Social Networking as Seen Through Art

Contemporary pop-surrealist, Alex Gross, to premiere a new exhibition at Corey Helford Gallery

Contemporary pop-surrealist, Alex Gross, will premiere a new exhibition,  “Antisocial Network,” at Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) Saturday, February 25th.

“Antisocial Network,” will be the first exhibition in Los Angeles in over a decade by Gross. On display in CHG’s main gallery, the new collection from the LA-based artist features oil paintings, drawings and mixed media cabinet card paintings.

Although modern technology appears in only about half of the works, the multiple readings of this phrase apply to every piece in the exhibition. One interpretation from the new work is that social networks, both real and online, rather than bringing us together, are destroying our connections with others, which is resulting in isolation.

Several paintings reference well-known corporate brands, but overall the work has a more intimate and personal slant than Gross’ previous exhibitions. In several pieces, figures are lost in thought, if not distracted by a phone or virtual-reality headset, then perhaps by their thoughts. Other examples includes a young lady contemplating her own death within a giant Slurpee and in another painting an attractive couple embrace while at the beach, but one of them appears to be quietly fading away.

The opening reception for Gross’ new collection will be hosted Saturday, February 25th, 2017 from 7-11 p.m. in the main gallery at Corey Helford Gallery. The reception is open to the public and the exhibition is on view through March 25th, 2017.