Ivy Haldeman

Ivy Haldeman's life size paintings present a visual conundrum, unveiling layered complexities through prolonged observation. Her canvases are imbued with a sense of deja vu, invoking an inherent sense of familiarity. Yet, this recognition is continually challenged by the bizarre, humorous, and occasionally peculiar narratives she orchestrates. For instance, her ‘hot dog’ character, adorned with delicate features, indulges in mundane activities - from lounging provocatively to engaging in conversations via banana phones, all whilst nestled within lustrous buns. The creamy hue of the bun illuminates a face with elongated eyelashes and petite lips, seductively leaning, absorbed in the gaze of the other. These buns, though cushion-like, suggest comfort, are also unabashedly reminiscent of phallic symbols. Despite this, they transcend the mere confines of their 'hot dog' identity, presenting an artistic play on Freudian undertones. ...

Since 2009, François Ghebaly has presented an innovative, eclectic program of Los Angeles-based and international artists. With a history of identifying and championing diverse voices and emerging talent, the gallery’s roster has grown to include 27 artists and 2 artist estates, ranging from early career, such as Sharif Farrag and Ludovic Nkoth, to mid-career, like Christine Sun Kim, Meriem Bennani, Kelly Akashi, Farah Al Qasimi, and Genesis Belanger, to well established, including Sayre Gomez, Kathleen Ryan, Neïl Beloufa and Candice Lin as well as underground legends, like Patrick Jackson and Mike Kuchar. The gallery advances the reach of its artists’ visions by publishing exhibition catalogues and producing artist editions. Located since 2013 in a 12,000 square foot warehouse space in Downtown Los Angeles, the gallery is a mainstay of the burgeoning Arts District community, and recently expanded to New York's Lower East Side. François Ghebaly’s program demonstrates a commitment to challenging work across all media and to fostering the progressive, boundary-pushing practices of its artists. ...