Leah Heagy

Artist Devon Tsuno mingles with students and faculty Feb. 6 as they gather around the Tall Wall Space to view his exhibit “Unsound Ecology,” inspired by abstract L.A. landscape.

Keisha Clay
Staff Writer

Los Angeles artist Devon Tsuno’s “Unsound Ecology” is on disply at ULV’s Tall Wall Space in the Art and Communications Building through May 18.

“Los Angeles is always described as a city of sprawl,” Tsuno wrote in his artist statement. “But it is also a massively layered city, that is growing amidst an unsound ecology.”

At first glance, without knowing anything about the artist or his work, the paintings don’t immediately say “Los Angeles.”

However, after reading the artist statement one can begin to see Los Angeles in his paintings.

“His work resembles a forest, yet underneath it all you can still see the city,” said Kourtney Brumfield a senior art major from New Orleans.

Tsuno got his inspiration from Los Angeles landscape.

The four paintings featured in the Tall Wall exhibit are rich with vibrant colors and designs.

His use of both acrylic and spray paint bring forth the light and energy of Los Angeles.

“His usage of two (types of paint) is very unique,” said Amri Covarrubias a junior art major from Baldwin Park.”I saw the computer images of some of his paintings, but the live versions are so much better.”

“I am really happy with the turn out tonight,” Covarrubias added. “Art is very exciting for me as an art major.”

Tsuno received his bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Cal State Long Beach in 2002 and his master of fine arts from the Claremont Graduate University in 2005.

Tsuno has also been an adjunct professor for Cal State Long Beach, Cypress College and ULV.

Tsuno work has been displayed throughout Southern California in the Santa Monica Museum of Art, the Riverside Art Museum and the Los Angeles Design Center among other venues.

“Tsuno’s work always has a central theme there is always a conflict between nature and the synthetic environment,” said Dion Johnson, art department manager and curator of the exhibit.

The artist’s creativity and depth was well received.

"It is a creative take on city life and the environment,” said Nancy Villalobos a sophomore sociology major from Anaheim.

“The vibrant colors contrast with the cool and warm tones,” she added.

“I think it is an interesting way to portray chaos, because although the city of Los Angeles is chaotic his paintings have a very organized look,” Brumfield said.

“The colors in his paintings are neutral and the paintings seem as if they have a dual personality,” she added.

The reception for the exhibit was Feb. 6.

Roughly 40 spectators attended to meet and talk to Tsuno about his work.

The Tall Wall Space houses temporary exhibitions by young up and coming contemporary artists.

“I have known Devon for the past three years and I was very excited about his recent paintings,” Johnson said.

Keisha Clay can be reached at kclay@ulv.edu.