Strange Fire triptych installation at Ōwa, Los Angeles

Mario Vollera, proprietor of Owa, the premiere Japanese restaurant on Venice, CA’s trendy restaurant row; and resuscitator of Venice’s legendary Roosterfish Bar, is also a connoisseur of the visual arts.

In spring of this year, Mario invited the renowned filmmaker, painter, and Venice resident, Rocky Morton (www.rockymorton.com), to exhibit his epic 15’ long painting, Strange Fire, in Owa’s main bar and entry space.

Since launching Owa in 2023, Mario has transformed the space, with soaring ceilings, and industrial brick walls, into a gallery that features Los Angeles painters and sculptors in a rotating art program.

Rocky’s Strange Fire will be on exhibition through the end of 2026.