Andrew Hem's introspective, otherworldly paintings and sketches explore realities one step away from our everyday waking life. What if our thoughts flickered across the surface of our skin like ephemeral silent movies? What if spirits walked among us, trying to find their path? What if there were no racism, and even the most outlandish people were accepted?

Andrew Hem's introspective, otherworldly paintings and sketches explore realities one step away from our everyday waking life. What if our thoughts flickered across the surface of our skin like ephemeral silent movies? What if spirits walked among us, trying to find their path? What if there were no racism, and even the most outlandish people were accepted? What if the children of Andrew's native land had been allowed to live in peace and thrive?

The independent spirit of alternative art and music is celebrated in "Go With The Flow," a visual tribute to the band Queens of the Stone Age that features contemporary artists from around the world, including Marco Mazzoni, Hsiao Ron Cheng, Jessican Joslin, Andrew Hem, and many more. Organized by BonelliLAB and ARTLAB, the show runs from August 11 - September 2 at Villa Bottini in Lucca, Italy.

Born during his parents' flight from Cambodia in the wake of the Khmer Rouge genocide, artist Andrew Hem's otherworldly paintings carry the weight of his gentle, animistic Khmer ancestors, combined with a dynamic urban sensibility acquired during his childhood in a tough Los Angeles neighborhood. Working in gouache, oil, and acrylic, Hem's haunting impressions of culture and landscape evoke the intangible realms of memories and dreams.

We stopped by LeBasse Projects in Culver City to check out their current group exhibition which showcases artwork form some of their artists that will be exhibiting this year, including works from Herakut, Mike Stilkey, Joshua Petker, Seonna Hong, Jim Houser, Tobias Keene, Katrin Fridriks, Nate Frizzell, Yoskay Yamamoto, Andrew Hem, Matt Haber and Melissa Haslam.  Photos after the jump..