Centered in the heart of West Hollywood, the ‘Mondrian Los Angeles’ makes itself the home for artist Matt Smiley’s newest collection: REFRESH.
Wednesday evening guests attended the latest debut at the Magic Box Gallery hosted by Emile Hirsch. Matt Smiley showcased his artwork at an iconic location making it a significant milestone to his career. Smiley’s previous art exhibitions include participation alongside James Franco, Jeff Wack, and Ace Norton. And now REFRESH adds on to another successful night. As guests walked around the venue enjoying Smiley’s never-before seen pieces they also got to indulge in beer, provided by Peroni, and champagne, courtesy of Skybar.
Among those attending the REFRESH opening reception include Shane West, Shiloh Fernandez, Chris Paul, Douglas Kirkland, Matisse, Chris Paul, Fiona Xie, Alison Thornton and Cailin Russo. Of course right by his side was also Matt’s girlfriend who was celebrating the accomplishment of being at the Mondrian. The Mondrian Los Angeles is not only known for their nightlife spectacles, but also for hosting cultural events, art exhibits, and live performances. Smiley’s REFRESH showcase is the perfect hotspot for all who visit the Mondrian.
The Knockturnal was able to dive deeper with Matt Smiley as we spoke more about his art in an exclusive one on one interview:
The Knockturnal: What does it mean to you to be in LA tonight and showcase your artwork?
Matt Smiley: I feel like, I have this piece that’s called “Obnoxiously Happy” and I kind of feel like it sort of represents a little bit how I feel. I feel really really genuinely happy and truly honored to showcase here cause, never when I really started my journey as a fine artist I didn’t really think about showcasing in hotels or especially somewhere like the Mondrian, that’s such a massive iconic place where so many people from all walks of life go through. And the Magic Box Gallery is kind of beautiful and it makes everything look good.
The Knockturnal: Favorite art piece of the night?
Matt Smiley: Actually well I kind of have two; one is, I do love the “Party Animals”, but I do love the new series of the “Obnoxiously Happy”. There’s something about that color that I started to reuse in some pieces that I really really enjoy and am drawn towards.
The Knockturnal: Any artists that inspired you?
Matt Smiley: I’m definitely inspired by a lot of different artists, but especially for this collection I did pay homage in two pieces to Piet Mondrian, who essentially the hotel and everything was in reference to. But, there’s a lot that are very different from my style like, Tracey Emin somebody that I really like as far as an artist that kind of goes a little bit beyond the canvas. I was always a big fan of Jules Pascin and Modigliani as well.
The Knockturnal: Any future goals that you have with your art?
Matt Smiley: I have a lot of future goals I think there’s some brand collaborations that I’ve been working on and this year has been sort of mapping out future shows, like now I’m gonna start doing my first shows in Europe this year and then in Asia as well. So it’s interesting to think when you paint cause you want to paint and then there’s you paint cause you want to paint, but also that you need to paint more to deliver. You actually don’t even have enough time to think, so you continue doing it. So I actually have way more fun in that manner.
The Knockturnal: Are you excited to branch out internationally?
Matt Smiley: Yeah I’m excited because I am genuinely always interested by people, so I think that element. And there’s also that fine line between I want to make sure that, I’m number one, not overly saturated and not try to just do anything. So, those are things that I’m conscious of and also making sure that it’s always my hand even if it gets numb.
The Knockturnal: Favorite place you might be excited about to exhibit your art?
Matt Smiley: Definitely Paris. Mainly because it’s a city that I’ve fantasized about for years, I’ve obviously been there numerous times, but when I think about artists of the 1930s there’s a romantic vibe to it.
Smiley’s REFRESH collection will be displayed at the Mondrian’s Magic Box art gallery until Spring 2019. Definitely make it a part of your must do list when you’re in the area, and while you’re there enjoy everything else the Mondrian has to offer.
photo credit Chelsea Lauren / Shutterstock
