Post Contemporary Reborn: VEFA Gallery and the Alexander Retrospective

The Chicago Journal Staff on June 12, 2025

By: VEFA Gallery Director, Jonathan Anderson

In an era where art spaces often fall into commercial repetition, VEFA Gallery emerges as a force in the contemporary art landscape. Nestled in the South Bay of Los Angeles, this family-built, museum-caliber institution stands at the forefront of artistic innovation. More than a venue, VEFA is a curatorial platform, a sanctuary for boundary-breaking artists, and a space constructed with a singular purpose: to elevate visionary art that defies traditional categorization.

VEFA’s 7,000-square-foot gallery is not only architecturally ambitious but conceptually radical. Conceived and executed by Dr. Joseph Anderson over seven years, the space fuses state-of-the-art design with curatorial intention. With immersive LED installations, a former bank vault transformed into a media chamber, and a layout that privileges both monumental works and intimate viewing, VEFA is as much a conceptual statement as it is a gallery. This makes it the ideal setting for one of the most anticipated posthumous exhibitions in recent memory: “The Alexander Life Retrospective”, slated for 2026.

Alexander was, in many ways, a myth before he was a man. Gaining fame in the 1980s for his fearless experimentation across painting, sculpture, holography, and emerging digital forms, he was celebrated for pushing artistic limits. However, at the peak of his notoriety, he withdrew from public life. For decades, Alexander remained reclusive, vanishing from both the market and the museum circuit. Only in 2019 did he reemerge, quietly seeking a venue that could adequately house the retrospective he envisioned. Tragically, he passed away before that vision could be realized.

VEFA Gallery was the space he chose. And now, through the stewardship of his long-time friend and estate co-manager Douglas Jensen, VEFA will fulfill that promise.

The retrospective will be selected from more than 350 works, many of which have never been exhibited. Among these are his famed holographic paintings, 4-dimensional works, and the first-ever holographic film viewable without eyewear. His sculptural installations—including “Uranus,” “Curved Air,” and “Oracle in Stone”—are physical manifestations of his conceptual framework. Through these pieces, Alexander challenged the boundaries of perception and temporality, reconfiguring the viewer’s role from passive observer to active participant.

Central to Alexander’s philosophy was his invention of a new genre he called “Post Contemporary” art. This was not a mere stylistic movement, but a manifesto. In 2015, after attending a major contemporary art expo in Santa Monica, California, he described the scene as a “mediocre hodgepodge of historical redundancy.” He believed the art world had grown stale—locked in cycles of nostalgia and self-reference. Post Contemporary was his answer: a genre unmoored from the constraints of art historical repetition, focused instead on technological fusion, perceptual expansion, and radical originality.

VEFA Gallery is uniquely suited to present this body of work. With its immersive technological infrastructure and mission-driven programming, VEFA is not a commercial gallery chasing trends, but a curatorial force shaping the cultural dialogue. Its recent exhibitions have included pioneering street artists, immersive installations, and genre-bending group shows that reflect its ethos of experimentation and excellence.

As VEFA prepares for the “Alexander Life Retrospective”, it positions itself not only as the guardian of a forgotten master’s legacy but as a beacon for what is next in the evolving story of contemporary art. This exhibition is not just a look back; it is a statement of forward-thinking intention. It invites audiences to reconsider what it means to be radical, relevant, and resonant in the 21st century.

The legacy of Alexander—and the role of VEFA in securing it—is a reminder that true innovation often begins on the fringes, with those willing to vanish, reemerge, and rebuild on their own terms. As the art world asks, “What’s going on at VEFA?” the answer becomes clear: The things that matter.

1% Event Coming to Peru, Illinois on July 12: Business and Personal Growth Conference Hosted by Project Future First

The Chicago Journal Staff on June 12, 2025

Peru, IL — A high-energy business and personal development event known as the 1% Event will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 320 5th Street in Peru, Illinois. The event is hosted by Project Future First, a nonprofit organization co-founded by Kyle Gardner, Blake Shofner, and Dmytro Andryeyev. The experience is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, content creators, and purpose-driven professionals seeking practical advice, authentic inspiration, and meaningful connections.

