Jonathan LeVine Gallery is pleased to present The End Is Far, a series of new works, a site-specific installation and live performance by Polish-born, New York-based artist Olek, in what will be her second solo exhibition at the gallery. Known for her bold work and vivacious persona, Olek’s ever-expanding interventions involve covering a multitude of people and objects in camouflage-patterned crochet including: bicycles, cars, shopping carts, construction vehicles and prominent public art sculptures such as Wall Street’s Charging Bull; Alamo (Astor Place cube) and Gato de Botero in Barcelona.
This exhibition follows what proved to be a very eventful year for Olek. In 2011, she was placed on house arrest after a dispute with an aggressive male patron escalated at a London bar. Subsequently, despite creatively and financially stifling circumstances, Olek found herself motivated by the experience, determined to cover legal expenses and fight for her freedom. Granted permission to leave the UK between court appearances, 2012 became the most prolific year of the artist’s career to date, as she took on numerous international projects, public installations and commissions. She was part of the 40 Under 40: Craft Futures exhibition at the Smithsonian, for which her entire crocheted studio apartment was exhibited. During the rest of her travels, Olek collaborated with women around the world, in Brazil, Hong Kong and Poland, learning new techniques and experimenting with different materials.
The End is Far features new multi-layered crocheted sculptures and panels inspired by the events that transpired last year. With the addition of finely crocheted lace doilies, metallic gold ribbon and a new approach to typography, themes of freedom, justice, feminine power and strength are conveyed through subject matter such as boxing gloves, skulls, skeletons, sickles and horseshoes. An installation room containing a dining table set with china, overflowing fruit bowls, wine bottles and goblets will serve as an isolated environment for Olek’s crochet-covered female performers during the opening reception.
Other Articles You May Like from BSA:
Electrified geometry and abstraction isn’t just for the street anymore, thanks to Spidertag’s vacation at the beach this month. Europeans and their famous vacations during August are always surprisi...
It's definitely quieter here in Wynwood when there are no art fairs. But there is still so much activity. The daytime neighborhood is pounding with construction and new buildings and restaurants/...
The stencil has been a steady presence on the street since the beginning of graffiti and Street Art. Possibly picked up from commercial or military methods of labeling shipments, machinery, signage, a...
Our weekly focus on the moving image and art in the streets. And other oddities. Now screening: 1. "We Still Fight" by South Italy Street Art2. "No Pain No Gain" Graffiti & Tattoo with Br...
Its an exciting time for art in the public sphere right now in NYC as Roger Gastman and his huge team are seriously preparing 100,000 sf of space in Williamsburg to completely blow away graff...