Art

Dark Totem Exhibition Comes to Hellada Gallery

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 and 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 until May 28.

Time: Cosing 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

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.

Recent Posts

Desperate Times, Desperate Measures: Yes on 50

Gerrymandering is the bane — well, one of the banes — of our so-called democracy.…

16 hours ago

Padilla, Democrats Call on State Department to Restore Gaza Humanitarian and Medical Visas

The Senators requested a full explanation of the circumstances leading to this abrupt decision to…

18 hours ago

San Pedro City Ballet, Arts United Invite Community to Mural Unveiling Oct. 5

Misty Copeland said of the mural: “I’m incredibly honored to be featured in this stunning…

19 hours ago

Port of Long Beach Names Chief Harbor Engineer

LONG BEACH—The Port of Long Beach has named Monique Lebrun as senior director of the…

2 days ago

Unified Command Completes Salvage Operations for Pier G Container Incident

LONG BEACH — The unified command announces all 95 containers that fell overboard from the…

2 days ago

Western Avenue Work Begins Monday – Expect Delays

The LA County Sanitation Districts started work Sept 29 on a drilling project on Western…

2 days ago