Spirited Away by Kai and Sunny at Corey Helford Gallery

I recently visited the Spirited Away exhibit by Kai & Sunny at Corey Helford Gallery in downtown LA, and it was an incredible experience. The gallery was filled with beautiful, meticulously crafted works. The collaborative pieces with Shepard Fairey and D*Face were particularly striking, blending each artist's unique style in a seamless and visually stunning way. As a longtime fan of all three artists, this collaboration exceeded my expectations and hit notes beyond anything I could have imagined.

Kai’s Statement in the Gallery "I'm fascinated by the power of the natural world, and to explore those precious unseen moments such as the frequencies within nature. The lines in the works push and pull each other as if caught in a state of flux, whilst others are free to flow and exude energy.

My aim is to immerse the viewer within forces of nature, and use color, light and movement to transport them through a journey. At points in our lives, we may change, possibly losing pieces of ourselves in the process. Even with this obstacle, there is still hope ahead and letting go frees us to move forward".

The exhibit featured over 25 new works, showcasing Kai Clements' signature razor-thin colored lines using acrylic on linen canvas. These abstract, kinetic pieces told a story of adventure, personal growth, and the beauty of embracing new experiences. The vibrant colors, textures, and movements in each painting transported viewers to another world, inviting reflection on their own journeys of self-discovery.

In addition to the canvases, there were two digital artworks, accompanied by an ambient soundtrack by Toydrum, and collaborations with Element streetwear for a skateboard deck release. The theme of "UNITY" was central to the exhibit, and the collaborative works highlighted the power of shared experiences and friendships between the artists.

UNITY: “As collaboration is a core ethos of the artist's practice, this section of the 'Spirited Away' solo show has been dedicated to 'UNITY'. These unique collaborative works are by Shepard Fairey, D*Face, and Kai Clements. Their individual yet complementary styles have developed over time alongside their friendships starting from a shared college experience between D*Face and Kai Clements and collaborating with Shepard Fairey since 2013. It is fitting that these three artists should display their work together with each being inspired by nature, relationships, and the politics of the world.

Overall, the Spirited Away exhibit was a captivating and immersive journey that left me inspired. The combination of Kai & Sunny's individual works, along with the collaborative pieces, created a unique and unforgettable experience. For me, the pieces just really resonated so much with my personal aesthetics, and the art that I follow and am inspired by. Check out the images below, and let me know Your thoughts!

If you’re in the Los Angeles Area, do yourself the favor and see the works in person, it’s SO worth it. The show runs until October 26, 2024