mid-career, and established artists, with a strong emphasis on pioneering women and LGBT artists.
Maccarone
Michele Maccarone with a work by Sarah Charlesworth in her New York gallery. Image by Jason Nocito courtesy of Maccarone
Regen Projects
Shaun Regen opened Regen Projects in Hollywood in 2012, which has since become an artistic epicenter. Image by Catherine Opie courtesy of Regen Projects
AP: Regen Projects was founded in 1989 by Shaun and Stuart Regan. Stuart is the son of prominent New York art dealer Barbara Gladstone, who died in 1998. In 2012, Shaun opened a magnificent museum-like space in Hollywood for her museum quality artists, many of whom dwell in LA. Shaun has been quoted that she does not have a second-city chip on her shoulder—she is LA all the way!
