FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2020
Los Angeles Art Gallery Hosts the First Art Opening with Onsite Rapid COVID-19 Tests
Artist Russell Young & Art Angels Gallery, in partnership with QuestCap, safely reconnected collectors at Heroes & Heroines exhibition
Los Angeles, CA – Collectors and celebrities attended the first art exhibition with rapid onsite COVID-19 testing in Los Angeles. The exhibition, Heroes & Heroines, from artist Russell Young, created a safe environment that was well-received by collectors and art enthusiasts alike, eager to experience an exhibition in person again.
“I wouldn’t have attended the exhibition if it weren’t for the test.”
QuestCap’s COVID-19 testing and operating protocols, conducted at the opening reception of Heroes & Heroines, are leading examples of how to reopen the art world and restore confidence in public safety. Attendees visited the gallery in time slots throughout the evening, each receiving a serology exam (COVID-19 antibody test) prior to entry. The test, administered by registered nurses, provided results within minutes both onsite and via email. Once inside the main gallery, visitors were then able to gather together, enjoy refreshments, and speak with the artist as he led them throughout the exhibition.
Many in attendance, including some appearances by celebrity actors and musicians, expressed how convenient and safe the testing process was and how it restored a sense of normality. Gerry Conedy, Gallery Director, pointed out that one anonymous collector said, “I wouldn’t have attended the exhibition if it weren’t for the test,” after selecting and purchasing an artwork. Jacquelin Napal and Kat Emery, Gallery Owners, both expressed how important it was to see collectors in person providing them with an innovative and safe visiting experience.
“It’s nice to feel normal for once.” – Art Angels team member
Heroes & Heroines is world renowned artist Russell Young’s tribute to stardom and legacy, making it the perfect exhibition for the reopening of Art Angels Gallery. Even before the pandemic, Young wanted to create a series that was optimistic and a celebration of larger-than-life characters. As a survivor of a previous pandemic (he survived H1N1 after it put him in a coma), Young’s perspective on life—one of triumph, possibility, and reinvention—echoes throughout the diamond-dusted, silk screen paintings of Heroes & Heroines. The success of Heroes & Heroines is a reminder to remain hopeful and resilient during this time.
The exhibition is ongoing and is available to view by appointment.
About QuestCap
QuestCap Inc. is a social-impact investment company. Through QuestCap’s three divisions, MedQuest, TechQuest and ClimateQuest, it seeks, secures and funds recognised sciences, technologies, and solutions that impact our global community today. The QuestCap executive team is complemented by a panel of global advisors that provide expertise across industries and geographies. This panel includes prominent immunologist Dr. Lawrence Steinman and Dr. Glenn Copeland, who has 45 years of experience in orthopaedic treatment, foot and ankle care, and sports medicine. QuestCap provides financing for a diverse range of entities in exchange for pre-determined royalties or distributions, or acquires all or part of one or more businesses, portfolios or other assets.
About Russell Young
Russell Young is a British-American artist best known for his large scale silk screen paintings that have been collected by the likes of Barack Obama, Drake, Kate Moss, and many others. His first breakthrough was his photography of George Michael for the sleeve of the album Faith in 1987. Young photographed many music stars throughout the years including Morrissey, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, REM, The Smiths, Bauhaus, Diana Ross, Paul Newman, Björk, and many others. He also went on to shoot over 100 music videos for leading artists during MTV’s height in the 1990s. Young’s current practice started with his sold-out show Pig Portraits in Los Angeles in the 2000s, when he began screen printing and incorporating his famous use of diamond dust. The many series that have followed have exhibited across the world in numerous galleries alongside masterclass artists, institutions, and cultural figures. He currently lives in Southern California. Instagram: @bankrobbercalifornia
About Heroes & Heroines
In Heroes & Heroines, Russell Young looks past the darker side of excess and sets his sights on pure stardom with a cast of characters instantly recognizable for their embodiment of American fame. A wall of heroes and a wall of heroines immortalize icons and the nature of longing with the artist’s signature, luxurious use of diamond dust. This collection of stars is not only an ode to beauty, success, and possibility, but also the unending search to grasp the American Dream.
About Art Angels Gallery
With flagship galleries in Los Angeles and Miami and permanent art curations in Nobu Hotel & Eden Roc Hotel Miami Beach, The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami, and Catch Restaurant Los Angeles, Art Angels was founded in 2013 by Jacquelin Napal and Kat Emery. Art Angels’ contemporary and provocative style has attracted collectors from around the world. Art Angels describe themselves as a premium luxury brand who are inviting and very approachable. The gallery exhibits a selection of both established and emerging artists, offering a truly eclectic mix for their clientele. Showcasing a number of barrier breaking exhibitions, including David Yarrow, Russell Young, Flore, Nick Veasey and Mike Dargas to name a few, the gallery was quick to build a cult following—so much so that they expanded their Los Angeles gallery to the East Coast. The rapidly successful gallery has become the go-to destination for artists and collectors alike, who want to be a part of something visionary and unique. Now one of the leading galleries in Los Angeles and a major player in the art and creativity sphere, the gallery has a core team of art specialists dedicated to providing collectors, designers, developers, and corporations with the tools needed to offer innovative and creative art from around the world. For more information on Art Angels Galleries, upcoming exhibitions, and current collections, contact Art Angels LA, 310.693.5500. 9020 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048. www.artangels.net. Instagram: @art_angels
