The Fluid Right Edge

March 22, 2017

Today, South African artist Nico Krijno's latest exhibit, The Fluid Right Edge, opens at the Beetles + Huxley gallery in London. The work shows Krijno playing with the concept of still lifes, creating temporary, idiosyncratic structures that are designed solely to be photographed. As he told the gallery, "I want to show that the truth is not something simple, that there are not always clear and definitive answers. So, sometimes by showing things out of context or by marrying oppositings, I try to force a conversation that combines irony, humour, and melancholy. To this end, editing and presentation are crucial in placing nature and our constructed world either in harmony or at odds."

The exhibition is on view through April 22nd. Scroll through some of the photographs below.

Images courtesy of Beetles + Huxley

Art

Ari Marcopoulos: The King of Zines

May 31, 2023

In the center of the Gucci store, sporting a Las Vegas Raiders hat, sits the man of the hour — Ari Marcopoulous. The seasoned photographer has carved a niche for himself by documenting subcultures such as the 80s hip-hop scene and skateboarders, eventually turning his lens to his own family life. With an uncanny ability to capture each zeitgeist perfectly, he has become a key documentarian of contemporary culture. Marcopoulos boasts a unique, self-taught style that exudes intimacy, making his images and zines particularly popular. Last Wednesday night, fans and friends gathered at the Gucci Wooster Bookstore to celebrate the release of his latest work, eagerly seeking a glimpse into Marcopoulos' captivating collection.

Words by Bella Becker
Photos courtesy of Ari Marcopoulous: Zines (Aperture 2023)

Ari Marcopoulos has undeniably made an indelible impact on the world of zines, and for the first time, all of his work will be curated into one volume Ari Marcopoulos: Zines. Having started as an assistant to Andy Warhol, Marcopoulos has since developed his own individual style, having published over 200 books and zines. Hailing from the Netherlands, this photographer has an extensive portfolio that spans from documenting niche cultures like skaters and graffiti artists to collaborating with renowned brands like Gucci.

In Zines, the author and photographer includes conversations and snippets of text, one of which he engages in with Hamza Walker. The discussion covers a broad range of topics, but Marcopoulos particularly touches upon his zine-making process. He reveals to Walker, "Normally, I make zines within a week of capturing the pictures." Instead of waiting months to curate these zine collections, Marcopoulos eagerly creates them as soon as he captures the images. Initially, he primarily made zines for his friends, with no intention of selling them in stores or making them public. Fortunately, his mindset shifted, resulting in a comprehensive book featuring his handpicked zine collection.

Despite his extensive list of accomplishments in photography, Marcopoulos divulged to office magazine that his most cherished moment in the creative industry thus far has been having his children and being able to photograph them, immortalizing his family's memories. He also gives an honorable mention to "going to Japan, having a show in Japan, and just having your work be your life." Having been a photographer in New York since 1979, Marcopoulos has witnessed significant changes in the field and has embraced a new way of existence in the world of photography. He urges the new generation of photographers to "use a camera instead of your phone" and to "photograph things you find interesting."

This recent collection of zines caters to a diverse audience, featuring photos of beloved rappers, pandemic moments, and various cultural aspects. The book offers readers an intimate glimpse into the creative process of a prolific artist. Secure your copy online at aperture.

Art

Alexander Wessely's "KORTEX" Blends Classic and Contemporary

Wessely uses his keen observations on the world — specifically the phenomenon of human worship — to reveal humanity's raw, fragile inner core. What began as photography has evolved into multiple art forms that explore and portray the relationship between icons and their worshippers.

He reflects, "Over a decade ago, I started working with globally recognized icons and witnessed the aura of idolatry and adoration that surrounded them. As I became increasingly aware of the external layers surrounding these human behaviors, the concept of KORTEX was born. It is a multifaceted installation that juxtaposes distinct yet interconnected dimensions, blending the new with the ancient, the surface with the inner core, and the physical object with the conceptual essence."

The exhibit is on view from May 7th to September 17 , 2023 at FOTOGRAFISKA Stockholm.

Art

YELL! at Herald Square

May 25, 2023

The shortcomings of the US’ mental health system are extensive, this was made even more apparent following the death of Jordan Neely on the New York City Subway. Fountain House Gallery’s latest exhibition YELL! feels particularly poignant in the wake of this tragedy and as we approach the end of Mental Health Awareness Month.

With a wrap on its weekend stint at Herald Square, the show is slated for an appearance on Governors Island in late July. The plywood maze guides participants through themes of trauma, incarceration, psychosis, addiction, recovery and freedom. Each artist is a member of Fountain House, a national nonprofit fighting to increase opportunity and end social and economic isolation for people most impacted by mental illness. The immersive show is a commemoration of the organization's 75th anniversary.

Text by Ayesha Le Breton
Images courtesy of F ountain House Gallery

YELL! features more than 50 artists whose personal accounts take shape as written testimonial, recitations, video, paintings and collage work. The outside walls, painted white offer calm in the chaos of midtown. A white picket fence surrounds the perimeter, as do stock images of “happy families.” The inviting facade is a set up for what lies within the walls, mean’t to contrast and question the notion of American idealism with the lived experiences of people navigating anything beyond an accepted “normal.”

Through verse, performance and visual art, the installation is a crude but sincere representation of what it feels like to live in the world with mental illness. The lineup feels timely, as we approach the end of Mental Health Awareness Month.

“We decided that it would be an incredibly significant opportunity for us to bring our members' voices to the public to really take up space, and give them an opportunity to share their lived experience with mental illness,” shares Gallery Director, Rachel Weisman.

Rich Courage, Fountain House member of 20 years is among the featured artists performing live. “It changed my life. It helped me get a life. It helped me go from feeling like nobody to realizing I'm somebody. And I am no longer depressed.” You could find him at the intersection of 34th ST and Broadway delivering a scene from his play “The Very Last Dance of Homeless Joe,” which kicks off with the hum of his harmonica alongside an Alsation stuffed animal.

The final module of the multi-sensory experience emphasizes community-based recovery options and is staffed by a trained peer specialist who is available to answer questions and provide visitors with resources.

YELL! will be traveling to Governors Island at the end of July where Fountain House is an Organization in Residence.