Doritos and Diet Coke

Katherine Bernhardt

Doritos and Diet Coke

September 6 to October 18, 2014
China Art Objects Galleries
6086 Comey Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90034

Originally from Clayton, Missouri, New York based artist Katherine Bernhardt leads viewers of her exhibition at China Art Objects through time and space with large-scale, playful acrylic paintings.
Her paintings are arranged in two open concept rooms, with one or two  96"x120" painting to each wall.  The gallery space is well lit:  a skylight in each part of the gallery in conjunction with bright colors and cheeky subject matter create  a playful, upbeat vibe.  At first or even second or third glance, Bernhardt's work seems simple––even comical.  But it's that and so much more: it presents a nostalgic yet relevant, brutally honest, socio-political critique that maintains a relatable, humorous, air. The viewing experience is fulfilling but not overwhelming, achieved by the gallery's uncluttered, open display of Katherine's simple, analytic works.

The paintings depict modes of consumption––from "tajines" to "amphora" to capri sun juice boxes to cans of diet coke. She doesn't stop with drink, but includes an array of indulgences in our consumerist society––computers, cigarettes, hot dogs, french fries, and hamburgers. Although we must consume food and drink in order to nourish our bodies,  consumption within American society is driven by corporate profit rather than consumer health. So the focus shifts from nourishment to unhealthy indulgence, motivated by alluring advertisements, billboards, and commercials. Bernhardt's large, graphic patterns mirror these repetitive, persuasive advertisements. However, she depicts the analogy in an interesting way that differs from pictures in magazines: her portrayals of consumerist objects are not romanticized. Her brush strokes seem arbitrary and messy; she presents the objects as they are--flat, with no real emphasis on one object. Additionally, her titles for the paintings are extremely straightforward, showing that she isn't trying to fool the audience into believing what she is depicting is some idealized, promising product. Doritos and diet coke are just doritos and diet coke. They're not some "fulfilling snack" and "refreshing beverage." Magritte, C'EST une pipe, and Katherine Bernhardt won't lie to you about it.

This show is fantastic. It's the perfect balance of playful and serious. Bernhardt's work is very accessible which allows its impact to be far reaching and great. Her paintings––captivating on so many levels––convey a dialogue; one that is personal to the viewer regarding themselves and their own personal vices, but also one that comments on a consumerist society that we get sucked into. If you want to see a light-hearted yet analytical exhibition about which you can laugh and connect, this exhibition is more than worth visiting.