Now in its latest edition, the 1% Event aims to offer an alternative to the traditional business conference model by focusing on real-world stories and value-driven content. According to organizers, the event will feature over ten business owners and creators who will speak openly about the challenges and strategies involved in building successful ventures. These individuals are not expected to be selling products or services from the stage; instead, they will share insights based on personal experience, with the goal of providing guidance to help others navigate their own journeys toward success.

A Fresh Alternative to Traditional Conferences

The 1% Event was developed in response to what its founders describe as a gap in today’s event space: a lack of relatability and actionable content. Many business and leadership conferences, they argue, are often overly scripted, filled with motivational fluff, or focused heavily on upselling the audience. The 1% Event positions itself as the opposite—a space where attendees hear from genuine people who have overcome adversity, launched businesses from scratch, and stayed consistent enough to see results.

While the speakers represent various industries, including fitness, branding, marketing, and social media, they all share a common thread: none of them claim to have achieved overnight success. Instead, the event spotlights underdogs, blue-collar entrepreneurs, and creators who have earned their place through grit, trial-and-error, and consistency.

Event Schedule and Format

The event will follow the schedule below:

Doors Open: 11:00 AM
Networking + Red Carpet Media: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Main Event (Speakers & Panels): 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The opening two hours are dedicated to networking, giving attendees a chance to build connections, exchange ideas, and potentially collaborate with others on future ventures. During this period, red carpet interviews and behind-the-scenes media content will be produced, offering participants additional exposure.

The core of the day is the speaker segment, taking place from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. Rather than traditional lectures, this portion of the event will consist of short, engaging talks and panel discussions designed to keep the energy high and the audience engaged.

No Dress Code, Just Real Conversation

Organizers have intentionally opted for a more relaxed atmosphere. While business casual attire is recommended, there is no formal dress code. Attendees are encouraged to wear whatever makes them feel confident and comfortable.

The vibe of the event is closer to an interactive experience than a formal seminar. Elements such as live music, stage lighting, and theatrical effects—like fog machines or sparklers—are being considered to enhance the overall atmosphere. The intent is to make the experience memorable and engaging without sacrificing the depth and relevance of the content.

In addition, speakers are expected to speak candidly and conversationally, using informal language where appropriate to connect with the audience on a personal level. The goal is to reduce the hierarchy often felt at formal events and instead foster genuine dialogue.

Photo Courtesy: Project Future First

Hosted by Project Future First

The event is presented by Project Future First, a nonprofit organization founded by Kyle Gardner, Blake Shofner, and Dmytro Andryeyev. The organization focuses on providing at-risk and underserved youth with access to mentorship, entrepreneurial education, and real-world business exposure.

Through community programs, workshops, and speaker events, Project Future First aims to fill the gap between traditional education and modern opportunity. The organization’s founders believe that early exposure to entrepreneurship, creative thinking, and personal development can positively impact the trajectory of a young person’s life.

A portion of proceeds from the 1% Event will go directly toward funding the nonprofit’s work, which includes in-school initiatives, resource distribution, and scholarship support for students with entrepreneurial aspirations. Past events have helped raise awareness and capital for these programs, and the July 12 event is expected to continue that trend.

A Platform for the Next Generation

The 1% Event is designed for individuals who may not feel represented in traditional business circles—those who didn’t grow up around entrepreneurs, didn’t attend elite universities, or didn’t have a roadmap for success handed to them. Many of the attendees and speakers alike share a background of figuring things out on their own and building from the ground up.

This inclusivity is part of what sets the 1% Event apart. The founders of Project Future First say they are committed to creating a space that supports not only growth but also accessibility. The ticket pricing model reflects this, with general admission options designed to remain affordable for students, first-time attendees, and early-stage entrepreneurs.

The event is also expected to attract regional attention, with attendees traveling from across Illinois and neighboring states such as Missouri, Indiana, and Iowa. Prior versions of the event, held in other cities, have drawn several hundred attendees and generated significant media attention thanks to the authenticity and relatability of the speakers.

Looking Ahead

With its casual tone, high energy, and focus on real stories over sales tactics, the 1% Event is becoming more well-known among Midwest entrepreneurs and creators. Organizers hope that each installment of the event helps influence the larger conversation around what modern business leadership looks like.

According to Kyle Gardner, one of the co-founders, “We’re not trying to look impressive. We’re trying to be impactful. These events are about giving people the confidence and clarity they didn’t grow up with. If we can do that, we’ve already won.”