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What Makes a Rebel?

The question the show asks is in itself much more interesting than a show that simply centers on an exploration in activism. The works course with drama and life, living and breathing to confront the place of rebellion in the modern day. Apropos of the opening, office got exclusive insight on rebellion from Anna Delvey, Nick Rhodes, and curator Indira Cesarine themselves.

ANNA DELVEY

 

It’s been said that all great art comes from pain. Do you agree? If so, how do you relate?

 

I've used creative pursuits such as drawing and writing as a way to process what's happening in my life at any given moment. These outlets have to a certain extent helped me rationalize and put things into perspective. It's a two-way street - I was both compelled to interact with the events in a manner I normally wouldn't have by trying to create something, and I wouldn't have come up with any of the ideas without having been through what I have.

It's difficult to say if leading a 'normal', adverse-free life is detrimental to one's creativity since I hardly remember what it feels like, but I definitely see pain and adversity as a catalyst for creation.

 

What do you hope the viewer will understand about you through your artwork “No Regrets” created for for the REBEL exhibit?

 

With this sketch I'm trying to address the controversy around some of my statements that were perceived as lacking remorse.

I equally would 'regret' looking back and not accepting who I am today, something I see as self acceptance although my lack of contrition is sometimes interpreted as rebellion. I am trying to learn from past mistakes and move on while making better choices.

 

What is your goal as an artist?

 

I use my art as a nonverbal way to communicate my perspective on things that are happening to me and to hopefully provide the viewer with a different perspective on me as a person. My original goal for my sketches was to take ownership of my story - there were so many voices and versions of it out there that I decided to take the route none of the others did by building a narrative through drawings.

NICK RHODES

 

What drew you to photograph Lottie Moss?

 

I had worked with The Untitled Magazine several times on different assignments and I always find Indira Cesarine’s ideas for subjects inspiring. When she first mentioned Lottie Moss, I took a look at a few images and instantly thought that I could shoot her in a different way to create something special. We put together a mood board and everything fell into place. Lottie has a great attitude and a big personality, she was easy to photograph for me because I wanted that to come across in the images.

 

How do you feel your work in fine art is similar to your work in music?

 

I never really separate different disciplines within the arts. Whether I’m writing a song, making a short film or taking a photo, they all require fresh ideas, focus and a fearless approach to get the best results. I love being able to switch between different projects, it always keeps me curious and excited to see what I can discover or unravel.

 

What is your definition of a rebel? How do you fit into that, and how does your work for this show fit into that?

 

An individual who isn’t afraid to be different. Someone with their own unique ideas who does not need to follow trends, but sets them. I don’t like to to stare into the mirror for too long considering my own work and contributions, I’m happy to let time be the judge though!

 

INDIRA CESARINE

 

What unites all the artists included in REBEL? 

 

The REBEL Exhibition celebrates art activists and creative game changers that are inspiring positive change and progression with their artwork. Each of the 35 international contemporary artists featured in the exhibit give their original, boundary-pushing take on what it means to be a rebel in our contemporary world. The group show presents a collective of visual artists, each with a unique message, fighting in their own way for what they believe in, and using their artwork as a tool for that expression.

 

What was your process of selecting the participating artists?

 

Over the last six months, I have been researching the most unique, controversial, and talked-about living rebels. The Untitled Space gallery presented a global open call for artists to share work that engages themes of rebellion. I personally reviewed thousands of artworks in search of the most compelling narratives that were relevant to the theme. I invited a number of artists that we have previously worked with whose art speaks the language of protest and progression. The exhibit presents a mix of represented artists and new ones with more than 50% of the selection from the open call. I also worked with Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran who is a really talented photographer to create an original artwork for the exhibition. We produced a shoot in London with model Lottie Moss and between his global tour dates he found the time to do the shoot for us. Right as I was wrapping up the curatorial for The REBEL exhibition, I confirmed Anna Sorokin (aka Delvey), and she made an original artwork from behind bars - as she is currently being detained in a county jail by ICE. 

 

How do you define rebellion, both creatively and outside of the art world?

 

I feel like the concept of rebellion and term “rebel” used to have negative connotations, although in the current world we live in it takes on a vast deeper meaning. It is about challenging the status quo - following your heart and fighting for what you believe in despite the obstacles we are currently facing in our society - both culturally, creatively, and politically. We are being confronted with so many issues right now - from abortion rights to Black Lives Matter and MeToo movements. I think it is important that there are rebels who challenge the status quo, and activists - including artists - who are making a difference, getting their voice heard. To me rebellion is not only about standing up to oppressive forces, but also about true, unbridled authenticity, and perhaps taking risks that many would call crazy. It’s about believing in yourself no matter what anyone else thinks and having the courage to follow your own path.

 

What draws you to Anna Delvey’s work and narrative? 

 

I think Anna Delvey’s story is fascinating for a number of reasons. Anyone who works in the art world or lives in New York City would probably agree, as it’s pretty unbelievable what she managed to do. After watching the Netflix series “Inventing Anna” I had heard about some of her art exhibits in NYC and initially I wasn’t 100% convinced by her artwork, although after interviewing her and learning more about her side of the story, I realized that a lot of what we are presented about her is highly exaggerated and sensationized. I think that she is actually a really talented artist, and am thrilled to include her work in the REBEL exhibit, I think she is perfect for the theme. Her artwork has a very humorous irony to it, rather self-deprecating vignettes of her life and experiences as well as how she imagines other people perceive her. She also confronts head on some of the experiences she has had in prison or while being detained by ICE. I have always been interested in art by incarcerated artists as I think it is important to shed light on what is going on in America with mass incerceration. Often artwork by prisoners goes unseen and I think it’s very interesting Anna is not only able to release her work while deing detained but also is speaking up about prison reform. 

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