uninvited guests: new works by kathie olivas @ mph nyc (oct 17)
UNINVITED GUESTS: New Works by Kathie Olivas - features art from her current Scavengers series, including small paintings, drawings, as well as custom vinyl toys revolving around her post-apocalyptic themed group of cute but tainted characters - will be on display @ myplasticheart NYC from October 17th and exhibits thru Nov 19th 2008. Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters will be at the opening to chat about her work.[CLICK THRU for Artist Bio]
WHAT: Uninvited Guests : New Works by Kathie Olivas
WHEN: Opening Friday October 17th 2008 (6-9pm)
Exhibition runs through Nov 19th 2008
WHERE: myplasticheart nyc
210 Forsyth St.
Lower East Side
New York
646.290.6866
http://www.myplasticheartnyc.com
About the Artist:
Sugary treats, dichotomous dreamlands, the cute and the corrupted, all find their way into the brief calm before the rebellion that feature Kathie Olivas's series of characters known as the misery children.
The cast is inspired by early American portraiture that often depicted children as small adults in an idealized new land. The series focuses on imperfect characters that parallel this vision within their own sense of post-apocalyptic conformity, uniquely documenting their own stories in a mysterious brave new world. As children, they evoke a sense of temporality; childhood serves as a starting ground, a place where things begin. At the same time, children personify 'cuteness' as more of a representation of projected innocence. The comfort in this ideology comes into question when these sweet creatures have other ideas. Confronted with how to protect themselves, just how would they be able to adapt if they chose to be independent? Once isolated in to a war torn environment, they are forced to develop their own defense mechanisms.
The series focuses on the ambiguity and fleeting moments surrounding the uprising. The unapologetic anti-heroes guide us through the mysterious lands questionably untouched by human destruction. A minimalist haze fogs what could be the illusion of this dreamland or what could possibly be the reality of destruction and decay, and the now silent moments after complete and utter annihilation.
Through these ever evolving portraits, our gentle guides take time out to document their evolving status and sophistication. The characters are meant to evoke a nostalgic reaction that reflects isolation, fear, and an uncertainty; yet, at the same time they serve as empowered alter egos. Their mutated limbs, empowered sidekicks, or improvised armor present a satirical look at how fear affects our sense of reality.
Kathie Olivas is a multi-media artist who resides in Tampa, FL and Albuquerque, NM. At 32, she has been featured in numerous galleries across the globe and is represented in the permanent collection at the Tampa Museum of Art. She received her bachelor's degree in visual arts from the University of South Florida and has been exhibiting her work since 1996. She recently published a book of her artwork with Murphy Design and released limited edition vinyl art toys with MINDstyle and Kidrobot.
