Gronk's 'Empty Lines' creates buzz

The echoing sounds of an opera singer filled the room as people gathered to view "Gronk" Nicandro's latest exhibit ‘Empty Lines' on Saturday in Los Angeles.

The show was presented by L2kontemporary located deep within the heart of China Town off Broadway and Hill Street.

A television sat in the corner playing the opera "Griselda", which he painted the massive set for the Santa Fe musical.

The space was tight and filled with colorful designs from Gronk's wild imagination. At first glance it was difficult to grasp a clear theme for the exhibit, confessed James Gamboa, long time friend of Nicandro.

"I named the show empty lines because it's up to the viewer to interpret the art pieces," Nicandro said.

He explained how the written line can sometimes mean reading between those lines. "Something always lies between the lines it's up to us to discover it," said Nicandro.

The largest art work was a wall completely painted dark blue highlighted with reds, white, black and thin circular lines drawn through the space.

The wall was titled ‘Blue in the Dark' and is the only piece throughout the room to be given a name.

Many people were buzzing about the blue wall discussing what the concept and purpose could be for such an impressive piece.

"Gronk has changed direction throughout the years. He always keeps you guessing," expressed long time friend Paul Lopez.

On the opposite wall hung a painting of what many thought to be Nicandro's alleged alter-ego ‘La Tormenta'.

His signature image is of a metaphoric woman who never reveals her face to the audience leaving the feeling of mystery and ambiguity. She is depicted in many scenarios some of which are comical and even sometimes tragic.

Although there was a slight difference to this woman Nicandro simply shrugged his shoulders and whispered, "We don't know if it's her." Once again sticking by his theme and leaving it up to the viewer to decide.

 "I can't imagine who else it could be, it has to be her," Shelley Stephens, a friend, said.

Stephens also expressed her curiosity of one other piece that explored the use of horizontal lines combined with scribbled circles between the lines.

"The horizontal lines are calming and with the chaotic circles it creates a balance. Almost like it's a point-counter-point."

"Gronk" Nicandro is an internationally acclaimed artist. He was also the 2011 Artist-in-Residence at Fullerton College. His untitled piece can be seen in the 1400 building.

‘Empty Lines' will be open to the public until October 22. The gallery hours are Thursday-Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

L2kontemporary

990 N. Hill Street, Ste 205

Los Angeles, CA 90012

323-225-1282