Masks: The Art of Identity

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Our identities are dictated by daily routine. Whether we’re playing around with makeup and creating abstract stories or focusing on history through an introspective lens, the concept of duality shines bright when we think of a mask’s role.

Jamaican born, Miami-raised Paul Anthony Smith draws inspiration from Jamacian culture and the African diaspora. Smith gives a nod to these traditional masks while simultaneously commenting on hierarchy and identity. By covering his characters with a unique glittery “picotage” technique and deliberate obscuration, he levels the playing field. His subjects are virtually invisible to the general public. Click here for event info.

Queen Mask | Kuba Mask | Paraguay Wooden Masks | African Wooden Masks

Zieher Smith: 516 W. 20th St. New York, NY 10011

April 4, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Art: Climates of Uncertainty

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The issues of global climate change are pervasive, affecting so many varied disciplines that it’s hard to agree on a single approach to please everyone. How can we fix a problem we find so difficult to define? Much like the coverage devoted to natural disasters and man-made tragedies, issues and images at the forefront of the media are hard to ignore. Laura Fatemi, Associate Director of the DePaul Art Museum, is exhibiting the work of twelve artists, each of whom were tasked with creating a dialogue with the viewer, one which provokes interest and action. For more info, click here.

DePaul Art Museum: 935 W Fullerton, Chicago, IL 60614

March 14, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Half-Piped Installation with Leslie Friedman

Back in August, Leslie Friedman crowd-funded an interesting creative endeavor. She made a skate ramp composed entirely of collaged imagery relating to Jewish stereotypes, conspiracies, and myths. Now that that project’s over, she’s installed a compelling exhibit at the Jewish Community Center in Providence, RI.

I happen to be in town this week, so I was able to attend the opening last night. It was a treat and wholly impressive- the grand structure enlivens the room with over-sized flow, color and repetition. Curators take note- this would be a lively and modern addition to any museum entrance or grand hall.

January 11, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Theorizing Relationships Through Art

While thumbing through the New Image Art opening, I came across this piece by Chad Muska– it made me laugh. It doesn’t matter if you’re Billy Joel singing about girls in New York from a few decades ago, or an LA artist and skateboarder commenting on the current state of affairs.

Uptown & Downtown dating American styles remains the same…at least from a male point of view. What do you think?

January 10, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Artist Profile: Christopher Cascio

When you click on Christopher Cascio’s website, you’re met with quite literally a Clusterfuck. It’s a statement reflective of his humor, his insight and the way he incorporates pop culture into art.

Cascio’s other work is also repetitive in nature, technically intricate and infused with messaging reminiscent of his thought process. The musically minded, bold and graphic palettes are all-encompassing and invite the viewer to stay a while to explore a maze of visual commentary.

Cascio’s work is currently on display at New Image Art in the collective show entitled, 3 Cowboys, 2 Drugs and a Skater. The other participating artists are, Bryson Brooks & Holly Hein, Mark Cross, Panda Sex and Chad Muska. Click here for more info.

January 9, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Art that Influenced in 2012

Crazy that it’s that time of year again! Today we’ll be kicking off with our favorite lists from 2012. On Pattern Pulp, we cover a wide variety of material and wanted to bundle up the most noteworthy features from the past year. We’ll be back to regular scheduled programming in January, enjoy!

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Perhaps now more than ever, art’s influence stretches beyond the walls of galleries. Art serves as an analytical filter for all of the world’s “noise” and plays a give-and-take role in the design world. Here are some of our favorites this year.