Character Impasse

see images from this exhibition

reception :
Friday April 28, 2006, 7 pm

show runs :
April 24 - April 28

(always check gallery hours or make an appointment before visiting)

venue :
William and Nancy Oliver Gallery
University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Ave.
Tampa, FL 33620
(located near FAH and CAM)

contact : USF CVPA (813) 974-9249

venue url :
art.usf.edu/

Character Impasse, an exhibition of new works by Jordan Starr-Bochicchio and Joey Brockway opens at William and Nancy Oliver Gallery at University of South Florida on April 24th 2006.

This two man exhibition includes new works by Starr-Bochicchio and Brockway. These two artists communicate visually in an effort to a find a balance between the accurate and artificial world in which they live. Each artist has a different methodology, Starr-Bochicchio’s process is very literal and organized whereas Brockway’s work is often scattered and fantastical.

Starr-Bochicchio’s work is a response to his highly structured upbringing. The Catholic school system and the idyllic American dream of economic prosperity both contributed to the organized process in which Starr-Bochicchio works. His creative process stems from his critical reaction to tools employed by established structures. Repeated exposure to schematic propositions in the form of idols, symbols and messages has resulted in Starr-Bochicchio’s creation of new icons and his own exclusive sign system. Brockway visually depicts conformity by addressing pre-packaged identities influenced by popular culture. He displays the average American’s obsession with celebrities and their lifestyles. Brockway’s oeuvre includes vivid, multi-textual bricolages that incorporate found objects from the domestic and retail subcultures. He uses these found items to mock and reveal the effect that the consumer culture has on society. He also explores the idea that pop culture distorts and enhances gender specific habits and dress. Brockway’s work addresses gender as a social concept and toils with the idea that masculinity and femininity should be transposable and undefined.

Both artists use a variety of mediums to portray their individual training by public institutions and the media, which the artists believe to be the two driving forces in our fabricated world. Starr-Bochicchio’s recent work is represented through signs and symbols utilizing various mediums such as painting and sculpture. Brockway’s work is portrayed though the use of pop idols and the media through mediums of mixed-media constructions. The works interact and combat one another to create an altered-environment installation that is hyper-American.

"Whatever I put out serves to counteract with which is already taking space, whether I am the only one experiencing it or as many more do. In the practice of creation I forge my connection and am able to reflect on the real." -Jordan Starr-Bochicchio "I like pink robots and tight pants from Express." - Joey Brockway

Character Impasse opens Monday April 24th and continues until the 28th from 11 AM to 3 PM or by appointment. The closing reception will be held on Friday the 28th at 7 PM.

Brockway, Joey

Starr-bochicchio, Jordan

"*" = biography,
"*" = image(s),
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