THE ART OF SURF Featuring Dennis Jarvis Nov 9, 2024
THE ART OF SURF
Inaugural exhibition of a new contemporary art gallery bringing global artistic discourse to Southern California
The Grand Opening of VEFA Gallery. The Art of Surf is an homage to Southern California’s surf/skate culture. This group show explores the history of surfing while providing insight into artworks today that embody the ethos of what this unique catharsis of expression means to Southern California. This show will also explore the duality of how culture influences art and vice-versa.
CURATED BY DELIA CABRAL
HOMAGE TO LOCAL SURF CULTURE FEATURING
DENNIS JARVIS
DEBBIE DANIELS
JOHN DETEMPLE
JUD HOGAN
HTJ
WALTER ERRA HUBERT
DAVID KROVBLIT
RISK ROCK
BEN THOUARD
VIP EVENT BY PRIVATE INVITATION 4—6 PM
GENERAL ADMISSION 6—10 PM
21825 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, CA 90503
vefagallery.com
Dennis Jarvis is a multifaceted artist, sculptor, globally recognized surf shop owner, craftsman, shaper, and former professional athlete. Growing up in Southern California, he began airbrushing surfboards in his teens.
His resourcefulness led to the creation of a makeshift spray booth in his bedroom, using his mother's ironing board as a rack for his surfboards. Jarvis developed a career as an airbrush artist, initially selling his designs to local South Bay surf shops. Jarvis' high school art teacher at Mira Costa, John Jancar, recognized his talent and mentored him, instilling the principle that "simplicity is the key to good design," a philosophy Jarvis has maintained throughout his career.
As a young man, Jarvis worked as an artist, craftsman, shaper, and athlete, traveling the world as a professional surfer. His success led to the establishment of Spyder Surf in Hermosa Beach, marking its 40th year as a family-run enterprise. Jarvis's expertise stems from countless hours dedicated to shaping and painting surfboards. Spyder Surf has launched Jarvis to acclaim, earning him thirteen Shaper of the Year awards, Surfer's Hall of Fame induction, recognition as a distinguished alum at Mira Costa High School, and more magazine features than any other surfboard company in Los Angeles since the 1960s.
The Spyder Surf brand propelled Dennis Jarvis's art onto the global stage, making him a sought-after visual and conceptual artist. Filmmakers such as James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow commissioned Jarvis to create dynamic visuals for the movie Point Break. His involvement expanded to behind-the-scenes roles as a Concept Designer and Creative Designer in TV and film, culminating in awards for his work as a producer and director. Notably, designer Clive Wilkinson enlisted Jarvis to impart a surf-themed ambiance to the renowned advertising agency Chi.
Art below by our very own Owner, Shaper & Artist Dennis Jarvis:
VEFA Gallery is a contemporary art gallery bringing global artistic discourse to Southern California. Our mission is to bring together artists from as wide range of perspectives as possible around a topic that is relevant today. We believe art is an excellent vehicle to educate and make positive contributions in the world.