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| Nick Cave, Jack Shainman Gallery, NYC, 2011. |
It has been Fashion week here in NYC and the fashionistas are everywhere with lanky ladies and gorgeous guys on the streets and the runways. The first hints of autumn in the air also has the locals feeling fashionable, with fall looks coming out of the closets and shopping bags. How appropriate then that in the past week, not one but TWO galleries in Chelsea are celebrating the work of the art-world's most fashionable rising star Nick Cave. And no Rhoda, not as in the Bad Seeds, but as in the Chicago based artist who builds elaborate, sculptural costume-sculptures, turning every day materials into powerful and fanciful artistic statements.
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| Nick Cave, Jack Shainman Gallery, NYC, 2011. |
If you're not familiar with Nick Cave's work, or even if you are, it is best to start the tour at the Jack Shainman Galley. His exhibit there is titled Ever-After, and represents some of his newer work, with his creatures coming together en masse. Upon entering the gallery, the viewer is greeted by a row of bunny like figures, life-size sculptures covered in blonde hair and topped with rabbit ears.
Despite the lack of apparent features, this figures still emanate a sexually-charged male energy, provoking mixed feelings of weather to hug or to hump. And although some of the figures assume threatening poses, the overall statement is somehow comforting and welcoming.
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| Nick Cave, Jack Shainman Gallery, NYC, 2011. |
Further exploration of the gallery delivers two tableaux, with the alien forms appearing metallic and scale-like from a distance, but upon closer inspection one realizes the surface is in fact covered with buttons - thousands of buttons, with "each offering the reflection of a memory" as declared within the artist's statement. The faces of these creatures are fur-lined, gaping maws, suggesting an infinite black-hole, unfathomable depths to be plunged into the psyche.
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| Nick Cave, Jack Shainman Gallery, NYC, 2011. |
The third installation is as if the various ideas have managed to link together in an orgasmic connected whole, now telling a silent (ironic as Cave refers to all of these as "Sound Suits") and unified story. The figures are either dancing in a group, or standing around bored, but they are part of the shared experience, joined by a glimmering umbilical cord.
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| Nick Cave, Jack Shainman Gallery, NYC, 2011. |
Once again the surface is a cacophony of common buttons, each one hand stitched, and together glimmering like hammered metal or faceted jewelry.
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| Nick Cave, Mary Boone Gallery, NYC, 2011. |
The Mary Boone Gallery is just around the corner but a world away stylistically for Nick Cave. Here one is hit with an explosion of color and texture, in Cave's more typical style of thematic 'Sound Suits'. Each individual piece tells its own complex story so rich that it deserved intense study.
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| Nick Cave, Mary Boone Gallery, NYC, 2011. |
From a distance it is mere shapes and color, but when observed closely it is a tribute to the world, covered in globes.
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| Nick Cave, Mary Boone Gallery, NYC, 2011. |
A foreignness and almost perversity is given to every day objects. Noise makers cluster to create an orgiastic racket, overwhelming the eyes with deafening intensity.
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| Nick Cave, Mary Boone Gallery, NYC, 2011. |
Here, too, is the presence of fur and hair, but in technicolor vividness. These couture creations virtually scream at the viewer, but in such a friendly way, as to draw one closer rather than repel. I found myself almost wanting to fondle the objects, stroke the hair.
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| Nick Cave, Mary Boone Gallery, NYC, 2011. |
And while there is a seriousness to the statements being made, individually and collectively, the sense of wit and whimsy is still present. Above, a wicker chair is incorporated into one of Nick Cave's creations.
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| Nick Cave, Mary Boone Gallery, NYC, 2011. |
It is as if each sculptural form is from a different planet, aliens who have collected the detritus and debris from neighboring Earthlings and transformed it into friendly armor. The far too familiar becomes fancifully foreign and then magically transforms itself back again into a welcomed sight for sore eyes through the artistic genius of Cave. It is both known and unknown, while remaining recognizable and delightful.
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| Nick Cave by Alton DuLaney, NYC, 2011. |
The artist, Nick Cave, was on hand for the opening, with his personal style and eccentricity perfectly complimenting his creations.
These are two MUST SEE shows currently on view in NYC. Don't miss them, as it is also a rare opportunity to see the origins and the progress of a contemporary artist capable of taking you to another world while welcoming you back home again.
The Jack Shainman Gallery is located at 513 West 20th St, NYC.
www.jackshainman.com/
The Mary Boone Gallery is located at 541 West 24th St, NYC.
www.maryboonegallery.com/
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