Friday, November 5, 2010

Neo-Grotesque

Guest lecturer at the ISE Cultural Foundation, Dr. Nancy Hightower, will be speaking on the newly coined "Neo-Grotesque" movement, Saturday, November 20, 5-7PM.
I think I may fall under this category... Here is the blurb from their website on it:

The grotesque in the fine arts has continued to gain momentum over the past couple of decades with the works of such artists as Odd Nerdrum, Dino Valls, Joel Peter Witkin and Robert and Shana Parke-Harrison, amongst others. Another Roadside Attraction aims to explore this newly named genre, the Neo-Grotesque by exhibiting a dynamic cross section of artwork that evinces various unique aspects thereof. Seattle's Roq la Rue gallery states, "The term [Neo-Grotesque] was recently coined for the resurgence of artists working with subject matter traditionally deemed unattractive or repulsive, but representing them in a sympathetic manner in a highly formal technical style." More than that, it is a modern exploration of the intriguing "dissonance between the grotesque and the sublime", to paraphrase author Mark Dery and his essay, The Pyrotechnic Insanitarium. Neo-Grotesque artwork not only derives inspiration from history (e.g. the art of Hieronymus Bosch or Roadside Attraction curio exhibits, once ubiquitous in the United States), but also more modern influences due to the proliferation of the internet. Often cathartic in nature, it unburies uncomfortable and/or strange truths, old and new, inherent in the world around us.

ISE Cultural Foundation
555 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
T:212-925-1649



Tooth of Saint Dearborne  
© Calluna Dellamorte

Arm of Saint Abercrombie
© Calluna Dellamorte  

Charmion and Laverie: The Two Headed Strong Woman
© Calluna Dellamorte  

Dream Anatomy
© Calluna Dellamorte

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