Advance of the Rear Guard: Out of the Mainstream in 1960s California: Ceeje Gallery

Los Angeles art of the past is a treasure trove, with offbeat and lyrical works by an ethnically diverse group of artists who exhibited with a 1960s gallery with an alternative take on the mainstream. Ceeje Gallery, opened as the dream project of Cecil Hedrick and Jerry Jerome, included artists from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, all united in making challenging art oblivious of the commercial market.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Hirmer Verlag

Los Angeles' art of the past is a treasure trove, awaiting full excavation. Hiding in plain sight have been offbeat and lyrical works by an ethnically diverse group of artists who exhibited with a 1960s gallery with an alternative take on the mainstream: Ceeje Gallery, opened as the dream project of Cecil Hedrick and Jerry Jerome.

Scratch the surface of Los Angeles art in the 1960s and what you'll discover is much more than Ed Ruscha and Robert Irwin. A range of lesser-known artists reflected the social and cultural changes of that volatile decade. Some of the most out of the ordinary showed at Ceeje, a gallery that focused on painters who shared an expressionist style of mythic figuration and oblique narrative. Known for its inclusiveness, Ceeje included artists from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, all united in making challenging art oblivious of the commercial market.

Cecil Hedrick and Jerry Jerome, two visionaries with a shared passion for art, founded Ceeje Gallery in 1962. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the gallery was a hub for artists who sought to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of artistic expression. With its focus on painters who shared an expressionist style of mythic figuration and oblique narrative, Ceeje was a haven for artists who were often overlooked by the mainstream art world.

The gallery's founders were committed to inclusivity and diversity, and they welcomed artists from all backgrounds and perspectives. This led to a rich and diverse collection of artwork that reflected the social and cultural changes of the 1960s. From abstract expressionism to pop art, from surrealism to minimalism, Ceeje showcased a wide range of styles and techniques.

One of the most notable artists to exhibit at Ceeje was John Baldessari. Baldessari, a California-based artist, is known for his use of bold colors, geometric shapes, and playful imagery. His work at Ceeje was characterized by his signature style, which often incorporated elements of pop culture and consumerism.

Another notable artist who exhibited at Ceeje was Ed Ruscha. Ruscha, a Los Angeles-based artist, is known for his iconic images of billboards, parking lots, and other urban landscapes. His work at Ceeje was characterized by his use of humor and irony, as well as his exploration of the relationship between language and image.

In addition to its focus on expressionist painting, Ceeje Gallery also hosted a series of exhibitions that explored the role of art in society. These exhibitions included works by artists who were concerned with social justice, environmentalism, and political activism.

Despite its success, Ceeje Gallery faced challenges in the 1970s. The rise of the commercial art market led to a decline in the number of galleries that focused on challenging art. Ceeje, however, remained committed to its mission and continued to exhibit a wide range of artists who were pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

In the 1980s, Ceeje Gallery closed its doors, but its legacy continued to inspire artists and art enthusiasts. The gallery's commitment to inclusivity and diversity has become a model for other galleries and museums, and its influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.

Today, Ceeje Gallery is remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of Los Angeles art. Its offbeat and lyrical works by an ethnically diverse group of artists have left a lasting impact on the art world, and its commitment to challenging art oblivious of the commercial market has become a guiding principle for many artists.

In conclusion, Los Angeles' art of the past is a treasure trove, awaiting full excavation. Ceeje Gallery, opened as the dream project of Cecil Hedrick and Jerry Jerome, was a hub for artists who sought to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of artistic expression. With its focus on expressionist painting and its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, Ceeje Gallery played a pivotal role in the history of Los Angeles art. Its legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts, and its influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.

Weight: 1192g
Dimension: 295 x 239 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783777442631