New ‘Breath’ at Rustic Canyon Gallery

By ALISON ROWE | Special to the Palisadian-Post

In his exhibition at Gallery169 on West Channel Road, Chris DeLorenzo shows his recent suite of work, “Breath of Disruption.” This is the first west coast solo exhibition for DeLorenzo, and the first time the photographic series has been seen in its entirety.

Originally from New Jersey, DeLorenzo became fascinated with the Pacific when he relocated to the Palisades just after high school. The inspiration for “Breath of Disruption,” which took two years to complete, is the Malibu coastline, just north of Pacific Palisades.

What makes DeLorenzo’s work different from many seascape photographers is that he literally immerses himself in the ocean. Using a specialist waterproof case for his camera, he documented the birth of waves and currents from the deepest levels where light and life are scarce, to the glitter and fizz of breaking surf.

His connection to the unseen life of the Pacific was apparent when he said, “The Ocean has become part of my heart, and these are the images we have created together … ”

In fact, DeLorenzo selected the featured photographs out of some 50,000 that he took, and printed them as C-Prints on Fuji paper, which he chose for its ability to bring depth and tone to his digital images.

The exhibition comprises only 17 choice pieces, 10 of which are large-scale at 28” x 42”, the remaining seven are smaller, 12” x 18” prints.

“Breath of Disruption” opened on Feb. 4 and is the latest in a program of exhibitions from Gallery169 that concentrate on photographs by established and emerging artists who have some connections to the Palisades.

Frank Langen, a well-regarded local Relator, founded the gallery in 2008. Since then, Gallery169 has hosted shows by artists whose names may be familiar but whose photographs are less known, counting as part of the roster musicians Graham Nash and Ben Fold, sculptor Chuck Arnoldi, and playwright and film director David Mamet.

Gallery169 is located at 169 West Channel Road. For more information, contact Langen at frank@inthecanyon.com or call 310-963-3891.