Gallerist Merry Karnowsky is something of a legend in the Los Angeles art world. Recognized for her pioneering role in elevating the Surreal Pop and Lowbrow art movements that originated in the late 1980s from the streets into the spotlight, she has hosted exhibitions of work by titans of the genre Shepard Fairey, Mercedes Helnwein, Camille Rose Garcia, Vivian Maier and Todd Schorr.
Jennybird Alcantara, Lullaby of the Bounty in Repose, oil on wood, 45 x 60"
“[Merry’s] gallery was the first I saw take the work that I loved from underground culture and bring it into a white cube space,” says Heidi Johnson, founder of Hijinx Arts, an artist management and public relations firm. “She created awareness of these incredible artists and built value in the movement early on, bringing it to a landed market and newly percolating young collectors…Merry is and has always been right on the pulse, in tune with both artists and the collectors.”
Greg “Craola” Simkins, Recruiting, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 30"
In celebration of Karnowsky’s ongoing legacy and her KP Projects’ 25th year, more than 30 artists at all points in their career will come together in a show that pays homage to the aesthetic for which Karnowsky has long provided a platform.
Todd Schorr met Karnowsky in Los Angeles in the late 1980s when she was working at Tamara Bane Gallery, the first “upscale” gallery to feature work from the underground art scene Schorr helped spawn. He and his wife, artist Kathy Staico, were Karnowsky’s first show when she opened her own gallery in 1997 and have been represented by KP Projects ever since. 
Masakatsu Sashie, Complex, oil on canvas, 45¾ x 35¾"
“In subsequent years Merry has gone on to represent many of the top artists in the Lowbrow/Pop Surreal world and has developed an extremely loyal fan base of collectors,” says Schorr, adding how essential Karnowsky has been in so many aspects of his career. “She’s not only my home gallery but has become a great friend as well.”
Los Angeles writer Shana Nys Dambrot has more to add about Karnowsky. “Merry’s legacy is secure, in LA and beyond; but as she enters a new quarter century she continues to expand and deepen the gallery’s vision and cultivate new audiences for contemporary art. As a critic it’s pleasurable and fertile ground to cover!” 
Lola Gil, All of us With Our Heroes, oil and acrylic on panel, 48 x 44"The show, which runs through August 22, will kick-off with an opening reception and celebration on July 16. —
KP Projects Gallery
633 N. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036 • (323) 933-4408
www.kpprojectsgallery.net
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