ABOUT THE GALLERY
FAB LA Gallery is housed within the historic Fine Arts Building in Downtown Los Angeles, a landmark Romanesque Revival structure completed in 1926 by architects Walker & Eisen. Entering the Fine Arts Building evokes the experience of a cathedral of craft, an environment shaped by hand-made tilework, narrative murals, sculptural ornament, and a harmonious palette of earth tones and historic motifs. This historic setting provides the perfect backdrop for FAB LA’s mission: to reclaim the building’s original spirit by championing bold, contemporary voices in a space steeped in creative legacy.
Where the old world meets the new, FAB LA creates a dialogue between past and future, tradition and rebellion, echoing exactly what art in Los Angeles has always done best
Fine Arts Building was conceived as a dedicated space for artists, studios, and galleries, the building stands as one of Los Angeles’s most architecturally significant tributes to the region’s early creative community. From its inception, the Fine Arts Building brought together leading artisans whose work helped define Southern California’s design identity. Pasadena tilemaker Ernest A. Batchelder, a central figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement, produced the building’s extensive collection of custom decorative tiles, which remain a signature feature of the lobby, home of FAB LA Gallery. The celebrated muralist Anthony B. Heinsbergen, known for his work on the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles City Hall, and hundreds of the region’s historic theaters, created the original murals and painted surfaces that enrich the building’s interior.
Complementing this craftsmanship are sculptural elements by Burt William Johnson, whose contributions include the reclining exterior figures symbolizing “Sculpture” and “Architecture,” as well as the sculpted children that animate the lobby’s mythic atmosphere.
KII ARENS • OWNER + CURATOR
Widely regarded as one of the most credible and influential creative forces in Los Angeles, award-winning artist Kii Arens is a defining voice in modern pop culture. A contemporary American pop artist, graphic designer, photographer, director, and musician, Kii’s bold, music-driven visual language has become instantly recognizable across the worlds of art, entertainment, and design.
Kii is the owner and curator of FAB LA Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles and formerly owned and curated the celebrated La-La Land Gallery, an influential space that helped shape LA’s contemporary pop-art landscape before its closing. His personal artwork has been exhibited internationally, reinforcing his impact within the global art community.
A self-taught creative raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Kii credits Saturday mornings in the 1970s, spent watching Sid & Marty Krofft, as early inspiration. Fascinated by album covers, vintage logos, and pop iconography, he has since created more than 500 pieces for legendary musicians and institutions, including Dolly Parton, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Radiohead, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, Bernie Sanders, Beck, DEVO, Diana Ross, Lana Del Rey, The Doors, PIXIES, Glen Campbell, Tame Impala, The Replacements, the Hollywood Bowl, Coachella, and Desert Trip, the latter widely considered one of the most successful music festivals in history.
Kii’s directorial work has also garnered acclaim. His music video for Elton John’s “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” was prominently featured during the 2020 Oscars, serving as the visual representation for the award-winning song. Other directing credits include projects for DEVO, Queens of the Stone Age, PIXIES, Glen Campbell, and, most recently, a new music video for Prince’s “Pop Life.”
MEET THE TEAM
NAOMI GIBSON • EXHIBITIONS DIRECTOR
As the Exhibitions Director of FAB LA Gallery, Naomi Gibson leads curatorial strategy, artist relations, and the development of dynamic exhibitions that spotlight pop, music, and culture-inspired contemporary art. With a background spanning creative production, event direction, and talent collaboration, Naomi brings a sharp eye for storytelling and a passion for elevating both emerging and established artists.
At FAB LA, Naomi oversees the full exhibition lifecycle, from concept and curation to installation, programming, and opening events, helping to shape the gallery’s identity as a vibrant cultural hub in Downtown Los Angeles. Her work focuses on creating meaningful, immersive experiences that celebrate artistic innovation and the diverse creative voices that define LA’s cultural landscape.
