Rod Lathim
June 29th – September 8th
ABOUT THE ARTIST…
Rod Lathim is an award-winning, Santa Barbara, California based artist who creates neon sculptures that explore the fascinating interaction between matter and light. Often incorporating vintage objects in a new context, and marrying various artistic styles and epochs, his work references pop, minimalism, retrofuturism and deconstruction, by turns playful and deeply spiritual. New York-based art critic Benji Su has described his work as “a dualistic reminder of art history.”
Lathim has created the works in this show specifically for Nashville -The Music City - with a nod to combining two of his favorite elements in life: Light and Music. He pulls from his long career in directing and producing theatre and concerts to create works that bring the essence, emotion, and movement of music to light, often using vintage instruments to build upon.
Both solid colors and beaded neon are incorporated in his sculptures. Beaded neon – rarely seen – creates a spectacular effect resulting in a chain of little light beads travelling through the glass tubes – producing a kinetic sculpture.
“Light and music are both ethereal, life-affirming, and mystical intangibles that have played important roles in my spiritual life. I believe that, like art, both music and light have a restorative, healing impact on people. I love creating art that speaks to the soul and reflects the past lives of the objects I work with. They speak to me and guide me in the design of the neon elements.”
In addition to his work as a visual artist, his career as a playwright/director/producer spans over 40 years with critically acclaimed original theater pieces which have toured across the USA, and to Canada and England. His pioneering work with Access Theatre garnered him national television exposure and prestigious awards from the Princess Grace Foundation USA (presented by Frank Sinatra and HSH Prince Albert of Monaco), America’s 100 Heroes, State of California Governor’s and Media Access Awards and numerous Humanitarian Awards.
Rod had a successful exhibit on New York City’s Madison Avenue in the Upper East Side last fall and has shown in galleries in multiple cities in California. He is thrilled to be in Nashville and looks forward to soaking up the art and music of this exciting city. He loves to talk with people about his art. Please say hello and have conversation.
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