House of Seiko Presents Ariel Parkinson: Politics & Theatre in Los Angeles
The House of Seiko in Los Angeles is hosting its second exhibition dedicated to Ariel Parkinson (1926–2017), titled 'Politics & Theatre.' This showcase delves into the relationship between Parkinson's political activism and her extensive career in American theatre. A resident artist of Berkeley, she spent over fifty years engaged in painting, drawing, and scenography, closely associated with the Berkeley Bunch, which featured notable figures like Robert Duncan and Anaïs Nin. Parkinson, who studied with Hassel Smith, displayed her work at venues such as the Oakland Museum, SFMOMA, and Lincoln Center. Her scenography includes productions like 'The Tempest' and 'Madame Butterfly.' The exhibition emphasizes the connection between her theatrical designs and political themes, reflecting her involvement in Bay Area environmental and anti-Vietnam War movements.
Key facts
- House of Seiko in Los Angeles presents 'Politics & Theatre,' its second exhibition on Ariel Parkinson.
- Ariel Parkinson lived from 1926 to 2017 and was based in Berkeley.
- Her career spanned more than five decades across painting, drawing, and scenography.
- She was one of the few women visual artists associated with the Berkeley Bunch.
- She studied painting under Hassel Smith at the California School of Fine Arts.
- Her work was exhibited at the Oakland Museum of California, SFMOMA, and the Library and Museum of the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.
- Her scenography credits include 'The Tempest,' 'Ondine,' 'Rilke's Elegies,' 'The Enchanted Castle,' 'Madame Butterfly,' 'Otello,' 'Le Cid,' and 'Carmina Burana.'
- She participated in Ecology Action, the Ecology Center, early recycling efforts, and campaigns to protect San Francisco Bay.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- House of Seiko
- Berkeley Bunch
- California School of Fine Arts
- Oakland Museum of California
- SFMOMA
- Library and Museum of the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center
- Floating Lotus Magic Opera Company
- Ecology Action
- Ecology Center
- UC Berkeley
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Berkeley
- California
- San Francisco Bay