L'Officiel Art

Eli Russell Linnetz Unveils Debut Exhibition At Jeffrey Deitch Gallery

In his latest project, the multi-hyphenate artist, known for his work in the fashion world with the critically acclaimed brand ERL, has moved to another form of visual art—towering, eye-catching sculptures.

Eli Russell Linnetz exhibition
Eli Russell Linnetz exhibition at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery. Photography by Joshua White, courtesy of Jeffrey Deitch.

With "Monuments," artist-fashion designer-photographer Eli Russell Linnetz explores the wide American landscape and broad cultural symbols through expansive sculptures and an unforgettable, striking studio ambiance. In buzzy Los Angeles, where Linnetz spends much of his time, he debuted his first studio exhibition in the airy Jeffrey Deitch gallery—a landmark space well-known by artists across the country and the trendiest of Los Angeles citizens alike. 

As a designer, Linnetz quickly rose to certified star status thanks to his work for his label, ERL. Worn by celebrities ranging from Hailey Bieber to A$AP Rocky to North West, the ultra-cool Californian brand is hotter than ever. In between designing garments for the label's next collection and working on collaborations with major luxury labels like Dior.

Ahead of the exhibition's unveiling, Linnetz transformed the space entirely, adding bright crimson walls to the vast gallery. Next to towering ceilings complete with sunny skylights and polished gray concrete floors, the red-painted walls are prominent, imposing, and thought-provoking—a rare combination that primes the space perfectly for Linnetz's enormous stone sculptures. 

Eli Russell Linnetz exhibition
Eli Russell Linnetz exhibition
Eli Russell Linnetz exhibition at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery. Photography by Joshua White, courtesy of Jeffrey Deitch.

As the title "Monuments" and the striking setting suggest, Linnetz's debut exhibition centers around important symbols of the American past and present, infusing them with a reinvigorating personal touch and placing them into a new context for audiences to consider. Many of the symbols featured—Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty included—are iconographic images vital to the American image and collective identity. 

Ever the experimental artist, Linnetz also incorporated elements of sound design into the cutting-edge exhibition as seen in the sonar display that projects songs performed by the University of North Texas A Cappella Choir.

Eli Russell Linnetz exhibition
Eli Russell Linnetz exhibition at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery. Photography by Joshua White, courtesy of Jeffrey Deitch.

One of the most instantly recognizable pieces from Linnetz's collection is the Mount Rushmore-themed piece. If something about the iconic landmark looks a little bit off—you're right, Linnetz installed a pizza oven in the center of the sculptural piece in a move that comments on how the past and the present of America have come together. 

For longtime fans of the artist who are used to seeing his pieces come to life as clothing, Linnetz's debut exhibition offers a glimpse at a different side of his vision, making it a worthwhile trip for any visitor or Los Angeles resident alike. 

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