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Artist Recreates California’s Chill Vibes and Summer Blues Using Only Denim

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

I Had To Stop For The Night // Denim on Denim | 61 x 122 cm | 2019

The Golden State of California is getting a reimagining in a wave of blue hues thanks to denim artist Ian Berry. The London-based artist was in sunny San Francisco putting up a large installation, when a trip down to LA made him recognize and truly appreciate the atmosphere and energy of his surroundings. “There is something about the brightness there, the ambition, the positive vibes,” Berry tells My Modern Met, “and in some ways it was a break from Brexit Britain for me.” This is where his concept for his next artistic series, aptly titled Hotel California, began.

“As an ‘80s child I also love California, and LA,” Berry admits. “You think of the films, the positivity for the future. It was upbeat. I started there but then declined, so, a little like Hotel California…” This dichotomy of feelings about a single location is perfectly exemplified by the cobalt, sapphire, navy tones of his art, made entirely of jeans. It’s as though you’re looking at hotels with pools and resort lounge chairs, palm trees in the distance—all under a blue filter. They’re quintessential images of that proverbial “Cali life”…but completely submerged.

Much like the Eagles song “Hotel California,” there is a duality to these seemingly relaxing scenes. As the song states, “This could be heaven or this could be Hell,” such is the case for Berry’s blue locales. Is it a silent oasis or a lonely abyss?

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

The Roosevelt, LA // Denim on Denim | 90 x 122 cm | 2019

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

Shimmering Light // Denim on Denim | 70×70 | 2019

Regardless of how one interprets each piece, there’s one common conclusion: Berry is a master of his craft. It’s hard to believe that every inch of each creation is made entirely of jeans. Having sourced his denim from various people, places, brands, and mills all around the world, he manages to manipulate the sturdy fabric to mimic depth, shadow, light, shape, tone, texture, and everything in between.

“With my work I'm always challenging myself with the way light hits things,” Berry tells us, “and I try to be like a photorealistic painter, just with denim not paint.” We’ve seen this gifted artist recreate the sheen of metal on a train, the intricate patterns of parquet flooring, and the typography of a traditional diner’s fluorescent signage, but his latest challenge may be the most impressive of all—water reflections.

When asked about this new aspect of his series, Berry gushes, “The ripples of the water and the reflections were actually really enjoyable to make, labor intensive and slow, but I love the way I can get the denim to work for me with the gradients.” The biggest challenge, he laments, is when he takes creative liberties with his images (for which he uses photographic references). “For instance, if you put something in, you should have a reflection, or even worse, ripples connected to it, so that is a big challenge.” In the end, his skill, patience, and keen eye for all shades of blue have resulted in a remarkable series.

Hotel California is currently on view in London at Catto Gallery through July 28, 2019.

Artist Ian Berry works exclusively in denim to reimagine California completely in blue.

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

Pool Study 1 | Tiles // Denim on Denim | 70×70 | 2019

Water Reflections Made From Jeans

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

Pool Study 2 | Donut // Denim on Denim | 2019

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

Pool Study 2 | Donut (detail)

He layers all different shades of jeans to create his remarkably photorealistic images.

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

And Still The Voices Are Calling From Far Away // Denim on Denim | 120 x 120 | 2019

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

And Still The Voices Are Calling From Far Away (detail)

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

My Head Grew Heavy And My Sight Grew Dim // Denim on Denim | 180 x 90 | 2019

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

My Head Grew Heavy And My Sight Grew Dim (detail)

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

To The Place I Was Before // Denim on Denim | 61 x 122 | 2019

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

To The Place I Was Before (detail)

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

Such A Lovely Place // Denim on Denim | 63.2 x 122 | 2019

Hotel California Denim Art by Ian Berry

Hotel California in Denim

Hotel California // Denim on Denim | 70 x 70 cm | 2019

Ian Berry: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Ian Berry.

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Pinar

Pinar Noorata is the Managing Editor at My Modern Met. She is a writer, editor, and content creator based in Brooklyn, NY. She earned her BA in Film and Media Studies from CUNY Hunter College and is an alumni of the Center for Arts Education’s Career Development Program in NYC. She has worked at major TV, film, and publishing companies as well as other independent media businesses. When she isn’t writing, editing, or creating videos herself, Pinar enjoys watching movies, reading, crafting, drawing, and volunteering at her local animal shelter.
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