By Jeff Hall
One of the great things about living in Brentwood is that so many interesting people live here.
Everyone, it seems, is up to something interesting, exciting, sometimes even world-changing.
Brentwood resident Judith Khneysser and her partner, Susan Baik, recently exhibited Indonesian works of art at the inaugural edition of Felix Art Fair LA.
The event was held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in the middle of old Hollywood.
It was quite a scene – lots of very colorful and creative people shuffling from room to room, checking out the different art inside each suite.
In Judith Khneysser’s and Susan Baik’s suite, the Indonesian art fairly bristled with political tension, with some very unflattering paintings of dictators wielding military, economic – and even sexual –dominance.
There has been much repression in Indonesia over the years, explained Baik, who is originally from South Korea. She is highly knowledgeable about Asian art.
Art provides Indonesian artists a platform for protest, according to Baik. Local artists grapple with foreign influence, radical mystification and geopolitical tensions. Indonesia is the fourth largest country in the world in terms of population.
While the artists featured at the Felix Art Show came from Indonesia, questions that arise from viewing this art can apply anywhere.
What does it mean to belong to a nation?
How can a disapproving population readily comply with partisan leaders?
In a world that is increasingly globalized and multi-cultural, how do we as individuals and citizens of a country fit in?
Multiculturalism comes quite naturally to Judith Khneysser. She was born in Germany, grew up between Singapore, Indonesia and Japan and has lived in Paris, Brussels, Lebanon, Switzerland and of course, LA.
Khneysser is an independent art adviser and holds a Master’s in Art Business from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art and Claremont School of Management. Her specialty is Contemporary Southeast Asian art.
In Khneysser’s Brentwood home hang several paintings of rock stars from the sixties. It’s a real blast from the past.
Baik + Khneysser plan to collaborate on more special projects around Southeast Asian art in LA. Their work was recently featured in the New York Times. For more information, go to baikkhneysser.com. Baik has a gallery in Culver City, Baik Art.
So, what’s your story? We all want to meet our interesting neighbors. Don’t be shy; let me know of your personal project so the Brentwood News can spread the word: jeff.hall@brentwoodnewsla.com.
