ALEX ISRAEL “Fins”
Exhibition at Gagosian Rome
Artwork Alex Israel. Pictures : Matteo D’Eletto, M3 Studio
A world of sun, sand, and surf
Sublime Magazine has recently visited the captivating exhibition "Fins" by American artist Alex Israel, held at the Gagosian gallery in Rome. Paying homage to the surfing culture, the exhibition infuses the Eternal City with a vibrant and playful energy through a series of colossal shark fin sculptures crafted from plastic. Each sculpture is a testament to the artist's skill and creativity, creating a mesmerizing experience for visitors.
Running from May 12th to July 28th, 2023, the exhibition transports its audience to a world of sun, sand, and surf, captivating them with the magnificence of these oversized sculptures.
Alex Israel, in collaboration with Gagosian, has employed the innovative tool of chatGPT to compose the press release for this esteemed artist's exhibition of shark fin sculptures in Rome. Israel is renowned for his exploration of the visual culture of Los Angeles, and this exhibition builds upon that legacy with an exciting and fresh approach. The vividly colored plastic surfboard "Fin" sculptures have been meticulously crafted, showcasing a fusion of playfulness and breathtaking beauty. They engage in a dialogue with the Light and Space and Finish Fetish artworks that emerged in Los Angeles during the 1960s.
Artwork Alex Israel. Pictures : Matteo D’Eletto, M3 Studio
Through his artistry, Israel skillfully combines the thrill-seeking world of water sports with the commanding presence of the shark, a creature often associated with fear in popular media. Employing plastic surfboards, the artist expertly fashions a range of shark fins in varying sizes, resulting in works that are both visually striking and thought-provoking.
"We are thrilled to present this exhilarating new body of work by Alex Israel," expressed a spokesperson for Gagosian. "His Fin sculptures engage with historical influences while offering a playful and imaginative exploration of Southern California's surf culture. We are delighted to share these captivating artworks with our visitors," the spokesperson added.
The exhibition comprises a diverse collection of artworks, including cut-out pieces on paper and study-sized self-portraits, all thematically linked to Israel's latest sculptures.
Pictures : Josh White
The "Fins" exhibition will be showcased at the Gagosian gallery in Rome, located at Via Francesco Crispi 16, 00187 Rome, Italy, from May 12th to July 28th, 2023. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this extraordinary display of artistry and creativity.
