Glendale Library, Arts & Culture, with support of the Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust, proudly unveils “Peace is Radical”, a thought-provoking solo exhibition by the acclaimed street artist and activist Shepard Fairey. This showcase, held at the ReflectSpace Gallery, delves into themes of democracy, equality, environmental justice, and the pursuit of peace.

Fairey’s artistry comes alive through screen printing, a medium he champions for its accessibility and democratic nature. “Peace is Radical” not only features his iconic prints but also reveals the very screens that brought them to life, offering a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into his creative process.

In a world rife with discord, Fairey’s exhibition stands as a testament to the power of art in advocating for harmony. “Peace is not passive; it’s an active, vigilant pursuit,” Fairey asserts. His works serve as a rallying cry for justice, equality, and a united humanity, transcending boundaries of race, religion, and culture.

The exhibition’s mission resonates deeply with today’s challenges, urging viewers to find common ground and work towards a healthier, more peaceful world. In line with this vision, Fairey has also designed a limited-edition library card, available at all Glendale Library branches, symbolizing the intersection of art, community, and social change.

Join us from January 20 to April 14 to experience “Peace is Radical” at ReflectSpace Gallery, located within the Glendale Central Library at 222 E. Harvard Street. Don’t miss the opening reception on January 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan. Complimentary parking is provided at the Marketplace parking structure across from the library’s Harvard entrance.

This exhibition is a clarion call for unity and action, reflecting the core values of ReflectSpace and the community it serves. It’s a reminder that in the quest for peace, every voice matters, and every action counts. Join us in embracing this radical idea and be part of the movement towards a just and harmonious society.

To learn more about ReflectSpace, a program funded by Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust, please visit our program page.

ReflectSpace Gallery is poised to present “He Threw the Last Punch Too Hard”, an evocative exhibition by photographer Hannah Kozak. This compelling showcase, opening soon, will chronicle the life of Kozak’s mother, Rachel, and her profound journey through domestic violence. Kozak’s photographs offer a narrative of courage, healing, and the transformative power of forgiveness.

The exhibition is lauded for its raw and honest portrayal of domestic abuse and its intergenerational impact. Alongside Kozak’s work, The Clothesline Project by YWCA of Glendale and Pasadena will be displayed, providing a stark visual commentary on violence statistics that demand attention.

About Hannah Kozak: Hannah Kozak, a Los Angeles-born photographer, uses her lens as a means of personal discovery and catharsis. Her autobiographical work, deeply influenced by her father’s survival of the Holocaust, captures the authenticity and emotional depth of her subjects. Kozak’s photography is a powerful reminder of the healing potential inherent in the art form.

The exhibition promises to be a moving experience, inviting visitors to ReflectSpace Gallery to engage with these powerful stories of endurance and the indomitable human spirit. The gallery awaits its audience for an opening that is sure to resonate with many, extending an invitation to reflect, empathize, and learn. The exhibit is set to open on September 30, 2023, and will run until January 7, 2024. Complimentary parking is available at the Marketplace parking structure, conveniently located across from the library’s Harvard entrance.

To learn more about ReflectSpace, a program funded by Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust, please visit our program page.

Join us at ReflectSpace Gallery for the opening of “Women and War: A Contemporary Art Perspective”, an exhibition that honors the 10th anniversary of the Korean Peace Monument in Glendale. This thought-provoking showcase, opening on July 29, brings to light the narratives of the ‘comfort women’ through the artistic expressions of three Korean artists, each addressing different temporal aspects of this critical issue.

Kim Chang Kyum revisits the past with his media art installation, capturing the essence of women’s experiences during the Japanese Colonial Period. His work, featuring the image of a woman amidst swaying waves, symbolizes the tumultuous lives of these women and serves as a powerful testament to their resilience.

Choi Chongwoon offers a present-day perspective, crafting a chair from materials imbued with history—water from the DMZ and soil from the graves of ‘comfort women.’ His augmented reality piece is a tribute to the Statue of Peace, creating an interactive experience that challenges historical denial and affirms the indelibility of memory.

Zu Do Yang contemplates the future with his collage photographic works, posing poignant questions about our progress on gender issues. His portraits, crafted using a centuries-old method, reflect the cyclical nature of human experiences, akin to Buddhism’s concept of samsara.

The exhibition also features Dutch photographer Jan Banning’s portraits of Indonesian ‘comfort women’ in the PassageWay Gallery, alongside works by Korean-American student artists, curated by Phyllis Kim of C.A.R.E. These diverse pieces expand upon the themes of ‘comfort women’ and their enduring legacies.

Curated by Monica Hye Yeon Jun, “Women and War” is not just an exhibition; it’s a dialogue that bridges history with the present and questions the future. The exhibit runs from July 29 through September 24, 2023, with an opening reception from 6 pm to 8 pm on the inaugural day.

ReflectSpace Gallery, co-curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan, invites you to engage with this powerful narrative. A free dual-language exhibition catalog is available, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

As we commemorate the Korean Peace Monument with a ceremony at 4 pm on July 29, let us reflect on the lessons of the past and the paths toward healing and understanding.

ReflectSpace Gallery 222 East Harvard, Glendale, CA Opening Reception: July 29, 6 pm – 8 pm Exhibition Dates: July 29 – September 24, 2023 Free Dual Language Catalog Available.