LAST DAYS TO EXPLORE AVAF'S VIBRANT ART IN MIAMI
The Fredric Snitzer Gallery welcomes audiences to always vacationing among flamingos, a dynamic solo exhibition by the artist collective assume vivid astro focus (avaf); this show presents eight new paintings that embody the collective’s vibrant creativity and unique artistic approach.
Known for their interdisciplinary work, avaf continues to push artistic boundaries, creating works that are both visually striking and conceptually rich. It is an adaptable collective that changes its structure and collaborators based on the project at hand. Their diverse body of work includes installations, sculpture, video, tapestry, and performance, frequently exploring themes related to identity, culture, and politics. Central to their practice is a philosophy of inclusivity, with an aim to dissolve barriers between the audience, the art, and the environment, creating a unified and immersive artistic experience.
In this exhibition, the collective turns its focus to painting, a medium they have engaged with for over a decade. This shift offers a contrast to their larger, immersive installations by centering the viewer’s attention on the individual works. The paintings are characterized by their vibrant color palettes, intricate textures, and layered compositions. These elements draw viewers into a sensory experience where color becomes a universal language that connects and energizes.
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assume vivid astro focus, Deep Sea KiKi, 2024. Acrylic, textures, and collage on duplex sheet of corrugated kraft paper, 61 3/8 x 81 1/8 inches. Courtesy of FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY
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assume vivid astro focus. Bird of Paradise #1, 2024. Acrylic and colored pencil on duplex sheet of corrugated kraft paper 31 1/2 x 42 1/2 in 80 x 108 cm. Courtesy of FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY
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assume vivid astro focus. Songbird Virus Songbird, 2024. Acrylic, textures, papier mache, and collage on duplex sheet of corrugated kraft paper. 81 1/8 x 61 3/8 in 206 x 156 cm. Courtesy of FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY
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assume vivid astro focus. Strolling Thru the Enchanted Forest Together, 2024. Acrylic, textures, acetate, and collage on duplex sheet of corrugated kraft paper. 81 1/8 x 61 3/8 in 206 x 156 cm. Courtesy of FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY
The vibrant hues in this series reflect avaf’s meticulous approach to color, developed through a system that incorporates over 1,400 unique tones. These colors evoke the glow of digital screens, creating a link between contemporary life and the works’ visual language. By revisiting and transforming motifs from earlier projects, the paintings act as a bridge between past and future, merging digital origins with tactile, physical layers.
A distinctive feature of this series is the incorporation of botanical imagery, with organic shapes inspired by lush subtropical environments and intricate floral structures, such as orchids. Plants, integral to avaf’s personal and creative spaces, add a dimension of vitality and connection to nature. This exploration complements their belief in the energizing and healing power of both color and natural forms.
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assume vivid astro focus. Bird of Paradise #2, 2024. Acrylic and colored pencil on duplex sheet of corrugated kraft paper 42 1/2 x 31 1/2 in 108 x 80 cm. Courtesy of FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY
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Installation view of assume vivid astro focus, always vacationing among flamingos. Courtesy of FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY
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Installation view of assume vivid astro focus, always vacationing among flamingos. Courtesy of FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY
The tactile quality of these works is heightened by the interplay between smooth and rough textures. Layers of paint and paper are built up and then selectively removed, revealing corrugated surfaces beneath. These contrasts create depth and dimensionality, as some works begin to break away from the confines of traditional rectangular formats. One piece even adopts a fully rounded shape, transforming the painting into an object that feels like an otherworldly portal.
always vacationing among flamingos can be seen until January 25, 2025 at FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY, 1540 NE Miami Court Miami, FL 33132 (USA).
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