On Saturday night, Los Angeles pop-up space 80Forty transformed into Lola’s “The Younger”. Her exhibition, 2-years in the making, tells the personal story of Lola’s creative upbringing in an environment full of personal touches. The space included her own fireplace mantel, as seen in our studio visit, with decorative furniture and 3d pieces on display. As the title suggests, we follow the ‘younger’ Lola into adulthood through a series of playful symbolism. In her youth, Lola spent time drawing with her father, also an artist, and playing with the toys inherited from her grandparents. These experiences find their way into her paintings, featuring Alice in Wonderland-like little girls in whimsical situations. They are portrayed having breakfast with Star Trek dolls and Pez dispensers, and playing piano with Pac-man ghosts.
Life imitates art: Lola poses with her painting on opening night.
Despite her imagery’s youthfulness, there is a lingering shadow of a now mature, more self-aware Lola. When we met, Lola shared, “I kept my work, visually, more light-hearted to help ease through those real life circumstances… As the years have gone on, I’ve been compelled to challenge myself to create more difficult imagery as I continue to learn my craft.” Over time, our memory becomes a version of experiences jumbled together. Lola’s evolved into a surreal vision crafted from lessons learned and a growing imagination.
“The Younger” by Lola is now on view at 80Forty in Los Angeles through January 3, 2015.
