EXHIBITIONS: From the Streets to the FIAC

Paris has been buzzing with its annual FIAC art fair, gathering high-profile groups of contemporary art collectors, museum curators and international dealers, and even winning international recognition through its rigorous selection process.  Lala Drona followers were proud to have seen prints of the artist’s work exhibited this year by renowned galleries from around the world.  The artist herself visited the fair on Sunday, and although she seemed slightly unamused, she agreed to pose for some photographs in front of her work.

Even stranger, the artist was spotted on the streets with originals of the same work exhibited at the FIAC.  She was first spotted setting up canvases in a busy metro station in the center of Paris, but quickly moved shop to appear in another metro station with fellow artist Dean James Lovett.  The two put on a metro exhibition, laughing over beers and presenting their work.  When beers were finished, they closed up shop and moved outside.

Lala and Dean set up their operation outside the Centre Pompidou where they shared champagne with passerbys and invited them to attend their “art opening.”  Marie Formi a witness to the scene commented on the show, “C’est le veritable art. (It’s real art)” she said. Many others commented on the artists’ show saying the artists would go far.

Although many enjoyed Lala’s street vernissage, critics were not amused with the stunt.  “It’s actually quite tasteless to have her prints selling at the FIAC for thousands, while she stands in the street and sells the originals for next to nothing,” says critic William Stockman from the British Contemporary Art Guild.  “It’s quite the slap in the face for the galleries that have supported her over the years.”

So what exactly is Lala trying to say with this stunt?  Is she pulling a Banksy to make a statement or is she aimlessly continuing her art and rock and roll lifestyle?  Perhaps we will just have to wait and see what else this young artist has got up her sleeve.

Samantha Craig, Faux Pas Magazine

Interview: Lala Drona

Between projects and after calamity, Lala agrees to an interview with Kathy Walder, journalist from the LD Times.

K:  So Lala, how is Paris treating you?

LD:  There’s good people, bad people.  Just like everywhere, really.

K:  Any specific exhibitions going on right now in Paris that you’d like to comment on?

LD:  Sometimes I feel like the entire contemporary art scene is a total mess, but I’m sure that’s what many contemporaries thought of their time.  Besides that, I’m looking forward to going to an exhibition at the Maison Rouge that is displaying only artists “under the influence.”  I think it sounds pretty tubular.  The Dinosaur exhibition at the History Museum—not good.  It was three floors of stuffed exotic animals and I couldn’t actually tell if the animals were taxidermies or not.  I was in some bizarre zoo graveyard, looking at specimens.  Your kids might cry.  Don’t go.

K:  What about the “setbacks” you’ve recently been experiencing?

LD:   Oh you mean breaking my face…or being an art school reject?  Or maybe that I’m in the middle of a cultural mecca where it seems like the only option for studying art is if it’s applied.  Design.  It’s fine and all, it’s just my objective is a bit different from the applied arts.  I already have a job, a way to eat.  That’s not what I’m searching for.

K:   And are you okay after the accident?  I mean, everything looks good.

LD:  (laughs) Yeah, I’m fantastic.  I mean, the way I see it, every artist has an ego.  Maybe mine needed to be kicked down a notch (mumbles) my art school rejection letter helped with that.  Through this whole experience, I’ve realized that I find freedom in the loss of vanity.  Accidents are blessings.  I felt like I was finally wearing who I am, on my face, for the very first time.

K:   And what now?  No art school, and you’ve missed deadlines for admissions, not to mention your visa is running out.  Any plans to accept defeat and move on to another country?

LD: This place doesn’t want me, fine. I like a challenge.  I’m staying until I’m done here.

Based on a fact by Kathy Walder, LD Times