Joseph Grazi “God Complex”

Joseph Gross Gallery

poster for Joseph Grazi “God Complex”

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Joseph Gross Gallery presents G​od Complex,​a solo exhibition of new work by J​oseph Grazi.​G​od Complex​is Grazi’s second solo exhibition at Joseph Gross Gallery, and features 24 new works that focus on the interaction between art, nature and science.

God Complex​features Grazi’s newest body of work illustrating mankind’s increasing dominion over the natural world. With the human brain considered the most complex structure in the known universe, human beings have been given the ability to manipulate the environment as they please and ultimately bend nature to their insatiable desires. “Nature has been tamed and the animals that once posed threats to us are now predominantly under control. In addition we can re­engineer our bodies, create new species, and explore other planets. This capacity, along with the eradication of our former enemies and fears, can have a subconscious calming effect,” says Grazi.

Grazi utilizes a wide variety of media such as taxidermied animals, acrylics, wood and other materials, compositionally designed to neutralize fear through order and arrangement. Animal and human skulls, bones and taxidermied bats are only some of the elements that, put together, can trigger fright and relief at the same time. His goal is to alleviate the most ancient fears through acknowledgment of individual power and control in the hope that such acknowledgment can lead to a better understanding of the animal kingdom. For example, Trophy Room​(2015) incorporates several components of the natural world, including birds, deer, bats and leaves, as well as human skulls and guns, arranged symmetrically to portray the unlimited dominion of man over nature. Another piece, I​nferno (​2015), consists of a massive alligator head with 22 taxidermied bats flying forth from its jaws. Arranged like a fireball, the alligator takes on the appearance of a fire breathing dragon in allusion to mankind’s proclivity to reshape nature and create a new version of it.

With these sculptural works Joseph Grazi attempts to capture our godlike powers over the natural world; an illustration of the duality of humans as both animals and gods. Open ended and inconclusive, Grazi’s work in G​od Complex​revolves around the irrational as well as inconsistent relationship that we have developed with our very nature.

Brooklyn born artist Joseph Grazi graduated with a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in NYC in 2006. He has since exhibited widely throughout NYC, with recent solo shows at (Art) Amalgamated and Joseph Gross Gallery. In addition to being included in major international collections, Grazi has been featured in widespread publications like I​nterview​and R​elapse Magazine.​The artist works across a growing variety of mediums and largely focuses on themes of nature and death. The work is predominantly created through consistent attention towards detail and literalism. Grazi currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.

Media

Schedule

from April 09, 2015 to May 02, 2015

Opening Reception on 2015-04-09 from 18:00 to 21:00

Artist(s)

Joseph Grazi

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