The SMOL 2.0 and Fresh Series Shows at Thinkspace Projects

The SMOL 2.0 and Fresh Series shows were held in tandem at Thinkspace Projects in Los Angeles, CA.

Thinkspace Projects was founded in 2005; now in LA’s burgeoning West Adams District, the gallery has garnered an international reputation as one of the most active and productive exponents of the New Contemporary Art Movement. Maintaining its founding commitment to the promotion and support of its artists, Thinkspace has steadily expanded its roster and diversified its projects, creating collaborative and institutional opportunities all over the world. Founded in the spirit of forging recognition for young, emerging, and lesser-known talents, the gallery is now home to artists from all over the world, ranging from the emerging, mid-career, and established.

The SMOL 2.0 show was from August 9th to August 30th and was a conceptual show that required artists to create small art. The smaller and the cuter the better!

The show featured Love Mana's "Poor Thing", a 10" x 10" oil painting on a wood panel. Love Mana's smallest painting yet! "Poor Thing" is inspired by the movie "Poor Things". This piece explores the fragile experience of needing to reinvent parts of yourself to live a more fulfilled life. Self realization can be the most profound when on the edge of sadness. It’s about finding hope when everything feels heavy, about allowing yourself to transform, to grow, to begin again. Like Bella Baxter, your past self doesn’t need to define your future. You can restart and become softer, wiser, and full of life.

"On a more personal note, I painted this while reflecting on my own self confidence struggles. I know the feeling of being self critical all too well and I am sure a lot of other people out there can sympathize. I hope this painting is a reminder that it’s okay to ask for help when you identify areas for personal improvement, to believe in your own potential, and embrace change." - <3 Mana

 "Poor Thing" sold at the opening show for SMOL 2.0!

The Fresh Series show was also from August 9th to August 30th and is put on by Thinkspace Projects and Cannibal Flower to highlight upcoming local artists.

The show featured Love Mana's "Silk Road" 40" x 30" oil painting on a wood panel, and "Mrs. Potts" 22" diameter oil painting on a wood panel.

"Silk Road" is inspired by the legend of Mulan. It is a visual representation of her journey of self discovery and transformation. It follows the path of a woman who defies tradition and redefines women’s expectations. Beyond Mulan’s story, “Silk Road” reflects the broader journey of women through time. This work is a tribute and a call. It is a reminder that the road to finding yourself might not be straight, but is still worth walking. This piece honors the progress women have made and the road still left to travel.

"Mrs. Potts" was inspired by the character Mrs. Potts from the Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast". It casts a spotlight on the historical suppression of women, the roles imposed upon them, and the societal constraints they’ve faced. It also stands as a tribute to the resilience and achievements of women who have risen above those limitations despite the seemingly impossible barriers to overcome.

Love Mana is happy to announce that both "Silk Road" and "Mrs. Potts" sold at the opening show for the Fresh Series! She will be a part of a few different shows hosted and curated by Thinkspace Projects through 2026, so keep an eye out and join the email list for updates from Love Mana herself!