What to wear : Gallery opening
Los Angeles has a thriving art scene, and there are plenty of museums, galleries and studio spaces to check out all over the city. Art can also be a very social space full of art & culture lovers in the community. One such occasion is going to an art exhibition opening. There really are no rules for what to wear to an event like this and most people will probably be dressed casually. But it’s also a great excuse to dress up. Especially if you are one of the artists featured in the show, it's the perfect time to show yourself! You don't have to worry about being perfect. Just remember to be confident and be you.
With that said, I have some exciting news I’d like to share. I was selected to participate in my first official art exhibition! The group exhibition with other really talented artists (total 21!) is called ‘There From Here’ and was curated by the amazing ArtShare LA. I had dreamed of this moment and was so excited about the opening reception and thinking about what to wear.
Things to remember when you go to a gallery opening party :
You’ll probably be on your feet for a while, so comfortable shoes are a must.
I always prefer a small cross-body bag as opposed to a clutch to keep my hands free for handouts or snapping photos
Early April can still be chilly, so prepare light outerwear
I decided to go with a cool-edged urban chic style, and you can't go wrong with a combination of mini dress & jacket!
These are my choices for opening night.
Mini Dress
Oversized Blazer
Fish net tights (Funky AF)
Doc Martens
Wanna put a little bit of a fun twist? How about fish net tights? People might think it’s too funky for formal events but it also instantly adds a cool-edge to your overall look. Also you can buy it easily at a reasonable price.
My painting! <A Stranger>
<A Stranger>
Acrylic on Canvas
24” x 36”
2020
April 2020. First week of my new life in LA, it was my birthday. The scene of a single lamp placed on the floor of an empty bedroom was as bleak as my lonely heart.
Because of the pandemic, everything, including all government offices were shut down. I began to wonder how long would I have to wait to get my documents and social security number? I felt like a person without a country - not from my hometown and not American yet - a person on the border. So I started painting to record an archive of my heart. That desolate feeling was the beginning of this painting. The more depressed I was, the more I was obsessed with painting the room in warmer palettes.
As I filled my heart with bright colors through painting, I began to fall in love with the scenery of the golden, warm sunlight spreading under the cloudy sky. Thanks to these unexpected moments and little acts of kindness I witnessed, a light spring breeze began to blow and the process of painting became a form of therapy.
Now, two years have passed, and I am so grateful that I have a chance to share my work with the people of LA. Though there are many challenges, I love painting and being able to share my artwork and meeting such amazing people. I feel myself growing little by little everyday even though I know I will always be struggling to complete my projects. But still, that gets me excited.
@ ArtShare LA
About the exhibition :
There from Here is an exhibition that revolves around the idea of “‘place”’ and how it affects artists. Each artist has explored their own surroundings and has highlighted key elements within their own context of self and surroundings. Artists have explored concepts through a variety of mediums, ranging from charcoal and oil paint to digital media. Figurative and environmental works are rendered with a whimsical touch and address themes pertaining to humanity, such as memory, identity, mental health and fantastical worlds created not only through their experiences, but those of ancient cultures as well. Each artist has explored their inner dreamer and wander amidst the many realities of everyday life.
Introduction about the show. Click for more information.
If you are ready to bring your own artsy vibe, then check out these 3 Black Mini Dress styling ideas when it comes to what to wear for an art gallery party that’s both cool & chic.
1/ Flowy Funky Dress + Cool Gray Blazer
An airy chiffon flowy dress is extremely body-flattering, and a perfect choice for a gallery party!
SHOP THE LOOK
2/ Drapery Shirt Dress + Oversized Coat
If you want to look like an artist or a designer, a drapery silhouette always exudes a sense of free spirit, spontaneity, and uniqueness,
which instantly makes you look artistic.
SHOP THE LOOK
3/ Body-con Dress + Artsy Print Jacket
Get out of your comfort zone and incorporate prints for an artsy look. Trust me, it’s a real mood booster.
SHOP THE LOOK
It was such a dream day. For the first time, I saw people seeing my work and talking about my art. I hope I was able to touch their hearts through my painting. I won't ever forget how nervous, anxious and happy I was for my first exhibition.
Two years ago, a strong sense of loneliness made me paint, and now that painting makes me smile everyday. After an amazing weekend, today is my birthday and my 3rd since coming to LA! Today, everything feels like a gift. And another day that I am full of gratitude. Happy Birthday Jina!
