While in Miami this past week, I visited Chor Boogie‘s current exhibit, Heiros Gamos: A Vision of Feminine Power, at Wynwood’s Macaya Gallery. I also had the opportunity to speak to its curator, Daniel Stanford.
I’ve been mesmerized by Chor Boogie‘s aesthetic since I first saw his vibrant murals on the streets of various cities several years ago. But I don’t often get to see his work in gallery settings. What spurred you to curate an exhibit of Chor Boogie‘s artworks?
Patrick Glémaud, Macaya Gallery‘s director, and I met Chor Boogie during Art Basel 2015. After viewing several of his artworks, Patrick felt that the Macaya Gallery would be the ideal place to showcase Chor Boogie‘s distinct aesthetic. And I was pleased to have the opportunity to curate an exhibit of his works.
What is it about Chor Boogie’s aesthetic that appeals to you?
I was taken by his level of precision and complexity. His technique is superior.
And as is evident in his murals that have surfaced in public spaces, Chor Boogie‘s choice of colors is always brilliant. His works consistently arouse both my senses and my mind. Just what is going on here?
These works — as the title suggests — reference a sacred union. The artworks pose the question, “Sacred or profane?” as they present a vision of feminine power. Aesthetic elements of the Rococo and Baroque periods, along with Madonna iconography, are reinterpreted through the medium of spray paint and contemporary street art styles.
What challenges did you face in curating this exhibit?
The works currently on display are quite diverse and also very rich. The biggest challenge was presenting a variety of distinct works in a balanced way.
You certainly seem to have achieved that! What’s ahead for Macaya Gallery?
Our next exhibit is a collective show featuring works by Emma Dunlavey, François Duerinckx and Mercedes Lasarte. A select group of Chor Boogie‘s paintings will remain, and a series of his political works will be featured later this year.
Images:
1. Chor Boogie, The King and Eye, on the exterior of Macaya Gallery
2. Chor Boogie, Immaculate Conception
3. Chor Boogie, The Silver Queens, close-up
4. E. Bast in collaboration with Chor Boogie, The Nine Virgins, close-up
5. Chor Boogie in collaboration with Daniel Stanford, The Color Visions of Raquel
Photos: 1 courtesy of Daniel Stanford; 2-4 Lois Stavsky and 5 courtesy of Chor Boogie
Note: To find out about the inspiration behind this body of work, check out Chor Boogie Shines Love Into Macaya Gallery by Alexandra Martinez in last week’s Miami New Times.
