Rainbow Crosswalk Inspired Art to Show at Bergamot

In what the artist Martin Duvander says is the first time the James Gray Gallery will host a LGBT-themed exhibition, dozens of paintings inspired by West Hollywood's rainbow crosswalks will be on display starting Oct. 19.

The Venice Beach resident created a series of 60 mixed media paintings that include imagery of the LGBT equality movement and of luminaries such as Truman Capote, Marlene Dietrich and Allen Ginsberg.

The crosswalks at the intersection of San Vicente Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard were first painted in June in rainbow colors in honor of Gay Pride Month. Because of their popularity, West Hollywood made them permanent in August. 

"These permanent rainbow crosswalks are living pieces of art that serve as beacons to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people all over the world and are bold vibrant symbols of hope and pride which were the spark for this show," said Duvander. 

He said he has captured the street art vibe in his work and mixed it with "classical abstractism." The new exhibit is aptly named "Rainbow Crosswalks.

In 2010, Duvander’s art was showcased at the Golden Globe Awards and the Grammy Awards.

Opening night for “Rainbow Crosswalks” is 7 p.m. Oct. 19. The exhibit runs through Oct. 21. 

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