Los Angeles – Black Maria Gallery is pleased to announce "These Are Strange Times My Dear"; a group show featuring the latest works from Catia Chien, CJ Metzger and Dany Paragouteva. This show is a mystical interpretation of our current turbulent times. The artists are exploring our journey through the current storm of political and economic instability, searching for something positive to grasp onto. In a time of such negativity, this exhibition strives to expose some silver linings.

Catia Chien works are filled with vivid imagination and have been described as rich with whimsy, color and energy. Besides her fine art, Catia also creates illustrations for children’s books, films and animation as well as comic book anthologies. Catia lives and works in Southern California.

Candace (or CJ) Metzger is an artist whose narrative paintings and creations layer whimsical and surreal imagery. Her work is profoundly inspired by her 6 year old daughter, fairy tales, mythology, and her observations of relationships between humans, nature & the environment. She lives and works in North East Los Angeles.

Dany Paragouteva graduated with a BFA in Illustration with Distinction from Art Center College of Design. Dany’s passion for drawing and painting started when she was about 2 years old. Her paintings have a magical quality that elicits the dark side of fairytales. They are mysterious yet familiar. Originally from Bulgaria, Paragouteva now lives in Los Angeles.