Corey Helford Gallery Showcases Unique Voices with Two Solo Exhibitions and a Group Display
Corey Helford Gallery Unveils New Exhibitions Featuring Junna Maruyama and Travis Lampe
The Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles has launched its latest exhibitions, showcasing the work of two solo artists: Junna Maruyama, a Japanese pop-surrealist painter, printmaker, and sculptor, and Travis Lampe, a Chicago-based illustrator and toymaker. The exhibitions will be on display until Saturday, February 14.
Founded in 2006 by Jan Corey Helford and her husband Bruce Helford, a notable TV writer and producer, the gallery aims to spotlight both international and emerging artists across various styles, including Neo-Pop, New Figurative, Surrealist, Graffiti, and Street Art.
Maruyama’s exhibition, titled “Who Am I?”, marks her first solo show at the gallery, where she has previously participated in group exhibitions, including “The Last Unicorn.” Sherri Trahan, the gallery’s director, praised Maruyama’s work, stating, “We just had such a great response to her work. We wanted to give her a larger platform to showcase her on her own.” Maruyama, whose art has been displayed internationally and recognized with multiple awards, invites viewers to reflect on identity through her pieces, which often depict doll-like female figures influenced by Japan’s Gyaru youth subculture and elements from fairytales.
The exhibit features works from Maruyama’s “Gyaru Series” and original character pieces. Notably, her Pyonsuke character pieces incorporate natural motifs, such as cherry blossoms and rain. Trahan highlighted her signature use of butterflies, emblematic of the soul, which she learned about from her grandmother. “She incorporates a lot of butterflies to put life into her pieces,” said Trahan. The varied styles in Maruyama’s work reflect her evolving artistic journey, allowing her to embrace new influences while remaining true to her roots.
In contrast, Travis Lampe’s exhibition, “The Ham-Fisted Coping Mechanism,” draws inspiration from classic rubber-hose animation and nostalgic cartoons like “Steamboat Willie” and characters such as Betty Boop. Trahan noted that Lampe’s vibrant, surreal universe offers a humorous exploration of contemporary challenges. “This year has been a crazy year for a lot of people… This is a way of coping, is to put humor into the situation,” she explained.
Lampe’s artistic repertoire includes acrylic paintings, sculptures made from epoxy resin, and even a painted guitar. He has previously displayed his work in both group and solo exhibitions at the gallery, making this his first solo showing in the main space. His background in advertising, where he developed campaigns for various products, informs his distinctive illustration style.
Additionally, the gallery features a group show titled “Altered Images: Vintage Paint-By-Numbers Reimagined,” which showcases the reinterpretation of vintage paint-by-numbers art by over 70 participating artists. This exhibition allows for a mix of established and new talents, fostering creative dialogue among the artists. Trahan explained, “It gives us a chance to see what someone new can do… We love getting recommendations from our artists.”
The participating artists have added unique elements to existing pieces, transforming them with their personal styles. This approach mirrors the gallery’s earlier successful project, “Art Collector Starter Kit,” which featured collaborative artworks appealing to new collectors.
As the Corey Helford Gallery continues its mission to celebrate diverse artistic voices, these exhibitions offer a vibrant glimpse into the creative practices of Maruyama, Lampe, and a myriad of contributing artists.
Exhibition Details:
Junna Maruyama’s “Who Am I?”
Travis Lampe’s “The Ham-Fisted Coping Mechanism”
“Altered Images: Vintage Paint-By-Numbers Reimagined”
WHEN: Through Saturday, February 14
WHERE: Corey Helford Gallery, 571 S. Anderson Street, Los Angeles
COST: Free
