RECEPTION 'Quietus' Marne Lucas + 'Deidades' Manuel Pecina
On view November 3 - November 21, 2021 at Kente Royal Gallery.
Harlem artist Marne Lucas presents 'Quietus' an exhibition of black and white infrared thermal photography and collage works on paper exploring mortality, spirit, and transformation. Deidades by Latinx artist Manuel Pecina is a legacy color photography series of modern interpretations of Mesoamerican deities. This two person exhibition is accompanied by an opening reception, a panel discussion, and art making workshops and a closing ceremony.
The Bardo∞ Project is Lucas' ongoing collaborations with artists nationwide who are experiencing life-limiting diseases to create legacy projects and make their lives as vibrant as before the diagnosis. Manuel Pecina, a Dallas, Texas based visual artist is part of this endeavor. The Bardo Project includes public arts programming and outreach about end of life care planning. Make a tax-deductible donation here.
*All events are free, ADA accessible, open to the public of all ages and will be live-streamed on Instagram and Facebook.
The exhibition was made possible in part by a 2021 Creative Engagement grant from UMEZ via the LMCC. Additional support is by Fractured Atlas, Materials For The Arts, Modestine Teas, NPAGNY Medical Group, ReImagine, and Soda/WERKS.
BIOS
Marne Lucas (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Harlem, New York whose practice spans photography, video and sculpture and social practice. Lucas works at the intersection of art, activism and health, using conceptual overlaps: life’s energy, intimacy, the body, mortality and transformation. The ‘Bardo ∞ Project explores creativity as a form of spiritual care in collaborations with terminally ill artists to best establish their legacy. Towards this endeavor Lucas trained to be an End of Life Doula, a role that supports the dying and their families. An infrared thermal video pioneer, Lucas uses heat-sensitive imaging technology to reference the magic and fragility of human existence, and transport the viewer to an “otherworld” space. Marne is known for stylistic, on-location photographic portraiture, including the Sitting City artist portrait series. Lucas exhibits nationally and internationally at Plaxall Gallery (NYC), The Brand Library (Los Angeles), PICA (Oregon), Fremantle Arts Centre (Perth, AU), Space Plus (Lincoln, U.K), Peltz Gallery (London) and the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (Spain). Lucas received UMEZ Creative Engagement grants in 2021, 2018 administered by the LMCC (NYC) and participated in a 2016 Arts/Industry factory based residency (Foundry, Pottery Divisions) at the Kohler Co. (Wisconsin). http://www.marnelucas.com
Manuel Pecina (he/him) was born on a farm between Rockwall and Fate, Texas. He survived a breeched birth and went on to endure several other near-death experiences that he will talk about if you ask him. He is a Navy Veteran and has received a Navy Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, a Sea Service Ribbon and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Manuel went on to school and received his BFA from The University of Texas at Arlington and his MFA from The University of Texas at Dallas. Having somewhat recently retired from his career as a Senior Advisor Middleware Systems Integration and Cyber Security Engineer. Manuel is currently nourishing his creative identity with three projects, Tres Puntos, referencing his Latino Heritage. First he is creating a video series on that timeless and chronic human condition known as Love. Second, he seeks to redefine his work with Deidades representing Mesoamerican Deities and how they reflect contemporary life and dilemmas, and, is crafting his ideas in encaustic, a medium that invokes flesh and decay. Manuel fashions himself as an uncomplicated person and as he nears his expiration date he hopes to discard affectations and pretensions.
