Flag Stop Art Fair: South Bay Lexus Dealership Becomes an Art Gallery
Gary Leonard Bob Zoell's work
The Flag Stop art fair at South Bay Lexus in Torrance over Labor Day weekend wasn't billed as an art fair, but instead as an "alternative art experience." In truth, it was both, with elements ranging from a major survey of the work of Bob Zoell curated by Howard Fox, to the "Pod Alleys" outside the building in which rows of moving and storage crates functioned as micro-galleries.
By and large, both exhibitors and attendees reported that good times were had at the test-drive, if you will pardon the pun, of what the organizers hope will become an annual event. Future locations may vary, but the inaugural Flag Stop's encampment on the grounds and in the buildings of this luxury car dealership made for a curious context that was both surreal and familiar.
Many of the people in charge were exhibiting artists themselves, and that made for a palpable difference in overall vibe, which was both professional and casual. The majority of the staff was made up of artists, such as director Tm Gratkowski and event planner the tireless Tiel Park, who along with associate director Nick Lisica and the rest of the main committee invited participants from the broader professional L.A. art world in an organic process that, while resulting in a bit of aesthetic unevenness, achieved an impressive quality and variety of individual installations.
Gary Leonard Bob Zoell's work
The larger-scale exhibition installations inside the building's garages and sprawling lobby, especially the Zoell and the group shows curated by William Moreno, Scott Canty, and Lily Siegel, made explicit the similarities in the displaying of artistic luxury goods and automotive ones, creating a sense of spectacle.
courtesy of William Moreno Contemporary Ahree Lee and Brett Armory
Several artists took the opportunity to create impressive and semi-site specific installations that activated otherwise inconvenient or under-used areas throughout the building itself, such as dark hallways and empty conference rooms.
Marilyn Lowey's work
Throughout the weekend, Flag Stop featured lively panel discussions and performances ranging from dancers and musicians to more interpretive actions that were far preferable to the usual barkers and sales reps that usually work the crowd at a car lot.
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