See video of the exhibit in this SCV NewsBreak: http://scvnews.com/?p=19828

The College of the Canyons Art Gallery will introduce its second exhibition of the fall 2011 semester with the opening of “Les Biller — I Hate Reality” running Wednesday, Sept. 28, through Saturday, Oct. 22.

Well known in the arts community for his great skill and variety as an artist, Les Biller received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Hawaii and a Master of Arts from UCLA, before going on to teach at both institutions. During this period, Biller also simultaneously maintained a rigorous studio practice.

An intensely disciplined artist who often paints seven days a week, Biller has amassed a huge inventory of work. The exhibition “Les Biller — I Hate Reality” will thus be showcasing a survey of work collected over the artist’s long and prolific career.

“Les Biller’s paintings seem to be almost semi-autobiographical,” commented Larry Hurst, COC Art Gallery director. “His works are often so thoroughly layered with components of his own being, that it’s impossible to separate the artist from his work.

“This, of course, is the nature of good painting, and dedicated artists,” added Hurst.

Over the years Biller has been able to remain playful and humorous about his work, despite the serious nature of his pursuits.

“In 1954 in my second painting class, the instructor told us that painting was dead. Why didn’t I listen to him,” muses Biller, while comically pining about his eventual career path and title of his upcoming COC exhibition. “Nowadays, conceptual artists are making a fortune, and look at us poor painters, just sitting around twiddling our thumbs … I hate reality.”

Casual viewers of Biller’s work often have to be reminded that some pieces, while appearing as if they were effortlessly produced, may actually be the result of several years of labor. But with some prodding, Biller is often inspired to tell the true “story” of the painting, warts and all.

“To look at Les’ paintings is to see Les,” said Hurst. “There are few artists who can accomplish this as smoothly as Mr. Biller.”

“Les Biller — I Hate Reality” opens Wednesday, Sept. 28, and will run through Saturday, Oct. 22. An artist’s reception will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, in the COC Art Gallery.

The College of the Canyons Art Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays. Visitors unable to visit the gallery during normal hours are welcome to call (661) 362-3612 to make a viewing appointment. All gallery exhibitions and related events are free and open to the public.

For more information about the College of the Canyons Art Gallery or the exhibition, “Les Biller — I Hate Reality,” please visit www.canyons.edu/artgallery.