New York, NY
Artworks by Lucas Stoffel
iCon at The Prince George Gallery by Lucas Stoffel
Brace yourselves for a captivating exploration of modern American culture as Lucas Stoffel, the acclaimed 2006 Starving Artist Award winner, unveils his thought-provoking project, "iCon." This award-winning endeavor, funded by Studio 42's Starving Artist Award Fund, has been a year in the making, and it's set to open at the prestigious Gallery at the Prince George Ballroom on June 18, 2007. Stoffel's "iCon" is not just an art exhibition; it's a critical examination of contemporary American life through the lens of iconic symbols. The public is cordially invited to immerse themselves in this extraordinary display, which will be showcased, along with some of Stoffel's previous works, at the Gallery at Prince George until August 16, 2007.
"iCon" stands as a meticulously planned visualization of social commentary. Stoffel embarks on a journey to expose the lopsided excesses that plague modern American society by juxtaposing modern icons with startling statistical data. Each pair of panels tells a compelling story. The first panel in each pair features a haunting rendition of a commonplace cultural emblem - from the 'American Idol' logo to a 'Freedom to Marry' sticker. Stoffel crafts these images to evoke a sense of haunting, akin to "a scar on the sidewalk after a nuclear attack," as he aptly describes it. The second panel delves into the cultural impact of these symbols through a collection of facts and quotes.
iCon at the Prince George Gallery by Lucas Stoffel
"iCon" extends Stoffel's tradition of seamlessly integrating popular culture into art. It includes panels that offer commentary on pressing contemporary issues, such as voter turnout, the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, and the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. In one striking juxtaposition, a Louis Vuitton handbag is paired with earnings reported by the company during Katrina's cleanup process, creating a poignant commentary on priorities and consumerism.
"The Gallery at Prince George provides the perfect backdrop for this powerful piece of social commentary," says Stoffel. "The raw and open ambiance of the space is beautifully reflected in the work itself."
Stoffel's "iCon" project has been made possible through a grant from Studio 42's Starving Artist Award Fund, a division of The Emerging Artists Fund. As the recipient of this prestigious award, Stoffel has worked closely with The Starving Artist Award Fund to refine his proposal and transform his vision into a compelling reality.
iCon at the Prince George Gallery by Lucas Stoffel
The unveiling of "iCon" is scheduled for June 18, 2007, and it will remain on display until August 16, 2007, at the Gallery at the Prince George Ballroom, located at 15 East 27th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues. The public is warmly invited to attend the opening reception on June 18, 2007, at 7:00 p.m., featuring an open bar and music. The Gallery at the Prince George Ballroom welcomes visitors from Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free admission.
Don't miss this opportunity to witness "iCon" - an artistic journey that challenges our perceptions of modernity and encourages us to reflect on the icons that shape our lives. Lucas Stoffel's work promises to captivate, question, and inspire.