Luca Fine Art is a new gallery opening in the Star Metals Building on Howell Mill Road this weekend. (Photos by Isadora Pennington)
This weekend, a fine art gallery will open its doors for the first time in West Midtown. Luca Fine Art is a new exhibition space presented by founder and owner Rodney Kazemi, a career arts professional with 29 years of experience working as an artist agent and dealer. Though based in Atlanta, much of his career has been spent jet-setting up and down the East Coast and across international borders. Kazemi said he is excited to leverage his connections with internationally-renowned artists to bring them to Atlanta.
“I think it’s important because Atlanta is an international city, and we have some incredibly talented local artists, but I think there may be a hunger for different art, international art, things that you might see online but not be able to see in person,” said Kazemi.
The roughly 2,000-square-foot space currently features eight artists whose works will remain on display for about six weeks, after which Luca Fine Art’s curatorial calendar will include a mix of group and solo shows. While Kazemi’s focus is ostensibly on bringing international artists to Atlanta, he is also eager to work with several notable local artists as well.
Artists on display during the inaugural exhibition are:
Russell Young, known for his striking and rebellious pop culture portraits;
Juan Miguel Palacios, whose emotionally charged works explore the depths of human experience;
Nemo Dressa Dutch contemporary artist known for his hyper‑realistic mixed‑media portraits created with nails, thread, resin and dome techniques that explore cinematic imagery and modern voyeurism;
Stanley Casselman, recognized for his innovative approach to abstract expressionism;
Simon Berger, the visionary artist who transforms shattered glass into stunning portraits;
Yigal ozeri, acclaimed for his hyper-realistic depictions that capture the essence of life with breathtaking detail;
Seo Young Deok, whose intricate metal sculptures embody the fusion of human emotion and industrial materials;
Marco Grassi, known for his mesmerizing textured portraits that redefine contemporary portraiture;
Peter Demetz, a master sculptor who brings lifelike wooden figures to poetic realism.
Selecting the space at the Star Metals Building was an easy choice for Kazemi, who said that the venue lends itself nicely to hosting larger works with heftier price tags. “This was a perfect fit for us,” said Kazemi. While he founded Luca Fine Art as an organization way back in 2002, the process to open a dedicated gallery space began nearly two years ago. Luca Fine Art is named after his son, Luca.
“Atlanta is ready for a mix of international art and artists, and I think they will really appreciate this space,” said Kazemi.
Want to see this exhibition in person? Starting next week, the gallery will host open hours from Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Viewings are available on Sunday and Monday by contacting Monday by contacting rodney@lucafinearts.com.
Luca Fine Art owner and founder Rodney Kazemi.
Works by Juan Miguel Palacios, left, and Marco Grassi, right.
Works by Nemo Jantzen, left, and Russell Young, center and right.
Nirvana by Seo Young Deok is made out of a stainless steel bike chain.
Artist Nemo Jantzen works with nails and thread on wood panels.
Contemplative sculptural works by Peter Demetz.
A series of oil paintings by Yigal Ozeri.
Glass works by Simon Berger, left.
Luca Fine Art is a 2,000-square-foot gallery in West Midtown.
(Photos by Isadora Pennington)
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Isadora Pennington is senior editor of art + design and dance. An experienced writer and photographer with a deep love for the arts, Isadora founded the Sketchbook newsletter with Rough Draft Atlanta in 2022. She is also president of the Avondale Arts Alliance and director of the Avondale Arts Center.
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