“Grounded” - Autumnal Equinox | 2010
Exhibition | September 18 ~ December 5, 2010
Curator: Tony Clark
Chevalier des l’Ordre des Arts et des LettersClark is bringing artists from Los Angeles and from across to nation to partake in this celebration of the circle of life.
These “Green Artists” are j.Reto, Susan Lawrence, William Emboden, David Gardner and Randall Oldieve. These
artists reflect Clark’s concept of the greening of art. There is that element in both images and materials that involves
the preservation of life and recycling natural materials. The use of the term les objects trouvees (found objects)
appeals to him. He selects artists that use nature as their inspiration. This is not only reflected in the images,
but their substance. The works are made of organic paint, paper, collages and/or montages of recycled objects.
Themes of nature, plants animals, seasons, places, times of the year or day all figure into this greening concept.
This mindset was perfectly complimented when Tony Clark met Charles Michael Murray founder and owner of
Endangered Planet Gallery through a mutual friend. They are kindred spirits. Both men feel that part of their
mission in life is to help preserve this earth, culture and civilization. Art is a universal language they are using to
raise awareness and conscientiousness of peril and plight of our earth and all life forms with which we share this
planet. The Autumnal Equinox is a time of harvest when the sun is aligned with the earth in this unique season of
death and rebirth and to celebrate this seasonal force that moves and affects all our lives.
Clark is no stranger to Laguna Beach. He was the Executive Director of the Severin Wunderman Museum in Irvine,
California that was dedicated to Jean Cocteau and his contemporaries such as Picasso, Man Ray, Dali, Matisse,
Modigliani etc. Through the museum, and with the Estate of the artist, Clark created the Jean Cocteau International
Style Award that he presented to Tommy Tune, Carlo Maria Giuliani, Michael York, Francoise Gillot, Tomas Tsaboro.
He proposed to convert one of the old bank buildings in Laguna Beach turned consignment shop into a museum
that would house that ever growing collection and continue the award tradition. The proposal was rejected by the
local residents. In a twist of celebration or fate, the collection will open September 2011 in Laguna Beach’s sister
city Menton, France.
While the museum was located here is Orange County Clark toured its various collections all over the world. Clark
curated exhibitions that were seen at the Pushkin Museum, St Petersburg Russian, Vadvashem, Israel, Musee des
Beaux Arts, Belgium, Itsitan Museum, Japan just to mention a few venues.
Tony Clark has curated the art of Francoise Gilot, Alexandra Nechita, Vaslav Nijinsky, Sarah Bernhardt, Peter Shire,
Andre Miripolsky, Stathis Orphanos, Beatrice Wood and many other contemporary artists.
Affinity Galleries is now exhibiting at
384 Forest Ave.
Gallery 13
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.497.5690