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Alex Purcell and Rowly Dennis of Ant Farm Social
LA has a diverse cast of characters. Whether it's the characters with stirring stories or interesting occupations or the people who are just simply characters, this town has them all. In an effort to get to know some of those characters a little better, we've created "Seven Questions with..." If you have a suggestion for a future Seven Questions subject send us an email.
Today’s subject are Brits-turned-Angelenos Rowly Dennis and Alex Pucell, founders of Los Angeles’ travelling art/furniture gallery event concept, Antfarm Social.
A painter/actor and furniture designer respectively by trade, Antfarm Social is looking at the LA social scene as a canvas and using fresh takes on step-and-repeats, glassware, social scene and unique venues to get people enjoying and even buying modern conceptual art and furniture. Looking to create an artistic dialogue in LA, they figured that throwing sexy parties that happens to have art all around would be a good first toe in the water.
1) What is Antfarm Social, really? What does the name “Antfarm Social” mean?
The name really comes from the way ants interact. Many animals can learn behaviors by imitation but ants may be the only group apart from mammals where interactive teaching has been observed. So Antfarm social really means that we are using a creative social atmosphere to educate about art and design.
2) You guys are London insiders looking to create a major art scene in LA. How is the LA scene different than the London scene?
LA has art but doesn't bring it together in the way that London or New York does. The opportunity for an exciting art scene is definitely here as it is a city full of creative people and we want to create the platform to bring those people together.
Ant Farm Social event goers express themselves on by using the sponsors stencils or painting freehand on step and repeat
3) Rowly - you are a painter, Alex - a furniture designer. What other artists or entertainers inspire you guys. Who would your celebrity dream guests be to get involved with your Antfarm Social and why?
The reason we chose to start this in LA is that European designers like Phillip Stark are making an impact and opening up the West Coast to modern conceptual design. Our celebrity dream guest would be Brad Pitt as he is an advocate for contemporary art and design.4) Explain the “sake bomb,” unique step and repeat and other out-of-the-box elements of your events?
The "sake bomb" is a whimsical pouring vessel based on the western moniker "sake bomb" the inspiration is a juxtaposition of the fugu fish (blow fish) the most opulent of sashimi cuts and a World War 2 sea mine. The unique step and repeat is a blank canvas for everyone at the event to express themselves on by using the sponsors stencils or painting freehand. The whole event is defined by the creativity of those who attend.
5) Your respective works include Rowly’s paintings of Bob Dylan, and peace sign in the middle of 'mega super awesome dope' to Alex’s APRRO JFK desk and the retro M Chaise and Spiro Chair. Would it be safe to say that you guys are doing modern work and events with a throwback 50s/60s perspective?
No. The Dylan piece was a bespoke painting for someone who loves the words of Dylan. The peace sign in the middle of mega super awesome dope is comparative symbolism between a national emotional response between when Winston Churchill and Barack Obama came into office. If we were to have anything to do with that time period it would relate more to Andy Warhol’s social emersion of art and culture.
6) Have you ever met Banksy? Heard any good stories about him?
The whole point of Banksy is that no one knows who he is. Recently a wall of someone’s house that had a Banksy on it was stolen. I thought that was pretty funny.
7) If Angelenos could take away three key tips from Antfarm Social for maximizing their artistic and social lives, what would they be?
Art is for everyone don't be afraid to get involved. Don't wait to be told what is cool, have an opinion and own it. And most importantly surround yourself with inspirational art and design.
For more info check out antfarmsocial.com.
