Located at the address of 9410 Owensmouth Ave,, Toolbox LA is a new innovation hub in Chatsworth, recently opened in October. Its most recent exhibition, “Mujerxs of the Future,” was curated by Stephanie Lemus and Jessica Solorzano. Subtitled “a collection of local female artists featuring works of photography, sculpture, and original drawings,” the works displayed in the exhibition seemed to zero in on a state of societal flux—uncertainty even—while still hinting at an optimism for the future.

    Cindy Acosta displayed black-and-white photographs of chimpanzees. All taken from different angles, each chimp displays a look of deep contemplation or concern—even world-weariness—with the one even channeling Rodin’s “The Thinker” as he or she stares off into the middle distance. Jessie Emma’s photography is a mixture of raw black-and-white prints (with a caustic, fly-on-the-wall tone) and sun-drenched color photographs (where the light source overtakes and floods over the subject, whether it’s the ocean or a couple of dogs). Stephanie Lemus’s contribution to the exhibition is a series of black-and-white photographs of women performing their everyday occupation or hobby: a bassist, a barber, a mechanic, a boxer, a powerlifter, a race-car driver, and fitness instructor. Joyce Awad’s artworks were a series of Mandalas, deliberately configured over black to look like “stars on a universe.” They are done with ink, but are so meticulous and detailed that only on closer inspection does each individual stroke become visible. Sculptor Jennifer Riddle’s main work displayed at the gallery was a three foot statue depicting a humanoid named “Norman,” who is picking up objects and trying to learn the laws of earth and customs of human beings. Rebecca Ballesteros has both original paintings as well as larger portraits, the most striking thing in her oeuvre were a couple of relief printings: they have a graffiti-type look to them, but the colors—due to the process—are very clean and compartmentalized, creating bright, vivid colors contrasting well against each other. Many of Veronika Oleynik’s photographs are double-exposures; and some even look like paintings from a distance the way the photographs work. Veronika says she is most proud of a photograph of Aztec artwork layered over LA architecture. Sheri Peenitbut displayed a couple of her cityscape photographs. The skyline of Downtown Los Angeles at sunset is one I found especially impressive, as she was able to capture seemingly every color the sky could possibly be above and around the US Bank Building.

    Complete with catering from Tacos El Gordo and Rad Coffee, among others, and an atmosphere friendly for frequent guests and newcomers alike, the exhibition at the Toolbox serves as an example  to follow for future events. And we hope to see you at the next one!

Reviewed by: Rendle Burditt