by Carolyn Blais
Photos by Nancy Accomando

It’s hard to believe Yuri Elvin has never received formal training in art. The self taught, naturally talented artist started drawing at a young age and quit for 15 years during which he received a BA in Film Studies and a MFA in Film Producing. It wasn’t until November of 2007 that Elvin began drawing again when his mother sent him his old paints in the mail. Now, only a little over two years later, the artist opened his first solo exhibition this past Thursday, February 18th. The event took place at 410 Boyd, a bar and grill in downtown Los Angeles on the border of Little Tokyo that graciously hosts art work from local artists on a monthly basis.

Sex, money, and power are the driving forces of inspiration behind Elvin’s work. The artist explains to me the idea of a cyclical pattern of life that evolves, only to break down and collapse, and then start over again every 5,000 years or so. In each generation, it is sex, money, and power that drives life on Earth. After viewing Elvin’s collection of works, I can understand how his creations keep with this theme. “Goddess, warrior, temptress, mother” is a prime example. In it, Elvin draws female figures, not exactly human as we know it, that are holding machine guns and grenades, engaging in warfare. The artist’s works seem to go from prehistoric to futuristic sci-fi, sometimes simultaneously, perhaps alluding again to the theme of life repeating itself. Throughout all of the works, there is a pattern of figures in motion or “unrestrained freedom” as the artist calls it. It is as if the creatures in Elvin’s art are attempting to rebel against the impending collapse of civilization, when in reality, they themselves are the destructive force, depicted so often with weapons in scenes of violence.

Yuri Elvin’s work will be displayed at 410 Boyd until April 1, 2010. After peering through the artist’s sketch books and seeing image after image of faces, and bodies, it is clear that Elvin has an amazing dedication to his art, and perfecting it exactly as he sees fit. His exhibition is one that is not to be missed. Stop in to 410 Boyd for a drink or a burger, and at the same time, enjoy taking in the surrounding art work that adorns the walls.

Website: http://www.yurielvin.com/