California to Wave a New State Banner: Artist Jillian Kogan to Exhibit Solo Show Featuring Acclaimed 'Flag Art' at West Hollywood Gallery

Artist Jillian Kogan unfurls a new solo show "State of Mind" featuring her venerated flag assemblages at Ambrogi Castanier Gallery opening in West Hollywood January 26, 2008 through February 24.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 23, 2007 -- Emerging southland artist Jillian Kogan to exhibit a new perspective with her banner solo show "State of Mind" scheduled to open at the AMBROGI | CASTANIER GALLERY in West Hollywood on Saturday, January 26th. The show features her acclaimed sociopolitical "Flag Art," in which she demystifies the iconography of the state pennant. Her witty compositions invoke a world of 'image writings' seen in pieces, but never all together. Back in the spring of 2006, LA Confidential editor-at-large Rebecca Bloom started sizzling about Kogan after her first successful group show at Modern One Gallery. The artist continues to impress with her pressing hot button topics and thought-provoking assemblages.

Following in her Pop Art idols' footsteps, Kogan sought objects that are seen and not looked at. She incorporates her own blend of mixed media along with an assortment of branded messages. Culling from an immense media menu (textiles, coffee beans, seashells, souvenirs, pills, et al) she redefines the known and uncovers the hidden identities associated with the state of California. Esteemed gallery owner Robert Berman has said, "What Jasper Johns is to the American flag, Jillian Kogan is to the California State flag".

From Hollywood glamour ("MTV Republic" and "Reinvent Yourself"), to the conservation of a natural world ("Recycle Republic"), Kogan takes us on a journey of the varying characteristics of our state, our culture, and most of all ourselves. Her work is about showing our true colors, which are most often simultaneously beautiful and frightening. Her new collection emphasizes this idolized imagery of modern culture sprinkled with hints of humor and a faint call of distress.

Kogan's work is on display in the Pacific Design Center, MTV Networks, and Save the Children headquarters. Socially and environmentally conscious, in June of 2006, she donated an original piece to the Heal the Bay auction. In addition her work is currently on exhibit in The Bear Flag Museum of Sacramento and in the private collections nationwide including former CAA partner and Tony Award winning producer Bill Haber, EGC Luxury Homes President Ron Gonen, and Osborne & Little CEO Sir Peter Osborne.

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