Last night, one of our favorite the not-for-profits down in Miami, Locust Projects kicked off Art Basel with a trio of experimental exhibitions. Founded by artists for artists, the organization continues its 18-year-long mission to provide contemporary artists the freedom to experiment without the limitations of conventional exhibition spaces.
In the main exhibition space, Alexis Gideon debuted The Comet and the Glacier, a new video opera and immersive installation. For his first large-scale exhibition, Alexis Gideon’s musical compositions, sculpted clay reliefs, glass paintings, stop-motion animations, videos and live performances came to life, transforming Locust Projects into a surreal dreamscape, populated by the personal effects and relics from the creation of The Comet and the Glacier and Alexis’ own past, both real and fictive.
In the project space, HUFFER COLLECTIVE created the city’s first monumental pyramid, in a continuation of their attempts to annihilate Miami’s status as an “art world mecca for rich tourists.” HUFFER COLLECTIVE went through their stuff for personal artifacts that piece together their individual and collective memories; and, by extension, construct an impression of Miami. We got a kick out of the empty Kool cigarette boxes.
Also on view was Backsplash II an installation by Brooklyn-based artist Katie Bell that serves as a visual and conceptual sequel to her previous exhibition in the space, Backsplash. Utilizing wood, laminate, paint, foam, hot tub fragments and other materials, the artist has created physical, sculptural paintings that evoke the domestic sphere.
Locust Projects is a Miami-based not-for-profit exhibition space dedicated to providing contemporary visual artists the freedom to experiment with new ideas without the pressures of gallery sales or limitations of conventional exhibition spaces. It’s an amazing organization that deserves your support. Get involved.
Photos // Zack Balber, www.gingerphotoinc.com. All images Courtesy of Locust Projects, Miami.
