Sixteen:One gallery is pleased to present Japanese artist, Koji Iijima’s premiere American exhibition “American Culture” The exhibition opens May 5th, with a reception for the artist from 5-9pm and an opening performance at 5:55pm.

Attempting to connect western notions ("globalization," "identity,") with eastern sentiments such as the traditional basic elements (earth, fire), Koji builds and battles his large metal sculptures of dogs that release flames from their scowling steel mouths and a giant turtle that shoots eggs bombs. When describing his steel boar missile the artist states, “A wild boar is a stubborn and stiff animal, it never listens to reason. American culture in my exhibition is an obvious metaphor that represents Americans political and military facets. The boar when provoked charges head first in its century old obdurate path.”

Sixteen:One is an art space organized by Los Angeles-based artist, Allison Whitney. Located at 2116-b Pico Blvd in Santa Monica, CA, the space features an ongoing series of contemporary art exhibitions. Gallery hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11 – 5 p.m., and by appointment. For information, call 310.450.4394, or www.16to1.com