Rico Gatson

In this multimedia exhibit, Brooklyn-based artist Rico Gatson explores the complex nature of identity and race by blending pop-culture references with indigenous African art. Playing with geometric fractals (patterns repeated at increasingly smaller sizes) as well as iconic images from American history, Gatson uses bold oranges and purples to create swastikas and Confederate flags in work aesthetically reminiscent of African textile design and folk art. Nape of the Neck, Small of the Back features a brightly striped outline of someone sitting in a chair, his or her back marked with many small lash-mark scars, the same yellow as the background walls. Other pieces include crosses festooned with light bulbs, and video installations. To say his work is politically and emotionally loaded would be an understatement: Here folk art meets racist imagery, cinematic movies are re-edited, and religious symbols appear as stockades. Related lecture 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 17; public reception 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 18. Through February 17
Jan. 12-Feb. 17, 2008