Lita Albuquerque’s “The Lights Inside It” features 24K gold leaf on resin and is part of Peter Blake Gallery’s 25th anniversary exhibition, on display through Aug. 31.
It’s been more than two decades since Peter Blake, a champion of West Coast minimalism, opened his eponymous gallery in Laguna Beach. “The thrill of the last 25 years lies in all of the changes that have taken place and how the gallery has afforded me the opportunity to follow my passion,” says Blake. “The gallery is transforming into a multidisciplinary space embracing design, fashion, pop-up dining, music and more. It’s becoming more of a destination to experience culture rather than your traditional ‘white box’ that exhibits fine art.” In celebration of its anniversary, the gallery is hosting a museum-quality curated exhibition of California works focused on light, space and hard-edge abstraction, from the likes of Mary Corse, Larry Bell and Lita Albuquerque, among others, on display through Aug. 31. “The exhibition is really an opportunity to celebrate this milestone and pay tribute to the artists that have made this all possible,” adds Blake. “The greatest accomplishment is that I’m still here 25 years later.” Art and soul, indeed. 435 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, peterblakegallery.com