Artwork currently on displayBy Rachel Galvin

What is a Titan? In Greek mythology, the Titans were the ones who were here before the gods. They came first. So calling someone a “Titan” is a pretty big deal. But that is the moniker that has been bestowed on local artist Laurence Gartel. Known for his prowess in the digital art field, this Boca Raton resident is world renowned. His biggest claim to fame may be that he taught Andy Warhol how to use a Commodore Amiga computer almost four decades ago, but he has continued to use his skills since to establish himself in the art world even to this day. He has worked with the likes of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. He was the official artist for the 57th Annual Grammy’s and did art for this year’s Monaco Intl. Film Fest. He has had art exhibits around the world, including a very successful tour in Italy, featuring his new mega thick book called Hyp Pop, which features art from himself and Andy Warhol …Talk about Clash of the Titans! Now, he has opened yet another local exhibit right here in Palm Beach at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre at 415 Clematis St., in West Palm Beach. The exhibit runs through Jan. 5.

Gartel had an opening event on Nov. 16, which included some of the crème de la crème of the cultural elite as well as a mix of the bohemian set, making for a diverse and quite creative crowd. Code Rum gave out some samples and people mixed and mingled. Gartel’s family even attended and he had a chance to speak to those in attendance. He noted that he was showcasing within the exhibit, for the very first time, his very first artistic creation, featuring a young girl. Next to that piece was a long colorful collage mural with a woman featured in the middle. He revealed it was the same woman 40 + years later… he marveled at his own longevity, saying that having an artist be able to create something and then utilize the same subject over four decades later was unheard of.

Following the soiree, there was an after party at the nearby locale Voltaire (526 Clematis St. ) Below a neon sign sporting the establishment’s name, there was an almost hidden door. Guests could give a password and be let in with a wristband and free drink ticket and allowed to ascend the staircase and seemingly enter a new world. Aglow with hues of lavender and decorated with floral trees, vintage bar and comfy and classy couches, this club was quite the place. With a stage for a band on one end and lounging areas and a sushi bar on the other, it seemed like a place that did not quite fit, but no one seemed to care. It was the kind of place, and the kind of night, you did not want to leave. Part of it was the comfy ambiance and edgy vibe and part was the clientele who followed Gartel’s lead… He was he said, “Creating the ‘scene’ on this night. There is a scene in New York and in LA. There is no scene here. We have created the scene tonight.” Like a pied piper, wherever he went, people followed until he sat like royalty having plate after plate of sushi and trying to relax, but, yet, people continued to want to breathe his same air. From suited businessmen to music moguls, to underground celebs, one after another people came up to grab a picture with Gartel.

“What I’ve seen tonight, I’ve never seen in my life,” enthused on enamored fan.

There is a closing night party Jan. 4 from 8 to 11 p.m. at Voltaire.

Next, Gartel will have his works at Fotofusion, also taking place at the Palm Beach Photographic Center, from Jan. 22 to 27. He is organizing a special networking luncheon Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, e-mail gartelpr@gmail.com.

To find out more about this Digital Titan, visit https://gartelmuseum.weebly.com/commissions.html.

By Rachel Galvin

Figuring out where local artist Laurence Gartel is right now is a little like “Where’s Waldo?” After all, he is not one to sit around Boca Raton; he is more likely jet setting half a world away. Recently, this “Father of Digital Art” was in Italy for an extended stint for his Hyp Pop show showcasing his work next to Andy Warhol’s. But he came back to SoFla with a vengeance.

Gartel explained, “Since my traveling exhibition in Europe, “Warhol vs. Gartel Hyp Pop,” which has gone to several Italian cities, as well as exclusive book signings in Switzerland, I have been working on a new book and preparing for this upcoming exhibition in Pompano. Additionally, I created three new ART CARS for Art Basel and will be displaying them at various venues throughout the New Year, like at Art Ft. Lauderdale (Jan. 24-28). SuperCar Week in West Palm (Jan. 6 –14), Foto Fusion (Jan. 23-27) and other locations. People will get to see one at the Pompano showcase.”

Yes, touring all around Art Basel showing off dynamic art cars and being on the scene wherever he could, Gartel garnered quite a lot of attention. Next, he will be speaking at Art Ft. Lauderdale. And, after that, he is bringing his artistic creations right back here to Pompano Beach for a special exhibition that is going to bring not only a lot of attention to the area and his art, but also will bring in dignitaries from all around. The show is slated to run Feb. 22 – March 8, 2018 (pending approval) at the new Pompano Beach Cultural Center, but the date has already changed once, so it could be shifted again (More details soon).

After visiting all these grand locales around the world, “Why Pompano?” I asked, to which he responded, “Pompano has committed itself to be a new arts region. There will be artist housing, artist studios, the cultural amphitheatre and the new cultural center. There will be an exhibition space, a lecture/multiple use environment (hopefully, having diverse programming and cross cultural events). Included there is going to be a Digital Media Center. This is, of course, my area of interest and I hope to have great input into the direction this area goes in. As a visionary and pioneer of this field, I have clear concepts which I hope to implement. The goal is to further enrich lives through the development of art and technology.”

He added, “When I started, Digital Media did not exist, so the world has come a very long way in 40 years. It has literally taken a lifetime but it is worth the effort to change the shape of our civilization.”

Back in the day, it was Gartel who introduced Andy Warhol to digital art, after meeting him at Studio 54. His work was the official artwork for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, part of an Absolut Vodka campaign…He has created work for the likes of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears… The list goes on and on of what he has accomplished through the years.

His upcoming Pompano exhibition, he said will “include a variety of images, as well as processes that have been explored over time. From electronic images that have been photographed off the video monitor screens with a still camera mounted on a tripod, to black and white orthographic prints, Iris prints, thermal graphic prints, large scale ink-jet prints, as well as 3D ‘sculptural’ works. There will also be works created with a 3D drawing pen, so there will be a variety of images. The other ‘surprise’ will be a wall of media created from the history of my career…This is most unique.”

The title of his exhibit is a name he used 30 years ago as the title of his first book, which was published in 1989: ‘Laurence Gartel: A Cybernetic Romance.’

“The ‘romance,’” he explained, “is between ‘Artist and Machine,” adding, “Early on, it was questionable how a creative person could use a computer to release aesthetic ideas and concepts, as Rembrandt, Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Manet and every other artist through the centuries did. This was a revolution to be sure which the entire world now embraces. It is mind blowing when you think of it — to change an entire culture through an artist’s vision.”

After this, what could be next for this artist who is always on-the-go?

“What’s next,” he said, “is to work on several concepts of books. I have so much work. Meeting new people around the world helps stimulate the artistic mind. I have been most fortunate to travel to Australia, India, Spain, Russia, Austria, Japan, Switzerland and Norway, to name a few. Travel is definitely in my future and so are the ART CARS that I love so much.”

For more on the Laurence Gartel, visit https://gartelmuseum.weebly.com/commissions.html.