Hollis Benton was a Los Angeles based gallerist whose gallery and exhibitions helped define the visual culture of the 1980s. Curated by Aaron Moulton, Over the Influence Los Angeles’ latest exhibition pays homage to Benton with a stunning group show. In 1980, Benton opened his gallery on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. For nearly a decade, the Hollis Benton Gallery brought together the works of artists whose visions were unique to the era. Benton supported influential artists such as Patrick Nagel, LeRoy Neiman, and Peter Shire. Over the Influence’s “An Homage to Hollis Benton” references some of the collaborations between Benton and these artists. For example, the new exhibition features a nod to Benton’s 1987 hit show titled “Slippery When Wet: Fresh Painting Now” which included the works of Patrick Nagel, Don Sorenson, James Harvard, Robert Yarber and LeRoy Neiman. The pieces of contemporary art exhibited in “An Homage to Hollis Benton” were carefully curated to complement Benton’s legacy as a gallerist, curator, and maverick tastemaker.
