Influential London Street Artist D*Face to launch solo exhibition in New York City on September 12th
Ludovico Aversion Therapy / All Your Dreams Are Owned By Us @ Jonathan LeVine Gallery September 12 – October 10, 2009
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 12, 7pm-9pm
Jonathan LeVine Gallery is pleased to present Ludovico Aversion Therapy / All Your Dreams Are Owned By Us, a solo exhibition of new original works and multiples by the London-based street artist known as D*Face returning to the gallery for his debut solo show in the United States; in conjunction with a site-specific, street-level installation.
The show title Ludovico Aversion Therapy references a futuristic human behavior reconditioning treatment from A Clockwork Orange (the 1972 cult-classic film by Stanley Kubrick), in which the patient’s eyelids are forced open to watch disturbing footage containing subliminal messages.
Artist statement: “If you’ve ever wondered what goes on inside of my mind, this body of work is it. A visual interpretation of lucid dreams—the replaying, disassembly and reconfiguring of images held in one’s mind… it’s as much ‘Exquisite Corpse’ as everyday Ludovico Aversion Therapy.”
Re-interpreting the exquisite corpse concept, each piece in Ludovico Aversion Therapy features a singular composite subject created using an amalgamation of various branded corporate identity mascots combined with classic superhero characters, interspersed with typography derived from comic book art and advertising. Having spliced these elements into thin segments of recognizable information, the artist scrambles the pieces then stacks them vertically, re-assigning features to form mismatched conglomerate faces and deliver a powerfully graphic impact.
Paintings and etchings in this exhibition feature the artist’s signature tongue-in-cheek aesthetic, known for creating two and three-dimensional work using a variety of mediums and techniques.
Incorporating pop iconography with satirical commentary and anti-establishment values, D*Face questions the increasing turnover and bombardment of imagery by the media as well as how much (if any and what parts) we recall, digest and retain.
Extracting elements from the endless stream of visual stimuli absorbed daily by our conscious and subconscious, the artist re-works and subverts imagery appropriated from comics, currency, corporate advertising, and cultural figures—drawing from decades of materialistic consumption in our media-saturated society.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
D*Face is a London-based sculptor and street artist. His artwork has been exhibited in galleries and on the streets of cities around the world.
For over ten years, his wall stencils and three dimensional urban interventions have tested public awareness and resistance when faced with visual alternatives to corruptive, persuasive commercial advertising.
Reoccurring themes include: celebrity, fame, and mortality. The artist uses the term aPOPcalyptic to describe his work, which often features images of cultural icons as a commentary on conspicuous consumption in popular culture.
D*Face’s early artistic inspirations include pop artists such as Lichtenstein, Haring and Warhol. Additional influences include: punk music, graffiti, skateboarding and skate magazines featuring graphic artists like Jim Philips and Pushead.
Find out more about D*Face at www.dface.co.uk
ABOUT JONATHAN LEVINE GALLERY
Jonathan LeVine Gallery exhibits a genre of work influenced by illustration, comic book art, graffiti, street art and pop culture imagery. We represent a mix of emerging and mid-career artists with an emphasis on cultivating new talent and creating an environment where artists can further develop their work. Since 2005, the first year established in New York, Jonathan LeVine Gallery has remained focused on maintaining its mission of community, and commitment to providing our artists with a nurturing arena for experimentation and discussion.
The Gallery is located at:
529 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 6pm.
For more information, please call: 212.243.3822 or email info@jonathanlevinegallery.com
Jonathan LeVine Gallery Official Website
D*Face Official Website
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