Jessica Taylor Bellamy Paints a Surreal Portrait of LA Car Culture in 'Temperature Check'

Art’s affection for automobiles is definitely not hidden. Just as Daniel Arsham’s newest project, Arsham Motorsport, and Pippa Garner’s renowned Karmann sculpture demonstrate, art and cars are powerful symbols of advancement, technology, and longing. Currently at Anat Ebgi gallery in Los Angeles, American artist Jessica Taylor Bellamy explores this connection through her unique perspective in her latest solo exhibition, Temperature Check, which showcases both paintings and sculptures.

Raised and nurtured in Los Angeles, Bellamy examines driving habits and car culture as emblems of her city, adding a whimsical twist to the traditional “body shop”. The centerpiece of the gallery is a captivating Mantis “insecto-cycle” that seemingly arises from the ground; meanwhile, in Objects in Mirror, two screens embedded within sculptures mimicking passenger side mirrors display a series of driving sequences, oil on glass animations, videos of cosmetic procedures like botox, and the artist applying mud-masks fashioned from bondo.

Moving into the gallery, Bellamy delves deeper into her fondness for machinery, exploring the domain of power tools. In close-up shots, the trio known as “Miss Fix It” delve into concepts of progress using surreal, multi-layered arrangements. Armed with a tool and drill, each piece addresses themes like ambition, bravery, and humility through dynamic backdrops that transition from wildflower fields to headlines in the news.

By using memories from both personal experiences and shared artifacts, Bellamy conveys the dynamic and swift nature of a constantly evolving Los Angeles during the era of climate change. This exhibition portrays a unique encounter between nature and urbanization at the brink of a fragile paradise, shaped by fire, drought, floods, and gusty winds, as described in the gallery statement. Bellamy’s artwork propels viewers into the future, instilling them with optimism to confront the uncertainties ahead.

Temperature Check is now on view in Los Angeles through March 22.

Anat Ebgi Wilshire
6150 Wilshire Blvd #5,
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Jessica Taylor Bellamy Paints a Surreal Portrait of LA Car Culture in ‘Temperature Check’

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