Skin Deep
Solo show
Robert Fontaine Gallery, Miami
September 2023
Skin Deep solo show at Robert Fontaine Gallery (photo by Michael R Lopez)
‘ID Construct’ (left) (photo by Michael R Lopez)
‘Viewing Figures’ (left), ‘Mask 1’ (centre), ‘Skin Deep’ (right) (photo by Michael R Lopez)
‘Analogue Montage Number 1’ (left), ‘Clone 1’ (centre), ‘Binary’ (right) (photo by Michael R Lopez)
‘R-Type’ (left), ‘Viewing Figures’ (centre) and ‘Mask 1’ (right) (photo by Michael R Lopez)
‘Mask 1’ (left) and ‘Skin Deep’ (right) (photo by Michael R Lopez)
‘Clone 1’ (left), ‘Binary’ (centre) and ‘The Fool’ (right) (photo by Michael R Lopez)
‘Skin Deep’ VHS video tapes and oil on wood
Skin Deep at Robert Fontaine Gallery marks a decade of exploration into technology, identity and time. This exhibition peels back the layers of digital and human realities, confronting societal beauty norms and offering a deeper exploration of beauty beyond the superficial.
Portrait artists have traditionally created ‘skin’ using paint, with nothing but canvas or paper beneath. Instead, with this series of portraits a mosaic of historic media is embedded directly within the work. In the absence of skin, the exposed patchwork of labels provides clues to what lies beneath. Members of the public are openly invited to contribute, fostering a communal repurposing of outdated artefacts.
The exhibition contemplates the impact of deep fake videos and our shifting perception of truth in this digital age. It prompts a reflection on the chasm between real and online personas, questioning the liberating yet restrictive nature of our digital identities.
From the advent of the silver screen to contemporary challenges of social media on our understanding of beauty, the artworks seek to scrutinise the societal pressures driving plastic surgery trends. It juxtaposes human ageing with technology obsolescence, echoing our struggle with growing old and our pursuit of eternal youth.
Building on the exploration of obsolescence and time, the exhibit fuses discarded technological remnants with personal and collective narratives. Each artwork serves as a testament to the imperfection of human memory, the beautiful errors in our recall that shape our experiences and identities.
“I first showed my art with Robert Fontaine Gallery in 2011 as I began to work professionally as an artist. I could only dream about this exhibition today – 12 years later. Skin Deep reflects on my artistic evolution and is a tribute to a nurturing partnership.”
Skin Deep is an open invitation to join a conversation on identity, beauty and time in our digital age, prompting us to ponder our place within this rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Brunch Opening: Sunday, August 27, Noon - 4pm
On View: August 17 — September 30th, 2023
For More Information: +1.305.397.8530 | info@robertfontainegallery.com
See more at www.robertfontainegallery.com
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