Peter Lofstrom
Pretty Boys
September 7 - October 6, 2007
giftshop project space is pleased to announce the opening of Pretty Boys (9/7/2007), an exhibition featuring the work of LA based artist Peter Lofstrom. Pretty Boys showcases a suite of five drawings dealing with ritual, excess, and celebration. Lofstrom's drawings depict single and groupings of reclined figures which tie to the classical reference of an Odalisque. These figures also combine to form consolations, dances, and unfurl their bodies into floating landscapes.
Because of the reclining nature of the figures, Lofstrom is able to bring up questions about the male gaze, and what can happen when the object of interest takes on a different form. Some of the figures displayed, show off their masculinity by wearing helmets, holding shields, and wielding knives. Yet, other figures wear make-up, have long hair, and butterfly tattoos. These androgynous Odalisques look back at the viewer with a modern day sensibility, they are punk-rock, alternative culture, and hipster pinups.
Although the figures are nude- it is almost as if they are unaware of their nakedness. The figures exist in their own carefully constructed play world, into which the viewer is invited though their placid expressions and submissive body language.
These drawings show full grown men, but much of their humor and playfulness comes from a younger voice. One figure is being dragged along by a hook, another holds a live firework, another is a wounded solder. The solder seems so indifferent to his laceration that it is almost as if is not there, as if it had been obtained in a play fight. Much of how the figures interact with each other builds on this notion of playfulness. They float, dance, and reach around each other with a wink and a smile.
These drawings read as whimsical, but are rooted in a structure that mediates their playful hand with meticulously selected references. Lofstrom's drawings walk the line between alternative culture, classical, and mythical themes. By combining these elements into a personal narrative, Lofstrom creates drawings which are both rooted in the past, as well as, looking toward the future.
September 7 - October 6, 2007
giftshop project space is pleased to announce the opening of Pretty Boys (9/7/2007), an exhibition featuring the work of LA based artist Peter Lofstrom. Pretty Boys showcases a suite of five drawings dealing with ritual, excess, and celebration. Lofstrom's drawings depict single and groupings of reclined figures which tie to the classical reference of an Odalisque. These figures also combine to form consolations, dances, and unfurl their bodies into floating landscapes.
Because of the reclining nature of the figures, Lofstrom is able to bring up questions about the male gaze, and what can happen when the object of interest takes on a different form. Some of the figures displayed, show off their masculinity by wearing helmets, holding shields, and wielding knives. Yet, other figures wear make-up, have long hair, and butterfly tattoos. These androgynous Odalisques look back at the viewer with a modern day sensibility, they are punk-rock, alternative culture, and hipster pinups.
Although the figures are nude- it is almost as if they are unaware of their nakedness. The figures exist in their own carefully constructed play world, into which the viewer is invited though their placid expressions and submissive body language.
These drawings show full grown men, but much of their humor and playfulness comes from a younger voice. One figure is being dragged along by a hook, another holds a live firework, another is a wounded solder. The solder seems so indifferent to his laceration that it is almost as if is not there, as if it had been obtained in a play fight. Much of how the figures interact with each other builds on this notion of playfulness. They float, dance, and reach around each other with a wink and a smile.
These drawings read as whimsical, but are rooted in a structure that mediates their playful hand with meticulously selected references. Lofstrom's drawings walk the line between alternative culture, classical, and mythical themes. By combining these elements into a personal narrative, Lofstrom creates drawings which are both rooted in the past, as well as, looking toward the future.
