Adam Wallacavage / Magic Mountain at Jonathan Levine Gallery
Jonathan LeVine Gallery presents Magic Mountain, new works by Philadelphia-based artist Adam Wallacavage in what will be his second solo exhibition at the gallery.
On View: October 19, 2013 - November 16, 2013
Magic Mountain features a series of mixed media sculptures and functional art objects as well as the artist’s first limited-edition multiple. In addition to some of his signature octopus tentacle chandeliers, Wallacavage explores new subject matter in this exhibition including jellyfish, sea anemones, cobra snakes and hybrid-sea-creature children. He also cast some of the vintage toys in his personal collection to experiment with appropriating nostalgic, cute and kitsch imagery. Combining his passion for aquatic themes, 16th Century Baroque traditions, 1940s Americana and a wild imagination, this body of work embodies Wallacavage’s ideal fantasy flea market. The assortment of twisted shapes and brilliant colors results in a surreal experience.
Over a decade ago, Wallacavage first began experimenting with chandeliers in order to create a dining room in his Victorian brownstone inspired by the classic Jules Verne novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. To construct his original octopus chandeliers, he taught himself the traditional techniques of ornamental plastering, which involves casting and hand-sculpting with epoxy clay and resin. In the years since, he has continued to experiment in form, color and technique, developing his own unique glazes, vibrant hues and finishes. This new body of work marks a transition point in the artist’s career, a master of his craft ready to expand his creative vocabulary in new directions.
Adam Wallacavage was born in 1969. He currently lives and works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where he received a BFA in Photography in 1995. In 2001, Wallacavage taught himself the art of ornamental plastering and began making octopus shaped chandeliers. His chandeliers have been exhibited in galleries in São Paulo, Rome, London, Miami, Los Angeles, Vienna and New York. In 2012, Wallacavage had a solo exhibition at the Philadelphia Art Alliance titled Shiny Monsters. His chandeliers have been featured in publications such as The New York Times, New York Times Magazine, New York Magazine and TIME Magazine. Beyond making sculptural works, Wallacavage is also an accomplished photographer. In 2006, Gingko Press published Monster Size Monsters, a book documenting fifteen years of his photography.
