Thinker - Yoshitomo Nara

Art

Adam Alessi's Spooky Solo Exhibition

May 31, 2023

Los Angeles painter, Adam Alessi, has unveiled his first solo exhibition at C L E A R I N G New York. Showcasing a series of his largest-ever canvases and drawings, Alessi presents a captivating collection of figures that appear as if they were plucked from the depths of Germanic fairy tales or the enigmatic realms of a bygone era. With a darkly comic undertone, Alessi invites viewers into a world that is both haunting and mesmerizing.

Alessi's work emanates from the recesses of his mind, creating an uncanny blend of grotesque and fantastical elements. He draws inspiration from his vivid dreams, often plagued by insane and unsettling experiences, which have intensified in recent years. Walking through his studio, Alessi explains that he feels a constant sense of impending doom as if something is always lurking behind him. These deeply personal experiences have become the driving force behind his ability to delve into the dark recesses of his imagination.

Words by Sahir Ahmed
Photos courtesy of C L E A R I N G

He is entirely self-taught, a fact that contributes to the otherworldly quality present in his work. His eerie and humorous touch establishes a connection with viewers, as his paintings evoke an undeniable sense of familiarity. Alessi begins his creative process with initial drawings, which he then transfers onto canvas using oil paints. The incorporation of a color field or calico backdrop forms the foundation for the emergence of his twisted yet strangely recognizable visages.

When encountering Alessi's paintings, viewers are drawn into a world that transcends the boundaries of time and space. His art evokes a matrimony. One that sits between the peculiarity of James Ensor's work and the mischievous whimsy of Toulouse-Lautrec's depictions. His fascination with minstrels, vagabonds, clowns, and harlequins reflects a Rose Period-esque obsession, while his nightmarish twists give birth to characters that could be mistaken for camp vampires or extraterrestrial creatures in a Cronenbergian universe.

With dreamy dandies reminiscent of Klimt, elements of Manga comics, and a touch of Tuymans, Alessi transports his audience to a Victorian era that might have existed only within the depths of their own fantasies.

As the exhibition's opening approached, Alessi revealed a nearly completed masterpiece to visitors. This particular artwork depicted a jester wearing a cap 'n' bells, their face twisted in both agony and ecstasy. Cast against an immense shadow, as if struck by a cataclysmic burst of light, this piece serves as an anchor to the collection.

Through his vast canvases and drawings, Alessi conjures a realm that is simultaneously familiar and surreal, evoking a sense of fascination and unease. His paintings embody lost thoughts reborn, creating a world populated by enchanting phantoms where dreams and reality merge seamlessly. With each brushstroke, Alessi brings to life a cast of haunting characters that will linger in the viewer's mind long after leaving the exhibition.

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."