STUDIO DDLA
THIN SKIN
These works are inspired by a recurring theme in philosophy and literature: peeling the layers of oneself, much like peeling an onion, to reveal the true nature of humanity. George Saunders, in his magnificent book, A Swim In The Pond In The Rain, speaks of the symmetry of human history when he writes “We can peer back through the layers of centuries, with the help of great literature, and feel a kinship; sense a repetition of experience.”
He further suggests that “Resistance…comes from, perhaps the most radical idea of all: that every human being is worthy of attention and that the origins of every good and evil capability of the universe may be found by observing a single, even very humble person and the turnings of his or her mind”.
I was introduced to the idea of onion as metaphor when I read Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse and The Tin Drum by Gunter Grass. Since then, I have randomly collected images of onions. In these new works I study these images, refining and reinterpreting them with layers of paper, cardboard, canvas, charcoal, and vibrant color.
Painting the onion acts as a meditation; the perfect mandala of color and strata, of micro and macro that strips away layer after layer of superficiality and finally leads us to the center of all things.
-Leslie Lanxinger
This exclusive exhibition will be on display at Studio DDLA from September 6th-19th.
Meet our artist
Leslie Lanxinger is a multimedia artist who uses paper as her primary material. Her work is driven by narrative with specific references to anthropomorphism, literature, and low-brow theater such as burlesque, vaudeville, and Commedia Dell’arte. Lanxinger spent several years researching outsider performance art, burlesque, and the history of the Female IdentifyingPerformer. Theatricality, human nature, transformation, and feminism remain constant themes in her work, and are the impetus for her practice of designing and sculpting costumes and masks in addition to her drawing and painting.
Lanxinger has exhibited in galleries in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Tokyo, London, and Miami. She is a recurring artist in the Spring/Break Art Fair in LA and New York; Aqua Art Fair, Miami, and the LA Art Show. Select awards include the Franklin Furnace Award, the Brooklyn Arts council Grant, the San Francisco Center for Cultural Innovation Grant, and the Brand Associate Patron Award. Museum shows include the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, Wexner Center, Ohio, the Harn Museum, Florida, and the Institute for Contemporary Arts in Boston and Atlanta. She received her Masters of Fine Arts from the School of Visual arts in New York and her BFA from the Atlanta College of Art. She lives and works in Los Angeles.
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
Studio DDLA
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles’ Historic Chinatown, Studio DDLA stands as a pioneering space dedicated to death work in the United States.
As a cornerstone of Historic Chinatown, our studio continues the rich tradition of artistic expression that has thrived in this neighborhood since the late 1990s. Originating with the Black Dragon Society, a collective of Art Center College of Design students, this community has long been a hub for emerging artists and innovative galleries. With Studio DDLA, we honor this legacy by providing a platform for local artists and members of our vibrant death doula collective community to showcase their work.
Beyond our commitment to showcasing diverse artistic perspectives, Studio DDLA offers a versatile space for photographers, videographers, event organizers, and more. From immersive art exhibitions to dynamic multi-day events, our studio welcomes a range of creative endeavors.
For gallery use, screenings, photography, video shoots, retreats & other multi-day or closed events, please submit your proposal below. Rental pricing will be determined based on event application.
Questions can be directed to admin@deathdoulala.com.
Hours
by appointment only
Address
944 Chung King Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Submit your proposal
This form is for gallery use, screenings, photography, video shoots, retreats & other multi-day or closed events.