Art on Display
INFERNO Gallery is dedicated to showing art that is considered to be out of the realm of commercial galleries. Our pursuit is the love of art for its own sake and the complete freedom of artists to express themselves without the hindrance of issues related to commerce or conscience. In the past some artists were banned from the salons ordeemed unfit to paint for the church, royal families or the bourgeoisie. Like today many galleries, hindered by their pursuit of commerce and censored by their concern of image, have a conservative approach to their choice of artists and what artwork they will place on their walls. INFERNO embraces artists who have been banned or censored and allows them a venue to burn-in their impression on the world.
Why INFERNO Gallery?
The Gallery is an extension of the art studio of Gary-Paul Prince who creates work in painting, sculpture and digital media. In addition Prince does commission for film and special projects. His studio is aptly named INFERNO, which he chose because the building was formerly a metal foundry and his love of Dante Algheri's literary work The Inferno.
Location
Located in East Oakland along the area between Oakland's Latin district and the Alameda estuary of the San Francisco Bay. This strip of San Leandro street is well known as an artist haven and for its underground culture with its long time occupied artists warehouses. The area has been a mecca for artists, musicians and filmmakers who have produced a plethora of projects including: Films-The Illusion, The Oakland Underground, Leaving Oakland and Libernox. Oakland musicians and bands including Faith No More, Dickin' Jane, CatFive, Peachfish, RootBeer, DRI (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles), Fungo Mungo, The Rhythm Doctors, Dog Shit Park, Extra Action Marching Band, Testament, and many more have all called this area of East Oakland home.
Space
The gallery is simple L shaped layout of 800 sq. ft. The space includes two permanent installations. "Flammen" a floor design by German artist Antonia Zotti and "The Gates" a double-door sculpture by Gary-Paul Prince.
"Flammen" saffron, egg, and resin on concrete
Antonia Zotti
INFERNO Gallery would like to thank Saffron.com and Ellen Szita author of the book "Wild about Saffron: A Contemporary Guide to An Ancient Spice" for their kind donations for production of the gallery floor. In addition a special thanks to collector Glynda Cotton for the 60's Sputnik chandelier that graces the gallery's interior.