In this well-curated exhibit, Daniel Guzmán and Steven Shearer work in a variety of mediums to present their views of identity, adolescence, rock culture and death. Metal Heads of all varieties are sure to enjoy the inside references of a familiar culture, while at the same experiencing the subjective filter of two prominent artists with very specific viewpoints.
Highlights:
Guzmán: Interesting interplay of current events, cultural idols, sin and salvation. Guzmán is influenced by comic books, Mexican muralists, Aztec myths, psychedelia, William Burroughs, and mainstream rock and roll. His work is comfortably narrative although at times a bit didactic, but it’s generally not forced. For those not familiar with installation art, they should get a kick out of his installations. For those who are familiar with the medium, it’s not worth more than a cursory glance. (Sorry, but a B.C. Rich Warlock bass on an orange lounge chair is just not that interesting.)
Shearer: In my opinion, he’s the real reason to attend. His work includes very honest, very precise and creepy drawings of long-haired metal heads that almost resemble Dürers or Bruegels. His paintings of similar subjects (one of which includes the famous photograph of Dead from Mayhem shortly after his suicide) are more primitive but no less scary and effective. Not to be missed is his series of poems on canvas that mimic the most abject, brutal death/black metal lyrics. I read this piece with pure enjoyment as a woman next to me turned green with revulsion!
Generally, this exhibit is pure enjoyment and is not rife with the didactic, postmodern crap one often finds in dealing with popular culture subjects. In fact, Guzmán and Shearer seem very respectful of their subjects and references. I wonder if the editors at ArtForum blasted Immortal in the conference room while discussing how to approach their review. Probably not.
Links:
New Museum: www.newmuseum.org/exhibitions/21
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