©Urs Fischer. *Wanghong*, 2022-23. Gesso, latex, and acrylic on canvas. 82 x 66 x 1 1/2 inches, 208.3 x 167.6 x 3.8 cm. Courtesy Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA.

Written by Mandi Smith

Copy Edited by Robyn Hager

Photo Edited by Dani Stein

“Life is one long decay, no? There’s a lot of beauty in it, like the patina in an old city.” —Urs Fischer

Urs Fischer is a Swiss contemporary artist who began his career in art and photography in Zurich, Amsterdam, and Paris, before gaining recognition for his unconventional sculptures, installations, and drawings in New York City. He has collaborated with other artists and participated in group exhibitions throughout his career, and his work is now held in collections worldwide. Fischer's artwork is most recognizable for its playful approach; a tomfoolery which often incorporates humor and absurdity into its deeper images.

He uses the concept of patina in his latest collection, "Ice Cream Truck Democracy," to depict a representation of the California metropolis, drawing inspiration from layers of an ancient city that symbolize a contemporary version of urban life. Having its roots in the Italian language, the term refers to a shallow layer of deposit on the surface. Over time, the aesthetics and uses of patina have evolved, resulting in a unique coloration now highly admired. The notion of patina is skillfully incorporated into Fischer's work, as the artist emphasizes that underneath the surface perception of Los Angeles, there is a profound perspective on the experiences the city has to offer.

©Urs Fischer. *Numbaste*, 2023. Gesso, latex, and acrylic on canvas. 52 x 88 x 1 1/2 inches132.1 x 223.5 x 3.8 cm. Courtesy Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA.

Using a mix of silk-screening, hand-painting, and hand-stenciling techniques to create a collage-style effect, Fischer presents new collections in this exhibit that combine art with the peculiar nature of life in Los Angeles. The exhibition meticulously delves into the layers of the American West as the artist examines the districts and neighborhoods where its inhabitants reside, while also shedding light on the broken promises that the city holds. The artist makes reference to the wealth and potential in the so-called “City of Angels”. However, he highlights the existence of a noticeable contrast between individuals who publicly flaunt their prosperity, and those who are only fortunate enough to possess little more than a grocery cart containing all their possessions.

©Urs Fischer. *Digital Melancholia*, 2022-23. Gesso, latex, and acrylic on canvas.88 x 66 x 1 1/2 inches, 223.5 x 167.6 x 3.8 cm. Courtesy Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA.

Fischer's work is immediately abstract, but leaves room for the audience’s speculation. As evident in his works like “Schmalifornia” and “Side Effects,” Fischer does not take a definitive stance, but rather compels his viewers to imagine living through the lens of this perspective. By combining figurative elements with such astute observations, including the disparities of wealth and poverty, accessibility or lack thereof, he conveys the experience of traversing this ever-changing urban environment, shedding light on the nature and complexities of evolving metropolitan paradigms.

©Urs Fischer. *Side Effects, 2023.* Gesso, latex, and acrylic paint on canvas. 82 x 66 inches,
208.3 x 167.6 cm.Courtesy Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA.

©Urs Fischer. *Land of Opportunists*, 2022. Gesso, latex, and acrylic on canvas.88 x 66 x 1 1/2 inches, 223.5 x 167.6 x 3.8 cm. Courtesy Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA.

With Urs Fischer’s stylistic, ready-made imagery, the Gagosian galleries have been transformed into a collection of vibrant works of art, exhibiting the shapes of a modernist world in constant flux. The artist seems to draw his inspiration from revolutionary artists such as Gober, Duchamp, and Nauman, who have influenced Fischer's work in realism, surrealism, and the ready-made. The pieces on display reflect the fragmented and fluctuating nature of American cityscapes. Specifically, they create an impression of the realities that shape us, rather than the hollowness of the Hollywood dream. “Ice Cream Truck Democracy,” an exhibition of paintings and photographs by Urs Fischer, is ongoing in Beverly Hills from March 9th until April 22nd, 2023, and is a must-see for art lovers and those interested in exploring the layers of Los Angeles through the eyes of a contemporary artist.