Hammer to host exhibition for students

It is not often that college students have the opportunity to schmooze at museum soirees in their best winter attire. However, the Winter Abstraction event at the Hammer Museum offers just that: a night of abstract art, music, fashion and food, free of charge and exclusive to UCLA students.

A collaboration between the Student Advisory Committee and University of California Fashion and Student Trends, the Winter Abstraction event will take place at the Hammer Museum today from 7 to 11 p.m.

The Hammer Museum’s newest exhibition, “Oranges and Sardines: Conversations On Abstract Painting” will be open for guided tours led by student educators. The exhibit features gallery spaces for six contemporary abstract painters. Each painter has selected one or two of their recent paintings to be shown alongside the works of the artists who influenced them. As abstract art, the works offer a wide and unusual array of artistic technique and medium. For example, Wade Guyton’s piece, a re-creation of the late Cuban artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ installation, “Untitled (Go-Go Dancing Platform)” features a go-go dancer who sporadically dances to his own music in silver lamé shorts.

“SAC has organized (the Winter Abstraction) to raise awareness about the Hammer Museum and celebrate “˜Oranges and Sardines,'” said Darin Klein, the public programs coordinator for the museum. “We want to draw students down to see the museum and get them interested in this exhibit.”

While checking out the free exhibition, students are also invited to experience complimentary fine cuisine catered by Wolfgang Puck and GuS Soda. SAC members hope that the combination of abstract art and a celebratory atmosphere will garner student interest in all forms of art.

“Art, especially abstract art, is so broad that it’s difficult to distinguish between art, design, fashion, dance and music,” said Raquel Castro, a member of SAC and a third-year fine art and English student. “This event is an upbeat party featuring dance, performance, fashion and music that complements the visual engagement experienced in the exhibit.”

While the “Oranges and Sardines” exhibit was the inspiration for Winter Abstraction, the evening will also include performances by eclectic bands Fusion and Renaissance, both of which include UCLA students. UCFAST’s FAST Dancers will also be premiering an original dance piece inspired by abstract themes and choreographed by third-year student Stephen Seo. UCFAST will also be putting on a mini fashion show as both a precursor to their larger spring show and a visual complement to the surrounding artwork.

“Fashion and abstract art are completely related,” said Audrey Nguyen, a fourth-year bioengineering student and the president of UCFAST.

“For instance, designer Yves Saint Laurent printed abstract paintings on his dresses. In fashion, you can find both literal interpretations of abstract art, or the avant-garde, which is abstract art in itself.”

In a departure from usual runway format, UCFAST encourages students to take part in the mini fashion show and strut their stuff alongside FAST models.

“FAST wants fashion to be more approachable,” Nguyen said. “People should feel free to do a mini-walk around the stage and show off their winter outfits.”

Even if your idea of an winter outfit in Los Angeles is board shorts and a tank top, Winter Abstraction has something for everyone, whether one is a fashionista, art connoisseur, music fan or starving student without Friday night plans.

“The museum is offering itself just for UCLA students for the evening,” Klein said. “It is their place to come and hang out and make it their own.”

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