Do You Want A Free Trip to Outer Space?
When visiting LA for the very first LA-edition of Frieze Art Fair, I took the opportunity to explore the local LA art scene.
Steve Turner Gallery is conveniently located in the heart of all Frieze related destinations whether it’s the actual fair itself at Paramount Studios, Felix at the Hollywood Roosevelt, or just a group of their peers like Shulamit Nazarian Gallery and Gavlak.
On view was Hannah Epstein’s show ‘Do You Want a Free Trip to Outer Space?’ With an exhibition name that eccentric, one would hope the show is equally entertaining...and it was!
The theme of the show was based around a fictional comic book character, Superchill. The premise of the show is that Superchill gets the opportunity to have a free trip to outer space, and the show illustrates her adventure doing just that.
“While Superchill could be anyone, she has an affinity with Epstein and might even be a self-portrait in much the same way Trenton Doyle Hancock‘s TorpedoBoy is his alter ego. Although she is depicted as buxom and muscular in Superchill Issue No. 1 Cover Page, in the other works, including Superchill Buddha, she is just a regular girl”. - ArtNowLA
Epstein has been described as “a feminist folklorist of the internet age,” so it’s fitting her exhibition consists of hooked rugs.
In contrast, colorful projections dance over the rugs (25 to be exact), highlighting the contrast between digital and analog. Ironically with as much going on in the exhibition, it exudes a feeling of childlike innocence that calms the viewer.
"Epstein has created an immersive environment that represents contemporary anxiety and a possible antidote." - VernissageTV
My favorite part of the show was the Cloud Blaster video game that visitors could play. While I've never been great at video games, I had a good time blasting clouds with a genie lamp (who wouldn't??).
About the Artist
According to Steve Turner’s bio for the artist (who represents her), she was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she lives and works today. She received her MFA from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
"The term "post internet" is a catch-all phrase that refers to artists who do not necessarily make art on or about the internet, but create objects that are informed by internet culture. In many ways, Epstein is a quintessential "post internet" artist." - ArtNowLA
Being born in 1985, she's got a long careers ahead of her and I'm excited to see more of her happy creations.
