Thinking about the merger of art and science fiction often yields visions of awesomely cheesy illustrations on the covers of sci-fi paperback books. Thankfully, a new exhibition at Emerson Dorsch Gallery is proving the niche genre and medium of expression can mingle in far more inventive and intriguing ways.
Saya Woolfalk
The far-out exhibition is comprised of two parts, Beatriz Monteavaro's "Ouroboros" and Saya Woolfalk's "Chimera." The two artists create in the space between past and future, somehow managing to avoid the present we know so well. Apocalyptic futures and dreamy utopias emerge in hypnotic hues and playful plushy forms. The artists invite you into their warped imaginings, presenting a neon-tinged future that -- even if it never comes to fruition -- becomes realized through art.
Beatriz Monteavaro
Monteavaro, a Cuban-born, Miami-based artist, has played in punk and hardcore bands since high school, eventually translating her passion for noise into the visual terrain. Her macabre illustrations incorporate iconic musicians like Adam Ant and Siouxsie Sioux, transforming rock gods into mythological demigods in a dark future. "Ouroboros" contains these images cut and pasted into brooding collages, along with a sculpture of a kick drum morphed into a serpentine creature.
Saya Woolfalk
Woolfalk's "Chimera" moves away from darkness toward a twisted and colorful kaleidoscopic vision, crafting an entire ethnography from pure imagination. "The Empathics" are the subject of Woofalk's current installation, a non-existent hybrid subculture drawing simultaneously from everywhere and nowhere. Bizarre rituals, vaguely familiar symbols and intoxicating costumes flirt with recognition, yet the Empathics eventually break free of all peoples tied to reality to hover in a not-so-distant utopia. Videos, skulls and artifacts comprise Woofalk's show, creating foolproof documentation that's simultaneously playful and rigorous.
Beatriz Monteavaro
Monteavaro and Woolfalk together offer hypnotic images of a not-too distant future, one which comes to life the moment you lay eyes on it. Through darkness, loudness, brightness and endless openness, the two female artists forge a future independent from history, existing solely in the realm of art.
Beatriz Monteavaro
Beatriz Monteavaro
Beatriz Monteavaro
Beatriz Monteavaro
Saya Woolfalk
Saya Woolfalk
Saya Woolfalk
The exhibitions will run from January 11 until February 21 at Emerson Dorsch in Miami. See our previous coverage of Woolfalk here.