Release-10/20 Opening Reception for GIL MARES, "Up Close-An Intimate Maritime Portrait" @ Cero Space Gallery]

Hi,

For more information or images or if you are interested in speaking with artist Gil Mares and/or a representative from Cero Space Gallery, please contact me at 310.857.6994 or via email.

Best,

~Jeannine

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jeannine Jacobi, 310-857-6994 jeannine@freshpr.net

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 24, 2012) – Cero Space, a burgeoning gallery in the Brewery Arts Complex of downtown Los Angeles, is excited to present photographer Gil Mares and his contemporary abstract series, "Up Close”. Having photographed cargo freighters for over 10 years, Mares’ work exposes the visual secrets kept by these ships. Ordinarily observed at a distance, Mares reveals their beauty through his photography by eliminating this distance. “Up Close – An Intimate Maritime Portrait” will run from October 20 thru December 31, 2012, with an opening reception Saturday, October 20 from 6 to 8pm that coincides with the Brewery Art Walk’s 30th Anniversary. A speaking engagement with the artist will also be held Sunday, November 4 at 2pm.

The brightly painted hulls exhibit interesting patterns and textures, which are reflected in the water. They may appear massive and strong, but the scrapes, gouges, rubber marks, and rusting wounds belie a certain frailty. The photos expose an exquisiteness of these ships in juxtaposition with their industrial purpose by illuminating the ship’s hidden journey.   The artist gets up close and personal with his subjects, which “seem as great whales with battle scars that record their life-long struggle to survive”, says Gil Mares. He uses composition, color, texture, depth, and detail to illuminate the subject, remove all other distractions and invites contemplation.

Influenced by the artists of the 20th century, particularly the expressionists of the 50's and 60's, Mares describes his approach to photography as a "distilling process" that concentrates on what is in plain view and attempts to pull out the essence of the subject. He started photographing architectural structures in the American Southwest and Latin America 20 years ago and then cargo freighters in the Los Angeles Harbor and worldwide.

Mares’ photographs range from an intimate 9 x 14 inches to larger scale 40 x 60 inches mounted on aluminum. A selection of both large and small-scale works will be on exhibition.

Mares’ work was most recently seen in the film The Company Men where nine of his abstract photographs were used.   His photos have graced the album covers of several musicians, are collected by corporate and private clientele in the US and Europe as well as in the permanent collection of the Port of Los Angeles.

“Up Close – An Intimate Maritime Portrait” is presented by Cero Space, located at 676 S. Avenue 21, Unit 33 (2nd floor), Los Angeles, CA 90031.   Hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10am-6pm by appointment. For more information, please visitwww.cerospace.com, email info@cerospace.com or call 323-225-5924.

About Cero Space
“Cero”, the Spanish word for “zero”, suggests that it is the blank slate that exhibits a variety of visual mediums with an emphasis on contemporary art, architecture and design. Cero Space hopes to contribute to and impact the cultural identity of Los Angeles and its growing multi-faceted artistic landscape through experience, education and inspiration. Cero Space an extension of Claudia Endler Designs modern jewelry studio, designed by Telemachus Studio architects, occupy’s part of the historical 1904 Edison Electric Company No. 3 Plant. The Edison Electric bldg is part of the Brewery Arts Complex. Hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10-6pm by appointment. For more information, please visit www.cerospace.com, email info@cerospace.com  or call 323-225-5924.