Andrew Palermo’s Emotional Dive into Abstract Art at The Other Art Fair Los Angeles

Andrew Palermo, a polymath in directing, choreography, and abstract art, has announced his participation in The Other Art Fair Los Angeles for its 12th iteration. The fair, celebrated for democratizing art by making it accessible to all, will run from September 26 to 29 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Palermo is excited to join a dynamic roster of both emerging and established artists, where he will present his latest creations.

Reflecting on his creative journey, Palermo shares, “This collection of paintings follows my intuitive process…they’re experiential, personally visceral and hopefully evocative. I’m not one to dictate what my, or any other, work should mean. How art speaks to the viewer is a reflection of their own experience, which makes events like The Other Art Fair – bringing makers and collectors face to face – so special.”

A Journey from Stage to Canvas

Andrew Palermo’s exploration of abstract painting is a relatively new venture, yet a seemingly inevitable one given his extensive arts background. His initial foray into creativity blossomed through dance and musical theatre. As a University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music graduate, Palermo performed in the original Broadway casts of Wicked and the Bernadette Peters revival of Annie Get Your Gun, along with the Matthew Broderick revival of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. He also toured nationally and internationally with productions like West Side Story and Michael John LaChiusa’s Little Fish.

Feeling compelled to innovate beyond his performances, Palermo pivoted towards directing and choreography. His body of work spans productions at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and numerous international venues. His Broadway debut as a choreographer was with Allegiance, starring Lea Salonga and George Takei.

His journey further ventured into modern dance when he became the Co-Founding Artistic Director of dre.dance, a contemporary dance troupe he established with Taye Diggs, a friend since childhood. Dre.dance?s performances dazzled both New York and nationwide stages, supported by grants, commissions, and residencies, earning critical praise for their dynamic and thought-provoking presentations.

From Dance to Movement Therapy

One particular work, beyond.words, which examines the autism spectrum, allowed Palermo to emerge as a notable figure in the domain of movement therapy. His workshop, Creatively Able, designed for children on the autism spectrum, has been adopted in educational and caregiving settings across the US and internationally.

Studies by the University of California research team reviewed the workshop, leading to published findings. Additionally, the workshop received widespread attention thanks to a video by Upworthy Presents that has amassed nearly six million views.

A seasoned Professor of Music Theatre at UC Irvine, Palermo continually pursues personal growth through painting, using quiet moments amidst his directing, choreographic, and teaching duties to delve deeper as an abstract artist. Though primarily self-taught, his exposure to the works of renowned contemporary artist Gerhard Richter played a pivotal role, helping to unlock his potential.

Inspired by the groundbreaking techniques of Richter, Palermo has imbued his own work with an artistic philosophy rooted in intuition and vulnerability.

Impact and Recognition

Palermo’s openness to learning has expanded his artistic reach into both familiar and new domains. His intuitive artworks transpose onto canvas the meditation and expressiveness he has long exemplified on stage—a fresh perspective, an emotion rendered vividly.

His paintings have been exhibited at Scène Gallery in Orange County, California, and recognized in Architectural Digest. With a solo exhibition at the Union City Museum of Art spanning three months, his work continues to captivate patrons across the nation.

The Other Art Fair remains dedicated to redefining the art scene, promoting independent artists and dismantling barriers to art participation. By cultivating direct engagement between creators and their audience, the fair presents a unique experience for both seasoned collectors and those new to the art world. It stands as a must-visit event for anyone passionate about creativity, expression, and artistic innovation.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to attend The Other Art Fair in Los Angeles, take time to explore the broader art scene the city offers. Home to a multitude of galleries, museums, and cultural institutions, Los Angeles provides a rich tapestry of artistic inspiration. A visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or The Getty Center may deepen your appreciation of the city’s diverse art landscape.

Savvy travelers might consider aligning their visit with other cultural events happening in Los Angeles. The city hosts numerous art festivals, theater performances, and music concerts throughout the year, enriching the cultural journey.

Ultimately, Andrew Palermo’s involvement in The Other Art Fair Los Angeles underscores his multifaceted talent and devotion to the arts. His evolution from the stage to the canvas highlights the transformative power of creative expression. Whether a casual visitor or dedicated art enthusiast, Los Angeles offers a wealth of opportunities to immerse oneself in a vibrant artistic community awaiting in the City of Angels.