Comedian Jeff Ross DJ’d the opening for artists Kii Arens
Kii Arens is not afraid of color. The artist/director/musician/designer recently opened his new Fab L.A. gallery space in Downtown’s Fine Arts building and we dropped by to take a look. For many years, Arens ran La La Land Gallery on Santa Monica Boulevard, in a block filled with tiny theaters, galleries and the artsy funk that’s been slowly draining out of Hollywood.
Kii Arens art at Fab L.A.Credit: Photo by Chris Nichols
Welcome to Downtown. Arens’ newest space is in the cathedral-like Fine Arts Building on West 7th Street. The 100-year-old landmark is filled with spectacular Batchelder tile and the grand lobby soars over a mezzanine where the gallery’s offices are located. There’s an art-filled pool in the center and artists have long used the gold display cases lining the lobby walls for displays.
Kii Arens Fab L.A. galleryCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols
The cases are currently filled with concert posters and artifacts from collaborations with the likes of Elton John and Van Halen. The artists have created loud, eye-catching posters for Devo and the B-52’s, Dolly Parton and Weezer. He’s been commissioned by Disney, Coachella and the Hollywood Bowl because your eyes cannot avoid his screamingly bright artworks. Your attention will be caught.
The Fine Arts Building in Downtown Los AngelesCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols
The opening was not only a party but a fundraiser for Oxfam and included a pop-up sale of objects donated by past Grammy winners, including Billie Eilish, Lorde and My Morning Jacket. Snazzy hats, a signed keyboard, and a ton of vinyl were sold to benefit the British-born anti-poverty charity.
The Fine Arts Building in Downtown Los AngelesCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols
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Comedian Jeff Ross, known as the Roastmaster General for his televised takedowns of famous faces, attended wearing an appropriately outlandish embroidered suit by Kid Super of Brooklyn. His Broadway show Take a Banana for the Ride is coming soon to Netflix. The comic hopped in and took over the DJ duties at the party. “Let’s roll some tunes,” Ross said from behind the turntable. “And celebrate art and downtown.”
Donated items at the Oxfam fundraiserCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols