Meet the Luz Bullet. The 1979 Airstream trailer is IFAF’s newest exhibition space. For its debut, we took it all the way to Miami Art Week to show an experiential exhibition using color and sound to engage people in a dialogue about sacred space. Visitors were deeply affected by their experiences inside Luz. Common words expressed by visitors were “peace,” “safety,” and “rest” We displayed the exhibit in different places around Miami Beach, all with the hope of bringing a creatively peaceful space to the art fairs.
In between showing Luz, we visited the PULSE and Art Basel fairs. Here are a few of our new favorite artists.
JOHN PIERRE ROY
Jean Pierre Roy’s large works caught our eyes immediately. The realistic style of the paintings adds a dramatic edge to the other-worldly elements. Human figures appear to be in between a world much like our own and some alien realm. Saturated primary colors and jewel tones contrast with hues of the natural landscape as two distinct elements exist in one space.
The titles of Roy’s paintings also piqued our curiosity. “The Aporiary” draws its name from the word “aporia,” a contradiction that cannot be resolved in a text or theory. The figure sits upon a rock in a barren landscape. Inside the smoky quartz rock of his head are two small inhuman figures. Between his hands there is a bright holographic shape that he can’t quite grasp.
Roy’s Entopticon series refers to the word “entoptic.” This is an image that resides inside the eyes. “The Entopticons,” whether referencing the half-human figures or the overall image itself, exist in the imagination of some inner or unseen realm.
MARK TANSEY
Mark Tansey’s painting “Veil” relied much on viewers imaginations. In the light of parting curtains each figure reacts differently to what is on the other side. One figure leans in, curious or amazed. Another shrinks back in fear. Still, another bows his head and shadows his face with his hand in some despondent gesture. In the mix of emotions is also a mixture of people, ranging from completely nude to precisely suited. What did the veil represent for each person? A barrier between themselves and what?
JOHN ARMLEADER
John Armleader had multiple pieces featured in Art Basel Miami, but I favored “Edolo.” The image was painted in several layers which allowed the artist to peel them back as they dried. Metallic gold opened up into a black shape that was dripping with a light blue shade. He revealed some kind of opening, vortex, dark space, necessary emotion. What is behind the layers, much like what is behind Mark Tansey’s veil, may be up to the audience.
ANISH KAPOOR
Anish Kapoor’s “Breathing Blue” series was a meditative display at London’s Lisson Gallery booth. Each orb varied from the next. Kapoor captured the depth and distinction of each hue and its individual nuance. They provided a calming, rare sight at Art Basel where visitors sat and experienced the work. It was certainly hard to walk away from the lull that the blue induced amongst the activity of the fair.
Suzann Victor’s celestial inspired images brought a delicate yet powerful otherworldly element to Art Basel. The polycarbonate discs, perfect circles displaying cloudy mixtures of color, created a balance of perfection and imperfection. The effect was almost as if divinity and humanity were meeting.
We are thankful for all of the new friends that we made and the new art that we experienced. Until next time!
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