The Loisaida Center is proud to announce
2019 Artistic Residency Recipient:
KEVIN PÉREZ
Loisaida Center Inc. is pleased to present an “open Studio” style exhibition and residency of new work by Kevin Pérez
“Papo Cucaracha Vertedero El 3ro in the Realm Of Forms or the story of how in the Underworld, I was blinded by the light”
Exhibition Opening: Friday, October 18th, 2019 – 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Overview:
During his 3-month residency at Loisaida Center, Kevin Pérez has utilized the studio space provided to make sculptures, paintings, audio and video recordings and produced a series of work including performances, video screenings and a final exhibition.
Kevin Perez uses multi-disciplinary approach (performance, painting, sound) in the merged tendencies of Art Informel and Neuve Invention style, whose work means to be an exploration of the subconscious, its shadows and enlightenments.The visual performative language he evokes can sometimes be violent and dissonant, however within the apparent chaos, angst, and irrationality therein lies also a reflection of innocence and at times pure beauty in an effort to come to terms with a sense of dis-location that reimagines a new way forward for the discarded.
The choice of materials demonstrate resourcefulness, as Kevin uses whatever found objects and materials he gets his hands on to create an out of the blue formulation. The objective is to demonstrate that wastes, obsolete components from our trash cans, can enter a creative process as a material and become something else. The desire is not to highlight the object but to use it as a unique component.
An initial member of Loisaida’s Garbagia Project collective, an aspect of Kevin’s practice has involved collaborative, often participatory process involving people as the medium or material of the work. During his 3-month residency at Loisaida Center, Pérez has utilized the studio space to explore his solo practice to make sculptures, paintings, audio and video recordings, and give in to the evolving pursuit of a cohesive cosmology to share as outcome exhibit.
About:
Kevin Emilio Pérez is a self-taught visual artist with a background in theater. Born and raised in San Juan Puerto Rico, Kevin has lived in NYC for almost 11 years and has explored various disciplines of creative expression. He is a participant and performer at the Loisaida Festival’s Theater Lab and Opening Parade for three consecutive years, and collaborator with other artistic projects such as Pinc Louds, Poncili Creacion, and the revolving door of millenial emergents artists artists between NYC and Puerto Rico.
Related Programming:
Open Arts LES
Saturday, October 12th, 2019
Kevin’s Open Studio: 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
at: Loisaida Inc. – 710 East Ninth Street and Avenue C
Fourth Arts Block (FAB) launches Open Arts LES to introduce the public to the broad range of Lower East Side arts & culture experiences and opportunities. The event is designed to engage NYC residents in exploring arts and culture opportunities in the LES. Participation in Open Arts LES is open to nonprofit and community based organizations, as well as individual artists who wish to offer open studio hours.
Final Exhibition
Friday, October 18th, 2019
“Papo Cucaracha Vertedero El 3ro in The Realm of Forms (or the story of how the Underworld blinded me by the light)” is an attempt to interpret complex emotions that can live unnoticed in the psyche of a person. Utilizing painting, sculpture, video and sound Papo Cucaracha travels to the underworld in search of the realm of forms to find the true nature of the self. He returns blind but transformed form within with faint interpretations of the creatures (emotions) that inhabit this realm.
“Opinions like those expressed while in a panel, presentation, performance or through artwork are expressed by the author in their personal capacity and are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Loisaida Inc., its affiliates or staff.”