I've been hearing about Gary Baseman's upcoming carnivalesque exhibition for months now. This is not merely a bunch of paintings grouped together in a gallery but what promises to be an unprecedented explosion of color, spiritual rites, sexy women in costume, live music, performers and sculptures from all over the world.

"La Noche de la Fusion" (the night of fusion) is storming into Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles this Saturday, led by Gary's Chou Chou Buddha, who "breaks down the arbitrary walls imposed by societal conventions that often prevent happiness and a true sense of self," according to the artist.

Center: Gary Baseman in his studio. Photo: Scott Polanco.

The exhibition will feature 32 new acrylic paintings on canvas and wood panel; 18 pencil drawings on pages of old books, menus and personal sketchbooks; and what Gary himself describes as "a big f***ing sculpture, a s***load of sculptures by collaborating artists, 10 girls in Baseman-designed costumes and 4 life-size Baseman characters."

Gary is one of the most passionate, intense, driven and dedicated artists I've ever met (as well as a loyal friend and a great role model), who continues to surprise me at every new step he takes in his career. His work might seem repetitive and rather harmless to the untrained eye, but anyone who looks closely enough can tap into the layered complexity that lies behind the madness, sexuality and bittersweet sensibility of his imagery.

Gary's new work is filled with highly promiscuous and viciously happy characters living in a world ruled by gooey streams of liquid, drippy bubbles and multi-headed creatures. It feels chaotic yet ecstatic, as if he had finally found some restless peace amid the good noise where he can sit back and be loved by his guru of unlimited wisdom. In his own words, Gary explains: "Eventually I discovered a deity creature who can melt all the arbitrary boundaries away...This new collection of work is also inspired by tales of desire, intrigue and living life to the fullest, a world we don't often enter because society keeps us in line." I hear you, Gary, I believe all artists ultimately wish to enter your kind of world, though not everyone always finds the key to it. Will it be available at your opening night? I guess we'll have to show up to find out.

Gary Baseman: La Noche de la Fusion, at Corey Helford Gallery. Opening reception, Saturday May 2, 6:30-10:00 pm. On view through May 23, 29. 8522 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA. 310.287.2340.

New York based artist and illustrator Fernanda Cohen is a faculty member of the School of Visual Arts, Vice-president of ICON6, lecture coordinator at the Society of Illustrators of New York and adviser to 3×3 Magazine. She is currently designing T-shirts for GAP’s (RED) campaign, as well as a handful of advertising and editorial illustration assignments.

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