My Karma Ran Over My Dogma
photography courtesy of Kalman Ocheltree.
At SADE, 204 S Ave 19, in Los Angeles, there was a group show, and we love a group show.
You’ll know this by our long and storied history of throwing our own group shows all over the world. You’ll also likely know this by our short and storied history of cataloguing Los Angeles’ DIY arts and music scenes through Sierra Skinner’s ongoing column covering the topic. It is a bold and invaluable thing, the DIY group show - friends scrabbling together pieces of work that move them, made by people near and dear to them, for no other purpose than their observation, admiration, and inspiration. My Karma Ate My Dogma, a group show featuring some of LA’s best, and curated by Kalman Ocheltree and Maya Spangler, carries on this tradition of art for the sake of it, so we asked them a bit about how it was done and how it went.
How did this show come about? Who are you partnering with on it?
Kalman Ocheltree: I originally thought of the idea almost a year ago. The idea was catalyzed by wanting to see my friends' art as well as my own, in one place. Group shows have always been so cool and inspiring to me. There’s a timeless nostalgia when I think of group shows. Mostly everyone that is involved I have admired their work for some time now. Maya stepped in within the past few months and really helped me put the idea into reality. Getting more artists involved that balance out the show beautifully and introducing me to Brian Hughes at Sade gallery. As well as many other things.
Maya Spangler: The concept of a group show is one of the first things Kalman ever talked to me about. Our second day meeting we were sitting in a park talking about it, and about this flag he should make for it. I wanted to help him bring the idea into reality and it felt natural to introduce him to Brian from Sade, who I worked with on my solo show last year. Brian is such a light in the art world. He let us take over the space last minute and was helping us add onto the catalog until the morning of the show.
The roster is massive, what was your intention in making such a sprawl?
KO: My intention was more so based on doing a show in LA that felt less polished and stiff. No rules, no guidelines as to what the medium was. Already being friends with a lot of these artists It felt like a given to put all their work in one place. Seeing all the work come together it started to create a feeling that is rugged yet soft. All the work together it truly feels like our own special realm.
What do you think each artist brings to the table?
KO: Intuition. Creating on intuition and impulse rather than technicality and training. Everyone's work has their similarities but also has vastly different elements. Some of the artists bring nostalgia or memories of a certain era anyone can relate to. Others may bring a sense of the unknown and fantasy.
MS: I think it’s really cool to see our tastes collide, especially because Kalman and I involved different artists. Looking at all the works as we install, I can see how every artist brings such a distinct element to the room, but there’s still this vulnerability, humor, sexiness, & softness that runs through it. Everyone’s personality is so potent, in the best way. It’s sick seeing all these worlds next to each other: meth psychosis, guns in a trap house, a painted movie scene, a bunny in a backpack.
How does one go about putting together a show like this?
KO: Have a vision in mind for a show. I had this title, and some artists in mind and everything came after. Finding a gallery that resonates with you and understands what you're going for. Having integrity and patience. I think the most challenging part of putting on a group show of this caliber is dealing with some artists' expectations and egos regarding their work. When I look at the show, I see the big picture, what everyone’s work looks like together, but of course someone might just be looking fortheirs, and have different expectations of where it should live in the space. What they want to show compared to what you had in mind. We didn’t finish installing until 2am the night before. At a certain point it can break you but what keeps you going is trusting that it all is worth it. I went into this with no curatorial experience but I just learned along the way. I don’t think I could've pulled it off without Maya. Having a partner in crime to help get it done is helpful.
Whats the arts scene like in Los Angeles? Is this a common occurrence?
KO: I think a part of me wanting to do this was because of the fact that I'm not really involved in the art scene here in LA. Group shows happen all the time here and great ones at that, but I just wanted to put together a group show that wasn’t dictated by “the scene” , personal notoriety, followers, etc.
What is the primary medium that you were seeking to feature in the show?
KO: It’s all over the place in regards to medium. You could say that’s an element I wanted to feature in the show.
What would you like to tell a person before they attend?
KO: Leave your dogma at home.
How would you like a viewer to be affected by the show? What are your goals if any?
KO: It’d be sick if someone came to the show and then decided to put together one of their own. Or it can serve as a reminder that there's moments in life where you have to create opportunities for yourself rather than waiting for them to pop up. Ideas are just ideas unless you execute them. Find the beauty within the mess.
