On record this exhibition was kind of a disastrous overall result. However, in practice I had a ton of fun with site-specific installations, more true ephemeral pieces, and installing in tandem with more intention.
I had lofty ideals when planning this show, but I had no idea the kinds of waterpark slips and turns that were headed our way from late November to here we are now: where the CDC now recommends spitting a hefty loogie right in my eye while slapping me hard across the face if you or others may have been exposed to covid 19. I wanted to have more than just an initial opening, but had to cancel a good deal. Many thanks to those that did come while it was still safe enough. I was hoping for another AWG hosted FMF, complete with projected gifs. Nevertheless: it did not pan out. Oh well. Next slated to show in 2023.
Although! a few pieces were acquired into collections to very lovely friends. Which always feels fabulous, when your work is supported by folks you like and admire. Of those that have found forever homes:
When it came to installing the show I took an entire day and a couple slices from the East Boston Dirty Water Dough Co. to move with purpose in the space, looking at combinations, but also how to use the sort of de facto carte blanche when it came to curatorial direction. So as to best maximize the space I created the below. By and for an audience of one; and I was 100% 50/50 that I absolutely loved it.
Installations and promotional signage from the salutatory exhibition twenty21.
works and images by Ian Babylon.
I recall way back in my Northampton based later and recently-post UMASS Amherst days how I jokingly/accidentally fell in love with sign-making and hand painting lettering. A delightful tangent: I decided to support my alma mater’s nascent Muggle Quidditch team by operating a concessions table, with all proceeds going to the very underfunded athletic organization. I think I raised a beefy $100 or so. thanks Mom 💝. Clearly such a table needed signage- so I hand painted a ruse of a presciently millennial fictitious enterprise: Holly & Oaks. Named after the street I was living on in Northampton at that time. I loved that sign. On scrap board, done with gesso and whatever paint I could get my broke hands on. UMASS demolished Amherst College that day in Muggle Quidditch. Again, thanks Mom.
So it was nice to return to hand lettering promotions in a space for and by me for an allotted period of time. In fact due to the epidemiological circumstances my fellow member artists let me extend the show a fair deal, so my gratitude to my fellow gallery folks.
We have a group show coming up in Jan/Feb of 2022. I will have the below in this next exhibition. Yes it was in twenty21, but I have only a few pieces from 2022, all of which need to be framed.
In the meantime: tune in to what AWG is bringing you, (will post to my homepage), and I hope you all are living your most authentically Goop-sanctioned lives. Click clack.
Be cautious, be safe, be well.
Wishing you only my best.
-Ian.