Brian Oakes Mines the Techno-organic at Blade Study

As a gamer with a keen eye for art and a heart that beats for innovation, I found myself utterly captivated by Brian Oakes’ latest solo exhibition, SEED, at Blade Study Gallery. The blend of organic and mechanical materials, the disruption of traditional labor norms, and the exploration of creative potential in everyday hardware resonated deeply with my own journey as a gamer.

Last Thursday, Brian Oakes’ solo exhibition titled SEED was unveiled at Blade Study Gallery. This interdisciplinary show traces the path of a commodity from its origins to the marketplace. Viewers are invited to step into roles as producers as they journey through landscapes that span from creation to presentation. By blending organic and mechanical elements, Oakes delves into the emerging pulses of life in an age characterized by individualism.

The exhibition challenges conventional notions of labor by blending elements of consumerism. For instance, “Display Case 2 (A Garden)” showcases a mix of homemade rubies and copper-sulfate seeds, both natural and handmade. This alchemical display questions the idea of intrinsic worth as the stones’ vibrant reds and blues gleam back at viewers. Noteworthy pieces like “ASRS 1” contain smaller sculptures within them, evoking the automated processes of storage, memory, and retrieval associated with computers. Balancing elegance and roughness, Oakes explores artistic possibilities hidden in everyday technology.

After winning The Armory Show’s Gramercy Prize, Oakes’ exhibition grows to further explore the realm of up-and-coming artistry. As stated by the gallery’s co-founder Ian Glover in an interview, our aim is to foster solo shows that enable emerging artists to venture into uncharted territories. In essence, we prioritize the artistic vision of the creators we collaborate with.

SEED is currently on view at Blade Study until October 13, 2024.

Blade Study Gallery
17 Pike St,
New York, NY 10002

2024-09-06 23:25

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