Arts: New Hellada Exhibition and PNB Calls for Submissions

Dark Totem Exhibition Comes to Hellada Gallery in May

For artists Jana Opincariu and Daniel Kathalynas a totem is not just a symbol of a power animal but an interconnection of power imagery that may take on the guise of an animal, plant, element, a dream-state or higher consciousness.

Dark Totem artwork will flood the Hellada Gallery in Long Beach with paintings, sculptural wall-hangings and short films. “Who are you willing to become?” is a fitting subtitle for the show that exemplifies the ancient aspect of tribal members becoming power animals to enhance characteristics that are needed. This exhibition by Opincariu and Kathalynas will penetrate the barriers of standard imagery to ignite unseen themes and dark becomings to move primal emotions.

Jana Opincariu is an award winning artist with paintings recognized across the southwest and paintings that have found their home around the globe. She creates surreal and fantastical images of human bodies, objects and animals. As a painter, she strives to exemplify what it means to become vulnerable and romanticize it. She does this by creating hyper-realistic portraits of people, creatures and bodies, illustrating lucid dreams and making delicate surreal images that demonstrate the lust and chaos we face in day to day life.

Daniel Kathalynas is an award-winning international artist. He works in painting, sculptural wall-hangings, filmmaking and stop motion animation. Currently, Daniel is traveling across the country and filming short videos called The Roaming Artist – American Odyssey where he discusses his inspirational process, the beauty of national landmarks, local culture with live painting on his YouTube Channel.

The first Totem exhibition took place in Albuquerque at Factory on 5th in September, 2019. It was such a success, Jana and Daniel decided to bring a newly adapted (and darker) exhibition to Long Beach.

Dark Totem will be on view 2 to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, May 7 to May 28.

Time: Opening reception 5 to 9 p.m. May 7, closing reception 5 to 9 p.m. May 28

Cost: Free

Details: 562-435-5232; www.hellada.us

Venue: Hellada Gallery 117 Linden Ave, Long Beach

Calling all Southern California dance film makers!

No entry fee to apply. Screening fees will be paid. See your films on the big screen outdoor at the Music Center in July

PNB Dance Film Festival Call For Submissions: Submit your dance film by May 20, 2022

The Pacific Northwest Ballet or PNB Dance Film Festival, presented by The Music Center in association with Dance Camera West, will have a specific focus on digital dance creators and emerging artists who are based in Southern California.

The festival is a call for these artists to submit dance films for review by an esteemed panel of industry professionals. Dance filmmakers can submit a short (under 4 minutes) or long (4-12 minutes) dance film.

The PNB Dance Film Festival was born from an explosion of digital and dance creativity during the pandemic, which has stretched the dance art form in ways never experienced before. Dance films offered artists and the public a welcome breath of innovation and accessibility during the pandemic and continue to do so as live performance returns. The free festival provides an opportunity to continue the groundwork to help unite voices within the greater dance community while forging a more connected and inclusive arts world.

Details: www.tinyurl.com/pnb-dance-film-festival

Melina Paris

Melina Paris is a Southern California-based writer, who connects local community to ARTS & Culture, matters of Social Justice and the Environment. Melina is also producer and host of Angel City Culture Quest podcast, featured on RLN website and wherever you get your podcasts.