Paul Tzanetopoulos is a conceptually-based artist with an expansive, decades long career. Tzanetopoulos was the first artist in Los Angeles to present a video installation projection and computer-run-intermedia work (Ruth Schaffner Gallery, 1974). His work is included in many public and private collections, including LACMA’s Permanent Collection of 20th Century Art.
Sky Float Series, 1974, 35mm Slides and Type R Prints
Tzanetopoulos’s large-scale interactive work utilizes light, digital media, video, electronic and sound components. He also works in the realm of public art and has completed more than 30 public art commissions since 1992. He is the artist of the iconic “Kinetic Light Installation” glass pylons spanning 1.5 miles at LAX since 2000.
Tower Days, 1974, Stretched Mylar on tube steel.jpg
Tower Days, 1974, Stretched Mylar on tube steel.
His recent achievements include three solo shows at the as-is Gallery, Los Angeles, (2024, 2022, 2020) a commission for LA Metro (2024), and he is reimagining the LAX Pylons for the new Gateway Project there. Born in Athens, Greece, Tzanetopoulos’ home and studios are in Silver Lake.
From “Plaid Series” 1988 – 1990
Acrylic on raw canvas. Large-scale analog computer output of four-gun air brush process, real time print manipulation renderings. Each raw canvas reveals a woven texture beneath the plaid and tartan large-scale visual weaving, illustrating the analog encoding of information through the loom to contemporary digital contexts.
Anderson (Plaid Series) 1989, Ink on Raw Canvas, 7 ft. x 9 ft. Permanent Collection of the Los Angeles County Museum
Name : Paul Tzanetopoulos
Birthplace : Athens, Greece
Métier : Contemporary Conceptual Artist
Sources of inspiration : Geo-culture and science
Sources of motivation : Creating newness and beauty
Sources of happiness : Discovery and expression
Try Directional, 1997, Melrose Avenue at Gardner Street, West Hollywood, California, 1 block corner, Embossed black concrete. Commissioned by Melrose Enterprises.
Favorite reads : I’m dyslexic. I’ve never read a book.
Favorite tunes : The works of James Brown, Philip Glass and Steve Reich.
Favorite foods : Thai and Greek
LAX Gateway Pylon Project, 2000, Los Angeles International Airport, 11 pylons, 6’ diameter, ranging from 25’ to 60’ on Century Blvd. and 15 pylons, 12’ diameter, 100’ high at the intersection of Century Boulevard & Sepulveda Boulevard
Favorite ways to unwind : Spending time in nature
Favorite part of living in LA : My home and studios
Sun Downs (still), 2006, Video projection installation
Sun Downs (still), 2006, Video projection installation.
Favorite career highlight : Seeing my painting “Anderson” exhibited at LACMA, selected for its 20th Century Art Permanent Collection
What gets you in a working flow : Studio time and solitude.
What are you working on now : I’m working on current light paintings and a public art commission for the reinstallation of the Los Angeles’ new LAX Gateway – a new kinetic light installation.
CLOUD CROSSING, Video Still, 2024.
Favorite quote : “Nothing is more foolish than to talk of frivolous things seriously; but nothing is wittier than to make frivolities serve serious ends.” — Erasmus
YOU ARE HERE – NOT IN BED, Video Still.
Photo Alisa Banks