In December 2024, two international events took place in Los Angeles, bringing together artists and photographers from around the world. The first exhibition, “Beyond the Horizon,” was dedicated to contemporary painting, while the second, “Visual Stories,” presented the best photographic works reflecting current art trends. Both ran from December 15 to December 30 and generated significant interest from both the public and the professional community, becoming a notable cultural phenomenon of that period.
The organizers announced a strict selection process, involving a jury of art historians, curators, artists, and photographers. The goal was to assemble participants with an original vision and a profound creative approach. “Beyond the Horizon” aimed to expand the understanding of reality through painting: abstract canvases, reinterpretations of classical subjects, or philosophical imagery—anything that suggested venturing beyond the familiar. For “Visual Stories,” photographers needed to convey their personal narratives through the language of images. Some focused on reportage, while others on conceptual and fine art projects, allowing viewers to see the everyday in a new light.
Participants represented a wide range of countries, from the United States and European nations to distant parts of Asia. Visitors were impressed by the variety of styles and methods. In “Beyond the Horizon,” one could find abstract paintings with a vivid palette and rich texture alongside subtle lyrical works with philosophical allusions. “Visual Stories” featured reportage on city life, moving portraits, minimalist landscapes, and still-life photography. These genres did not compete but rather complemented each other, creating a unified panorama of contemporary directions.
Los Angeles is a city known for its synthesis of cinema, music, and diverse cultures. Here, it is easy to find an audience open to bold experimental projects.
Although “Beyond the Horizon” and “Visual Stories” were presented as separate events, together they provided a cohesive impression. Painting transported the viewer into a realm of imagination, while photography encouraged discussion about reality. Those who appreciate abstract art could expand their range of sensations, discovering unexpected poetry in documentary photography. Meanwhile, those fond of reportage found inspiration in the color improvisations and philosophical images of painters.
One of the key results was the publication of the book “Art is Life,” which included the most striking works and interviews with the authors. This book was designed to emphasize that art is an integral part of life, reflecting the inner world of the artist and photographer. Its compilation, according to the organizers, was a continuation of the strict selection process. The reproductions were accompanied by brief comments on concept, ideas, and technique, as well as interviews with the creators. The editors aimed to represent different approaches so that readers could sense the breadth of issues and sources of inspiration that motivated the participants.
December 2024 thus became a landmark for the international art community in Los Angeles. “Beyond the Horizon” and “Visual Stories” unveiled the most talented artists and photographers from around the globe, enabling them to engage in dialogue both among themselves and with the wider public. The book “Art is Life,” published afterward, captured the results of the selection and will continue to introduce audiences to new names and unique concepts. Not only did it spark interest in the participants’ works, it also underscored the idea that art lives within each of us, reflecting our dreams and experiences while creating a space for exchange and growth.
Project website: https://beartnewyork.tilda.ws/15-30dec
Main organizer: Elena Stepkina
“Art is Life” book on Amazon
The painting “Inner Strength” by Viktoriia Izvolskaia
By Joey Mitchell
