“Brian Paumier: Act of Faith” is the artist's first solo show in Los Angeles, although, since he's a native of Oxnard and a graduate of Art Center, it's also something of a homecoming. The exhibition of photographs, mixed media photo-based objects and videos are suitably personal for the occasion. Though Paumier works in collaboration with his longtime partner, Joaquin Trujillo, the foundation for this compendium of portraits, still-lifes and makeshift altarpieces is profoundly autobiographical. The series' title refers to a moment of fervent prayer in an Iraqi war zone, during which Paumier made a sacred promise to the Virgin of Guadalupe to dedicate his art to the service of his faith in her name if he made it out alive. He did, and he has done so. But the work itself is not particularly religious, except perhaps in the ritual quality of its saturated colors and pensive mood. The scenes portrayed in the series represent the artist's unpacking of his most indelible life experiences, from childhood, home, heritage and family to art school, military service and the emotionally intense navigation of sexuality, gender roles and identity in a world defined by love, paradox and, yes, faith. De Soto Gallery. 1350 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; free. Exhibition continues Thurs.-Sun., noon-6 p.m., through June 22. (323) 253-2255, desotogallery.com.

Thursdays-Sundays. Starts: May 8. Continues through June 22, 2014
(Expired: 06/22/14)

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