'Bad News' at Marine Contemporary

Local art lovers can keep Abbot Kinney's First Friday celebration this weekend going for an extra day by stopping by Marine Contemporary, Venice's newest gallery, on Saturday when artist collective littlewhitehead's U.S. debut, "Bad News," holds its opening reception.

Littlewhitehead is an effort of Glasgow, Scotland, artists who appear to prefer taking a shock value approach to sculptures, which are inspired by the humorous aspects of culture.

Marine Contemporary is the next step in owner Claressinka Anderson's vision for a bridge between U.S. and U.K. contemporary art. Having started the Contemporary Art Salon out of her Venice home, two months ago Anderson made the jump to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, what she describes as "the art neighborhood of Los Angeles."

The 31-year-old London native's articulation of contemporary art has allowed her to bring together creative people from both sides of the Atlantic.

The 12 artists who Anderson represents evoke that strong representation in the form of layered, meticulous work. Each artist, in his or her own way, exudes an even balance of conceptual and visual understanding that Anderson believes is necessary in the vitality of artwork. Her vision has been developed into an introspective catalog that is now available at the gallery.

Anderson, with the help of Associate Director Emily Sills, hopes to expand the gallery to a London branch. Stay tuned for new shows at Marine Contemporary every six weeks.

The "Bad News" opening reception is May 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Marine Contemporary, 1733-A Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice.