Les Biller was born in Los Angeles, received his B.A. from the University of Hawaii in 1957 and his MFA from UCLA in 1960. In the 1960s through the 1980s he exhibited regularly in galleries in both Honolulu and Los Angeles. He has had one-artist exhibitions at the Frederick Wight Gallery, UCLA; the Contemporary Art Center in Honolulu; and the Contemporary Arts Forum, Santa Barbara. A large survey exhibition of Biller's work, curated by Michael Duncan, was held at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California, including a catalogue. He was awarded the Painting Prize in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Annual in 1959 and a Fullbright Grant, affiliated with Tokyo University of the Arts, Tokyo, 1960-62.

Biller has held teaching positions at UCLA and the University of Hawaii, Honolulu.

CV

ARTICLES

BIO

MORE PAINTINGS


Larry Hurst
Director, College of the Canyons Art Gallery

To me Les Biller's paintings seem to be semiautobiographical. These works are layered with components of his being so thoroughly that it is impossible to separate the artist from his work. This, of course, is the nature of good painting, and dedicated artists. To look at Les' paintings you see Les. Indeed, I have often thought about the desire to become one with my own work, something I attribute to Mark Rothko, but few artists can accomplish this as smoothly as Mr. Biller.

In spite of the serious nature of this pursuit Les has been able to remain playful and humorous with his work. It's ironic when an artist can achieve this balance, for Les is serious indeed. He has maintained a studio practice his entire life and is disciplined about getting to work each day. Paintings that may seem effortless may actually be the labor of several years effort. If you look closely, you may discover the layers of under painting that is integral to the integrity of the finished piece. In fact, with some prodding Les is often inspired to tell the "story" of the painting, warts and all. This is a serious artist, so serious that you may find yourself smiling from time to time!

Papaya, Bananas and Fish on Black ClothLarge Green Leaves on Red PatternBlack Lacquier Box and MountainDark Still Life with Model in SkyMan Down in Dark BrownKneeling Woman with Vases and Mirror #2Overturned Sculpture in MirrorStill Life and Studio in MirrorCitron, Persimmon, MartiniJabonsStill Life with Black Lacquer Box, Fruit and Two CupsBlack Lacquier Box, Fruit and Blue ClothChinese Still LifeCrotons, Blue Green Pots on Red with FigurePear TheatreWinterFour Persimmons in ForestPottery on Red and MirrorCheka's Still LifePersimmons and Fruit with Bird of ParadiseRed Stripes on Yellow with Plates II