Image Courtesy of Artlesnyc Studios, (c) Aaron Thompson, "Liberty or Death"
202 Rivington Street
NY NY
“Tales of Grog and Scrod” a collaboration by Aaron Thompson and Mark Lapage
An avant guard alternative art space in the back catacomb courtyards of an old tenement apartment building hearkens back to the days of bohemian art happenings and events once prevalent in the East Village/ Lower East Side.
“Tales of Grog and scrod” is a collaboration installation featuring Aaron Thompson’s large installation piece “Liberty or Death” with selected works and resident writer Mark Lapage’s tale set in the 1900’s of old New York. Lapage presently writes for the Montreal Gazette and has been published in numerous publications on line and in print.
Thompson's 10 foot contemporary version of the lady of the harbor stands on a pedestal of abstract tenement buildings, donning a toga made from 20 feet of painted parachute material, her torch held high by painted limbs made from pvc pipe. A lighted skeleton head with spiked crown glows both a beacon of hope and warning surrounded by 3 large canvas panels depicting the skyline from both sides of the river derived from Thompson’s photographs. Constructed from basic building and sculpture materials amidst the well worn and recently built walls of the surrounding buildings, the work pulls the history of the areas inhabitants into the present day ongoing struggle between the community and gentrification. The poor and almost non-existent middle class residents continue their battle for survival in the area as they like the buildings themselves are pushed out, and demolished in the name of progress.
Mark Lage’s “Tale of Grog-n-Scrod”, is set in Old New York a history barely visible now from recent years of gentrification whose undying spirit remains. We follow One Eyed Thom, the scourge, outlaw buccaneer who prowled those long forgotten streets of old in Lower Manhattan as he fights the likes of the Hook Gang and the Steamboat Squad avenging the local immigrant residents striving to survive the harsh conditions of the day.
Lapage leaves us with many profound quotable lines to contemplate, most of which are on page six. Thompson’s smaller paintings and prints of pirates and skeletons are staggered on the wall adjacent to the printed story.
Constructed from found, industrial and traditional materials, Aaron Thompson creates an environment of wonder with a conscious. Influence from varied artistic movements, the strongest being Dada and early pop is evident throughout the multi-level out door project space. A recent Puffin Grant recipient, Thompson is also the founder of artlesnyc studios, a non-profit that produces and hosts a myriad of art and education programs, workshops, an artist residency and selected projects from artists and organizations. Located in the Lower Eastside, the space is an evolving work in progress in it’s own right. Several works by Thompson are staples if not signature pieces of his style remain on permanent view. His work reflects both his personal persona and his visionary ambitions of “how art can and does affect the world in the broadest sense”.
For a full event schedule or further information on projects please contact: Aaron Thompson
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