| Juan Carlos Castro’s new show just opened at 443 Pas Gallery. The show compromises an array of approaches to image making all with a tendency towards pattern, spirituality and identity issues.
Matt Sebra from GQ.com notes that “The artist’s works are an exposition on the idea of identity and look at removing the visual anchors with which people associate it. This concept is most notable upon entering the space, where two walls have been papered in what appears to be mosaic tile, but upon closer inspection are hundreds of images of Castro. Shot from overhead, and manipulated to form geometric shapes, the backdrop turns the artist’s identity into something he describes as both “omnipresent and indeterminate.” |
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“At a distance, a large scale collage triptych composed of individually cut circles becomes an interlocking image of blood cells and stars.”
Juan Carlos Castro, Untitled triptych photo-collage, individually circular cut-outs, acrylic, gel medium, acrylic paint, on wood panel. Each 42² x 72²
Matt Sebra from GQ.com notes that “The artist’s works are an exposition on the idea of identity and look at removing the visual anchors with which people associate it. This concept is most notable upon entering the space, where two walls have been papered in what appears to be mosaic tile, but upon closer inspection are hundreds of images of Castro. Shot from overhead, and manipulated to form geometric shapes, the backdrop turns the artist’s identity into something he describes as both “omnipresent and indeterminate.” The art that hangs over this, and encompasses the rest of the space, continues the thread of identity through deconstructed wigs (how people play with physical identity), and visually arresting plays on positive and negative space, especially in the triptych that intercuts blood cells with imagery of the universe.”
And curator Laurel Sparks comments “Hailing from seemingly contradictory cultures of Fashion and Buddhism, Juan Carlos Castro’s studio practice explores the psychological realms of identity expression and drama. His photo collages, videos and assemblages range from sublime to abject as he dissects the relationship between artifice and the nature of mind.”
Juan Carlos Castro
Fuego Artificial
Curated by laurel sparks
4 4 3 P a s Gallery May 8–June 8, 2012
443 Park avenue south, suite 604 NY, NY
