| GASTON MARTICORENA
 Artist / Designer Gaston Marticorena’s first show of new work in 2006 will be at The Future Perfect in Williamsburg Brooklyn starting September 19th, 2006.
Reclaiming, replicating and re-creating with copies, casts, molds and scale models; These new objects show us Marticorena’s current vision of money, greed, self worth, violence, drugs, and urban class.
Politically charged, yet poetic. A blank palette of gesso white and gold romanticizes a modern ghost town, polymorphic still life, scribbles and squirrels.
THE WORK / PIECES
To be discussed and perhaps misunderstood is his cathartic sculpture entitled "Shrine". As all New Yorkers were to the events of 9/11/01, Gaston is a living witness to the attack on the World Trade Center. His dual-towered shrine is matter of fact about the visual and physical violence of that day. In his trademark up-front manner, Marticorena has created an everyday piece remarkable for its thought provocation as well as its serenity.
Fitting into the New York theme is a miniaturized replica of a "SOHO Cast Iron Building"; it is intended as a votive vessel. A longtime downtown resident, Marticorena has observed escalating rents and the layering of residents, history, commerce and architecture in his neighborhood.
The category, "Worthle$$", wads of subverted American currency question the worth and priorities of the American economic system.
"Lay Your Gun to Rest" – consist of hand forged brass firearms resting on plaster pillows. These are a beautiful statement about peace, security, comfort and the invasion of a tumultuous world into private sleep. As ever, many categories are named with an eye towards a play on word, as well as situational ambiguity.
BIO
Born in New Jersey in 1968, His father a fine jeweler in Manhattan. The family relocated to Florida when Gaston was ten. He attended the Chicago Institute of Art then Parsons School of Design for one semester before dropping out. He immediately began having one man shows, his first in the early 90’s at ModernAge Gallery.
A successful furniture, lighting and product designer; Gaston’s style resists specific definition. Marticorena’s tying seemingly disparate pieces together forms an aesthetic that combines art and commerce. Known for both product design and conceptual art pieces; his work is at once accessible and often controversial. Condom vases in the midst of the AIDS crisis, lighting made from human hair, plastic wrapped hay bale benches, cancer warning ash trays – Functionality, form and emotion – layered purpose and potential usage – blunt and often times beautiful.
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