August 29th, 2008
BlackBook Magazine, NY
“Whistling Past the Graveyard” @ Merry Karnowsky
Rohin Guha
Mercedes Helnwein, one man show in Los Angeles
Mercedes Helnwein's childhood reads a bit like an avant-garde take on a Jane Austen novel. At a young age, she flouted the company of her father's high-profile friends -- including personalities like Andy Warhol -- seeking refuge in literature instead. She spent many of her formative years in a Northanger Abbey of her own -- in a secluded Viennese castle. Last November, BlackBook demystified the artist-writer and found that apart from her exotic backstory, Helnwein was just a creative mind attempting to make sense of the world around her through what she does best.

Having released The Potential Hazards of Hester Day earlier this year and with a solo show opening tonight at the Merry Karnowsky Gallery in Los Angeles, things are looking sunny for the gifted hyphenate. “Whistling Past the Graveyard” features an assortment of intricate drawings and, more notably, a short film created by Helnwein and scored by her brother Ali. “Graveyard’s” reception finds the perfect host in one of Helnwein’s friends, My Name Is Earl star Jason Lee, and runs through September 20.

www.blackbookmag.com

Los Angeles Times

Mercedes Helnwein's 'Whistling Past the Graveyard

EDITOR'S PICKAt the Merry Karnowsky Gallery.

CHILDHOOD TRAUMA
Low life meets high art when actor Jason Lee (NBC's "My Name Is Earl") hosts the Saturday opening of a solo show by Mercedes Helnwein titled "Whistling Past the Graveyard" at Merry Karnowsky Gallery. The exhibition will feature large-scale drawings that depict psychologically disturbing moments from an imagined girlhood. The L.A.-based artist will also present a video installation featuring some of the characters from her drawings. 170 S. La Brea Ave., L.A. 8-11 p.m. Sat.; ends Sept. 20. (323) 933-4408, www.mkgallery.com

losangeles.metromix.com

Mercedes Helnwein - Whistling Past The Graveyard - opening reception

Aug. 30 - Sept. 20: Meticulously excecuted, large-scale drawings from Angeleno artist (and writer) Mercedes Helnwein. Concentrating on "uncompleted" scenes, Helwein's work employs both black and colored pencils to render Raymond Carver-like situations that teeter on the edge of the unexpected. The opening reception, hosted by Jason Lee (yes, that Jason Lee), is Aug. 30, 8 - 11 p.m.

When:August 30 : 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.Price:FreeEvent Phone Number:323-933-4408

Merry Karnowsky Gallery
Neighborhood: Park La Brea
170 South La Brea Avenue — Los Angeles, CA 90036