Opening reception February 9th 6-8pm.
Jim Kempner Fine Art is pleased to present Bling; a group show featuring a collection of artworks, that comment on our culture’s obsession with wealth status and material objects. Artists in this exhibition include: Robert Attanasio, Donald Baechler , Christopher Beane, Jessica Bowman, Carole Feuerman, Rinaldo Frattolillo, John Grande, Jane Hammond, Jerelyn Hanrahan, Sally Heller, Damien Hirst, Kim Keever, Marilyn Minter, Jerry Mischak, Bill Owens, RART, Jonathan Santlofer, Jeffery Sims, Tom Slaughter, Jamie Sneider, Christopher Tanner, Mickalene Thomas, Andy Warhol, Kehinde Wiley, and Liao Yibai. Bling will be on display from February 9th- March 17th. The opening reception is on February 9th from 6-8pm.
Even in this time of economic division and movements like Occupy Wall Street, many are drawn to the glitz and glam of all things bling. The term bling originated in the world of hip-hop and was quickly appropriated by popular culture. The bling phenomenon exploded onto clothing, phone accessories, and even teeth, making bling not only for the 1%. From bedazzled accessories to Elizabeth Taylor’s widely publicized jewelry auction, the world had become obsessed with the garish display of excess wealth. The work in Bling show demonstrates the many ways bling can be presented and interpreted.
Ostentatious and gaudy are often words associated with bling. Displayed in the sculpture garden, Jerelyn Hanrahan’s Graduated Pearls depict bling on a grandiose scale. This 50-foot strand of pearls is created from cast concrete with an illuminated surface made from white sand and resin. Liao Yibai’s over-sized stainless-steel stiletto pokes fun at high fashion and also depicts bling with an edge.
In contrast, the work of Jessica Bowman and Jerry Mischak present bling in its most temperate format. Both artists use quotidian materials to create images that evoke the feeling of luxury and class.
Jane Hammond and Christopher Tanner use actual bling to enhance their visual expression. Tanner’s bedazzled abstract forms are highly ornate and meticulously assembled, evoking the “more is more” mentality. Ritz, one of Jane Hammond’s “Dazzle Paintings”, combines the artist’s nostalgic imagery with silver, gold, copper, and palladium leaf to a plexi-mounted surface. As a result, the image is given dimensionality and appears to illuminate from within.
With this range of interpretations, Bling offers a full spectrum look at a concept that has so captivated this age. This show invites viewers to enjoy visual titillation and intellectual contemplation on this multi-faceted theme.
For further questions on any and all things bling, please contact Dru Arstark.