_After the Object_
Y Gallery, New York
Referencing the maxim “after the artist”, which means that the work produced is not the work of artist X’, but that the work is done as a copy of, or in the style of, artist X'; five Mexican artists, Mauricio Limón, Quirarte & Ornelas, Omar Rodríguez-Graham, Moza Saracho and Marela Zacarias, reflect on what the art object is in contemporary art. Appropriating this famous saying, each work in the show connects to a real object.
Huntington’s curatorial aim is to investigate what the politics of looking at today's art world are; each object presented brings awareness to the process behind its production and situates questions about the identity contained within. Mauricio Limon’s Regiones Electroencefalograficas (Hikuri) connects to the concept through the absence of materiality by showing a video with what seems to be brain waves while doing meditation. The duo Quirarte y Ornelas, create sculptural and figurative work that reflects on illusion and reality. Illusion and reality are also present in the work of Omar Rodríguez Graham, who creates beautiful ensembles that work as a still life for his delicate geometrical paintings. Which one is the real object is in question, since the materiality of both is present and both are referencing each other, like a mirror. Moza Saracho’s oversized mirror comb directs the viewer towards himself, objectifying him. Marela Zacarias’ nebulous sculptures represent the presence of the abject in contemporary art. A fluid sculpture inspired in traditional Mexican designs and current design is an object transformed through deformation and intentionality. Slowly He moves looks like an innocent swing, but its amorphous condition generates different readings probably flowing from the artist’s personal background. This anti-object represents one of the most valuable additions in a very fresh, curious show.
