Each week it seems that the galleries of Bushwick threaten to truly begin their summer vacations, and each week we are pleasantly surprised that they stay with us for yet another weekend! This weekend these five art events across the neighborhood are all truly about capturing the spirit of summer with performance, group shows, movie screenings, and even a block party. So relax, enjoy and don’t miss your last chances for some great shows this summer!
#1 “Future Future” @ 99¢ Plus Gallery (FRI 7-10 PM)
238 Wilson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Opening Friday, 99¢ Plus’s newest exhibition “Future Future” is a provocative work of speculative fiction. Curated by Carlye Packer and Nicholas Korody, “Future Future” explores a vision of the future in which a few artists attempt to destroy the art market in order to save the artistic discipline. In this alternate reality, these artists have recently carried out terrorist attacks on international, commodified arts institutions, and the exhibition presents early works of theirs so that the audience can attempt to piece together their shared beliefs. “Future Future” contains sculpture, photographs, video, and writings, and participating artists include Claire Cabral, Sarah Levine, Alexandra Schinas, Matthew Soledad, Louise Trente, and Brian Lee.
#2 The Monkey Codex: Benjamin Thorpe @ Grace Exhibition Space (SAT, 7-10PM)
840 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Taking a departure from their usual performance art programming, this weekend Grace Exhibition will be showcasing the work of Benjamin Thorpe, as part of the events produced by members of the MFA Art Practice class of 2014 at the School of Visual Arts. Referring to the medieval adage “apes of nature” often used to characterize artisans and their work, Thorpe’s works reflect his research into the relatively unknown and obscure coding system used my artisans within the margins of illuminated manuscripts. In this exhibition, Thorpe explores the draftsman-like illustration that harks back to this era of art history, while simultaneously positioning himself into a clearly contemporary style. This Saturday’s opening reception will feature a live music performance, so don’t miss out!
56 Bogart Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Related to the show at Grace, Momenta Art continues with its summer of thesis exhibitions my members o the SVA Art Practice program, Momenta presents the fourth of the five series this Saturday. Brenda Perry’s work focuses around nature and is highly inspired by her connection to the arid environments of El Paso, Texas. Especially related to the pressing water issues that the Southwest faces, her work responds to the way in which people are working to address drought in the region.
#4 Hancock Street Block Party, Hosted by Lorimoto Gallery (SAT, 2-8PM)
1623 Hancock St, Ridgewood, New York 11385
Join Nao and Lori from Lorimoto Gallery as they host the annual Hancock Street Block Party. In true Bushwick Block Party form, there will be live music, food, and of course an open fire hydrant or two! What better way to celebrate the summer and the neighborhood! This is also the last opportunity to check out the gallery before their summer break til September!
#5 Haus Party @ Sardine (SAT, 7PM)
286 Stanhope St, Brooklyn, New York 11237
Saturday night Sardine Gallery invites you to a night of Bauhaus and Surrealist films, along with drinks and a 6 foot-long hero (in case you didn’t get enough to each at the Hancock Street Block Party!) Organized by Jaime Gecker, the event will offer a number of films that you might rarely have the chance to see in a public setting, and probably meet other people with the same penchant for “Le Chien Andelou” as you!
66 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Sjoerd Dijk and Wojciech Kosma (The–Famiy) will perform this Saturday at Interstate Projects in collaboration with their current “U.L.O. Part II” exhibition curated by Ben Gocker, Blonde Art Books, and Cave that opened last weekend. Investigating the concept of liberty, the performance very much reflects the works in the show, especially the works of photographer Jamel Shabazz and musician/artist Armand Schaubroeck, whose work, curated by Gocker, reflects on the institution of the American prison system and the type of social control mechanisms and class and race issues that it reflects in this country.
