Marepe

Anton Kern Gallery is proud to present Sinho, the first solo show of Brazilian artist Marepe in New York. Marepe was born in 1970 in Brazil, and has been exhibiting his work nationally and internationally since the early 1990s.

His work has evolved from a deep relationship to local tradition. As he often uses readymade materials and everyday objects or activities, Marepe’s work has acquired a complex layering of references and meanings.

For his first solo show in New York Marepe has prepared six individual artworks whose media ranges from photography and painting to sculptures composed of light bulbs and school chairs. The Plague Mask is an oversized wooden mask based on a Venetian myth and Brazilian Carnival. Sacred consists of two chairs, one female, the other, male; each alludes to a common catholic prayer.

Marepe’s work touches upon religion and politics, but in a very personal and seductive way, as there is no judgment, right or wrong. The artist poses questions to the public by calling attention to overlooked aspects of quotidian life.

“I had the necessity to face this exhibition as a kind of a presentation to the New York public by editing and affirming my daily baianês (from Bahia). Trying through the communication of one work to another to talk about something bigger than my microcosm. Making an open summary of what passes through my mind.” – Marepe

Marepe’s work was featured at the 50th Venice Biennale and at the Istanbul Biennial. He was also part of the traveling exhibition How Latitude Becomes Form, which originated at the Walker Arts Center in 2003.

Concurrent to this show, Marepe will present a special project “The Blue Noah’s Arc ” at P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center in New York, opening on Sunday, June 27, 12-6 pm. The project will run through September 7th, 2004.