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The Artwork of Ivy Bottini
Now on Display at the Advocate & Gochis Galleries, in the LGBT Center in Hollywood
By Deborah Klugman
Ivy Bottini (center) with her daughters Laura and Lisa
Several weeks ago artist, performer and gay activist Ivy Bottini celebrated her 88th birthday with a one woman solo show, a spirited mix of standup comedy and personal reminiscences from her distinguished and colorful life.
The show – witty, entertaining and professional – only ran two nights, but Bottini’s art remains on display at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Advocate and Gochis Galleries, located at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza. Also on display is the artwork of her daughter, Lisa Santaserio.
For decades a prominent activist for women’s and gay rights, Bottini was one of the founders of the first chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW), whose logo she designed. She lead a takeover of the Statue of Liberty in 1970 when she and her fellow NOW members draped a large banner over the top of the Statue’s pedestal which read, “Women of the Word Unite.”
Although a few pieces in the exhibition reflect her activism, most of the work on display is non-political – a gladdening medley of sensuous nudes, penetrating portraits and abstract floral designs.
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza is located at 1125 N. McCadden Avenue. The gallery is open Monday–Friday, 6-10 pm, Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and by appointment; through September 20. www.lalgbtcenter.org/
Row 1: “Shels Crucified,” “Follow the Leader”; Row 2: “Big Head, “Red Hat”; Row 3: “Eric,” “Mr. Dick”; Row 4: “Claire,” “Artist Studio with Nude”; Row 5: “Flag With Nude,” “In the Woods”; Row 6: “Nude with Attitude,” “Deconstructed Bird”; Row 7: “English Garden,” “Big Brother”; Row 8: “The Closet,” “Cody Protects”; Row 9: “IAM,” “Only the Chosen”; Row 10: “Pin Wheel”
