"Made in Space" offers an unconventional look at L.A. artists

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Night Gallery is an independent art gallery located in a spacious downtown L.A. warehouse. Its latest installation is “Made In Space” — a show featuring works by Southern California artists.

Many art galleries are created to guide viewers in a certain direction, a fixed path. But “Made in Space” abandons this system, sending viewers into space without direction or guidance. Splashes of color and exciting artwork cover the walls, ceilings, and even the floor. Curated by artists Peter Harkawik and Laura Owens, the thirteen artists featured are all unified by their ties to Los Angeles.

“Made in Space” isn’t your typical art show. With walls projecting at alternating angles, it’s up to viewers to determine where the exhibit begins and ends. Artwork occupies every wall and every niche. Viewers are always left to discover and admire a new creation.

Visible from the gallery’s entrance, two artworks immediately catch viewer’s eyes. Jorge Pardo’s elegant light fixture, Untitled, centers on warm tones that are illuminated by the light bulb’s glow. Liz Larner’s aluminum tube sculpture, high-strength, uses interlocked metal rods fused to create a synthesis of blue and silver. The work captures a feeling of organized chaos.

Of particular interest is artist Mungo Thomson’s mirror installation titled June 25, 2001 (How Will the Universe End) and March 6, 1995 (When Did the Universe Begin?). Resembling Time magazine covers, the mirrors placed on opposite ends of the room ensure that viewers are the cover star regardless of where they stand.

The exhibit’s fair share of detailed and intricate pieces definitely triumphs over some of the ultra-simplistic abstract works. Marcia Hafif’s Shades contains six square canvases each painted colorful tones. Cannon Hudson’s three triangles painted in a gray gradient seem out of place amongst their quirkier counterparts. Viewers are left to assume what these pieces contribute to the overall impression of the exhibit. It seems that the artists’ city of residence is the only thing bringing the artworks in “Made in Space” together.

“Made in Space” offers a new kind of art spectating experience — something both unexpected and unconventional.

"Made in Space" runs until April 15 in downtown Los Angeles’ Chinatown district. For more information, visit the Night Gallery's website.