The music from the DJ booth filled the night air, walking into Taylor Fine Art Gallery—the room was buzzing with conversation and laughter. Guests observed and pointed out their favorite piece from Damari Butler’s “The Disko Show: But You Didn’t Die” collection, several red-dot stickers were placed next to their captions; indicating that a number of pieces were already sold. The collection embodied risk, sensuality and the impact of movement in a stagnant frame.
The white walls of Taylor Fine Art Gallery were transformed into Butler’s vision on Saturday, March 8. The images depicted a world with no personal adjustment. The Gallery was packed for Butler’s show, pouring out into the sidewalk.
“I always thought Damari was dope, especially with the camera,” Tereney Bell reflected on the collection that was on display.
“I’ve seen him when he first started, I started taking my son to get headshots and certain pictures from him—it translates to the younger generation and makes them see it differently. When I walked in here and looked at some of his stuff, it makes you have a different perspective on life and having an imagination, you will see those pictures are amazing.”
Butler described his art as free, liberating and vibrant.
“My art to me, is not only a window to my soul—but it’s a gift that says, ‘there’s life out there,’ there are things out there that you don’t know about—things out there to discover, as you discover things out there, you’re constantly discovering yourself,” Butler said.
Quava Anderson shared her reaction while walking through the gallery, “I love being able to view someone’s art and visualize; his pictures are giving me the feeling like I was there, that’s what I look for when I’m looking at pictures—let me feel and get chills. I saw some pictures in there— and I was just like, wow—it resonated with me,” Anderson said.
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The show was made possible by Eureka Brewing company, people from all walks of life experienced the technicality of capturing organic moments, without manipulation of the scene.
Butler’s grandmother, Isola Butler, was on her way out from the viewing her grandsons’ second gallery show and she shared insight to his process.
“I think he does a good job; I like it when he goes on the street and sees people coming—
He gets the candid shots of people,” Isola said with a proud smile, looking back at the gallery.
Guests were able to be fully immersed in the show, becoming art themselves. Around the corner from the gallery, one would see visitors sitting in the back of a jeep; an installation where a meadow of flowers and disco balls filled the back of the car, illuminated with professional lighting.
In reflection of his art pieces, Butler said, “It seems kind of sporadic, but at the same time—all of these things have very strong ties with me. Whether that’s a period in my life, a moment that was significant in making me feel special, a moment of evolution for me, or a moment of fear—they’re all tied into the art and what you see.”
From March 8-29, visitors can experience multi-dimensional photography, that emphasizes the crusade of living in the modern world.
A venue for contemporary art, Founder Candice Taylor curated the Taylor Fine Art Gallery to hold space for diverse artists and stimulating shows. Located at 6039 Washington Blvd., the Los Angeles-based gallery showcases both up-and-coming and well-established artists who work with social justice, identity and cultural topics.
“The Disko Show: But You Didn’t Die,” is the embodiment of the spiritual path into different explorations. It encourages the viewer to live in the moment, feel the excitement and capture the memories.
Follow Damari Butler on Instagram, @disko_d
Follow Taylor Fine Art Gallery @taylor.fine.art
