LA ART SHOW 2024
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Laura Grover at 310-994-1690 or LDG@lauragrover.net for additional information or requests
STONE and BRONZE SCULPTURES by Bay Area-based American artist DOUG THIELSCHER to be showcased by PROJECT ZOLA at the 29th Annual LA Art Show, February 14-18, 2024
THIELSCHER’s work, fusing ancient techniques with contemporary yet timeless themes, will be on view in booth 918 at the L.A. Convention Center’s West Hall. Thielscher mastered the art of stone carving while working with the “artigiani” in Pietrasanta, Italy.
LOS ANGELES, January 15, 2024: Project Zola is pleased to announce its participation in the 29th edition of the LA Art Show, presenting the powerful stone and bronze sculptures of renowned, self-taught American artist Doug Thielscher(Booth 918). Thielscher's mastery of the traditional art of stone carving was honed over more than two decades, with almost half that time working with the “artigiani” in Pietrasanta, Italy, an ancient Roman town in coastal Tuscany famed for its marble quarries and bronze foundries. There, he immersed himself in techniques perfected during the Italian Renaissance.
With each piece, Thielscher’s intent is to tell enduring and archetypal stories of human emotion and interaction. He is committed to honoring the ancient and noble tradition of figurative stone carving while pulling it forward into the 21st century by creating contemporary and original pieces that have relevance in today's world.
Thielscher prefers working with heavy, resistant mediums – stone and metal – that by nature resist his attempts to sculpt them, showcasing his innate ability to evoke delicateness and draw out the passion of existence from robust materials. His sculptures often capture pain and desire, where the stone and metal seemingly take on lives of their own.
He hopes that his emotionally charged pieces will compel viewers to pause and reflect. In his artist statement he says, “Most importantly, I want to capture the moment of greatest tension in each story. I find that by reducing the composition to only the most expressive gestures of a scene, I am better able to highlight the intensity at that climactic point in time. Often the resulting sculpture includes fragments of the figure. Other times, it is something more abstract.”
Thielscher also cites several “filters” he puts his ideals and models through, the first being originality – something that has not already been done, is not derivative. Also integral to his practice is to create something visually strong, with meaningful content, that will provoke a visceral response from viewers. And it must be interesting from all sides, pulling the viewer around to experience it in 360 degrees.
Project Zola is a platform committed to providing opportunities for artists to showcase their work to diverse audiences. This initiative aligns with Thielscher's mission to make his art accessible and resonant to a broad range of individuals.
The LA Art Show’s Opening Night Premiere on February 14, 2024, from 6 PM-10 PM offers an exclusive opportunity to preview Thielscher's sculptures and other artwork from around the world. General admission tickets for the show are available for February 15-18, 2024, with various entry times. For tickets: https://wl.seetickets.us/event/THE-LA-ART-SHOW-2024/564086?afflky=TheLAArtShow
Dropbox with additional images:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/e5g36pft8n9qojj9c3hee/h?rlkey=4w0kztwi9rrzgs8ka64o05edy&dl=0
About Doug Thielscher:
Recognized for his mastery in transforming stone into emotive narratives, Berkeley-based sculptor Doug Thielscher will have a solo exhibition at the LA Art Show presented by Project Zola. With each stone and bronze piece, Thielscher’s intent is to tell enduring and archetypal stories of human emotion and interaction. He is committed to honoring the ancient and noble tradition of figurative stone carving, but pull it forward into the 21st century by creating contemporary and original pieces that have relevance in today's world.
About Project Zola:
Project Zola is a dynamic platform showcasing the work of sculptor Doug Thielscher. Through this initiative, Project Zola creates temporal inclusive spaces where viewers can appreciate Thielscher's powerful sculptures, intricately weaving together tradition and innovation. The platform aspires to elevate the visibility of Thielscher's work and initiate meaningful dialogues and connections across a broad spectrum of individuals, fostering a more interconnected art community through collaborative efforts with curators, art fairs, galleries, and pop-up spaces.
About the LA Art Show:
With more than 120 galleries, the LA Art Show is considered one of America's most comprehensive international contemporary art exhibitions, presenting a diverse range of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, installations, photography, and more, from global artists (all exhibited works are available for purchase). With more than 180,000 square feet of exhibition space, the show features prominent galleries curating special exhibits that reflect the forefront of the contemporary art movement.