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Welcome back to STWT! This edition I headed downtown to the former Clock Tower Building to see the inaugural exhibit at the new Jack Shainman Gallery Tribeca location.
On view is famed artist Nick Cave known best for his Soundsuits series. I remember discovering Cave's work years ago, mesmerized by the amount of intricacies woven into each piece. Debuting new categories into his repertoire, again he doesn't disappoint.
Upon walking in, the entry is open yet unassuming with just a set of stairs covered in Yves Klein Blue tucked to the right hand side. At first I thought this isn't the ornate ceilinged, marble clad space I was expecting. Going along for the adventure I was amazed to discover the massive ballroom just a few yards after the steps. Welcomed by the first of three Amalgams, this nearly 26 foot tall faceless form stands center stage. Along the perimeters are Cave's Graphts, a multimedia mash up of everything from needlepoint to serving trays. From the immaculate details of the space itself and the heavily adorned work, there is a harmony between the old and the new.
Cave's work is never just beautiful, there is always a thought provoking meaning behind what he creates. Using the bronze sculptures as a symbol of resistance and growth, we see human figures transform into garden scenes echoing nature's ability to evolve. Cast from his own body, the final result is a representation of neither race, gender, nor class, unifying us all. Influenced by racial injustice there is a hope in his work for renewal and rebirth.
Playing with multiple medias means showcasing his wit as he plays with multiple meanings. Needlepoint was an aristocratic art form which is quite contrary to the serving trays patchworked in, a technique prominent in Black communities. Self portraits nestled into the works as well, Cave suggests this dichotomy of opposites reflects each viewers individuality. We all come from varied backgrounds, attune to an array of notions and experiences, culminating into the persons we are today.
With such a strong and powerful show, I knew I wanted to wear an equally strong and powerful look. The Palma Dress really makes me feel like a warrior. I love how it basically hangs languid from the shoulders, totally loose at the waist and side slits for extra ease of movement. Cut in sandwashed satin, it has the hint of sheen to feel a little dressy but not like you are going to a formal event. The back has a deep v neck pleated giving just a little more fabric around the body. When you feel good in your clothes it always leads to looking good, you have that air about you.
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