Face Value

FACE VALUE, curated by Lauren Ross

Face Value presents a group of emerging artists who are taking an untainted, unironic approach to subject matter that would hold more loaded connotations for others. While addressing subjects ranging from the startling to the abject, these artists are embracing their own naïveté and sincerity by adopting perspectives not easily experienced by most.

Assume Vivid Astro Focus (a.k.a. Eli Sudbrack) presents a wall mural installation combining multiple elements of personal relevance and inspiration, including vacation snapshots; a psychedelic music video; decorative ribbons; floral decals; and 1970s design, television and pop culture. Jennifer Dalton presents two text pieces displayed via overhead projector that list “Art Cliches That Rule” and “Inspirational Slogans That Actually Inspire Me.” Charley Friedman’s two pieces – one a tribute to his wife and the other a photograph taken on a wealthy estate where the artist was a guest — vividly and unexpectedly express such personal feelings as love, desire and the experience of being an outsider. Tracy Nakayama paints images copied from pornography of the 1970s, a decade which the artist views as an era of the pure and innocent exploration of sexuality. Hidemi Sato presents two photographs from her series, “Happie Photographie,” in which she explores her view of New York City’s beauty as embodied by corporate logos and signage. Irys Schenker presents “To Dog With Love,” a series exploring man’s best friend captured in the act of relieving himself in public.

About the curator: Lauren Ross is the Director/Chief Curator of White Columns.