Sunday, March 18, 2012

The Kenmore proudly presents: David McClain, 2012 FotoFest Bienniel

David McClain, a Houston-based photographer and interdisciplinary artist, debuts new work at The Kenmore at SKYDIVE Art Space on Saturday, March 24. McClain's installation transforms the inside of the refrigerator into a peepshow using "authentic" vintage porn of famous people including Sylvester Stallone, alleged vintage porn of famous people including Marilyn Monroe and recreated porn based on real porn including famous people such as Erin Andrews, the ESPN sportscaster who was surreptitiously filmed in the nude in her hotel room. Questions raised include our voyeuristic urges, our addiction to celebrity culture, and what it means to be authentic in a digital age.

When asked about borrowing vintage porn for his work, McClain borrows Jim Jarmusch’s words: “Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic.” Furthermore, states McClain, “Maybe I was an adult film star in Bulgaria before migrating to the United States…”




ABOUT THE ARTIST:
David McClain holds a MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a JD from the University of Houston Law Center, and a BA from Rice University. His work has been exhibited in Mission, Texas, Chicago, Illinois, and Houston and published in TimeOut New York, Fifth Wednesday Journal and PhotoNews Magazine (Germany). He is a resident artist at Box 13 ArtSpace. McClain incorporates photography, painting, sculpture, parade floats, and performance in his work. For more information, please visit:

ABOUT THE KENMORE:
Not just another white cube, The Kenmore is a small, cold artist-run exhibition object measuring approximately 36" x 24"x 24". It is mobile and presently located at SKYDIVE Art Space in Houston, Texas. The Kenmore's mission is to keep ideas fresh through the opportunity of a unique exhibition context.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Opening reception: Saturday, March 24, 7-10pm
On view through April 28, Saturdays from 1-5pm or by appointment.

CONTACT:
Emily Sloan
The Kenmore
c/o SKYDIVE Art Space
2041 Norfolk St. 77098
713-582-1198

Exhibition image: Screen capture from "Erin Andrews Recreation," video by Breton Peterson (2010).

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Lone Star Peformance Explosion, Houston International Performance Art Biennale 2012

“Lone Star Performance Explosion”is a new and exciting 3 day live art festival which will take place in the city of Houston, Texas, March 8-10 2012.

This event will happen in three different locations in the city over Spring break 2012. For interviews with some of the artists visit: http://performancearthouston.blogspot.com/2012/03/lone-star-performance-explosion-first.html

The festival organization is dedicated to the dissemination of a wide range of contemporary live art practices (solo, durational, group) with a particular focus on social and political engagement, interaction with the public and provocative experimentation.

Event dates and locations:
● Symposium at CAMH. Wednesday March 7, 2-4pm. Cullen Educational Resource Center, Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston 5216 Montrose Blvd. 77006. www.camh.org
● Performances at DiverseWorks. Thursday, March 8, 7-11pm. 1117 E. Freeway 77022. www.diverseworks.org
● Performances at AvantGarden. Friday, March 9, 7-11pm. 411 Westheimer, 77006. www.avantgardenhouston.com
● Artist Reception at AvantGarden. Friday, March 9, 11pm-2am. 411 Westheimer, 77006. www.avantgardenhouston.com
● Performances at notsuoH. Saturday, March 10, 7-11pm. 314 Main (Downtown) 77002.www.notsuoh.com

Tickets are $30 to attend all events, or $12 per performance event.

To purchase tickets and for more information visit lonestarexplosion.org