Curated for Collectors

One of the most anticipated shows of the year returns to Arcadia Contemporary this September. True to tradition, the 12th annual Five & Under exhibition features the gallery's top artists alongside emerging talent scouted by gallery owner Steve Diamant. An invitation from Diamant, who is known for his discerning eye, to participate in the show can be a breakthrough moment for an artist. It's also a tremendous opportunity for collectors, as all of the 100 to 200 works are priced at $5,000 or less.

- By Sarah Gianelli

1 Stephen Schirle, Clasped Hands, oil on panel, 11 x 14 in.

2 Felipe Riesco, Hidden, oil on canvas, 20 x 16 in.

This is Felipe Riesco's first time exhibiting at Arcadia Contemporary. The artist finally caught Diamant at the gallery hours before his return flight to Chile. "I showed him my work, and he liked it," shares Riesco. "It was very exciting. It's an honor that Steve considered me, as he has a highly developed critical eye." Riesco will be showing work from his Chromatica series, including Hidden, which depicts a woman playfully peeking out from a swath of celestial blue cloth. "My paintings try to convey mystery, so that the viewer doesn't know who is behind the canvases and, at the same time, they fall in love with the painting," says Riesco. "The main focus is on the hands, accompanied by the fabrics, which are sometimes in bright colors...In some cases, the model doesn't exist, so I steal the hair from one and combine it with the hands of others. I like to give it a contemporary and modern touch by using the same background color; it gives it a personal touch."