NEW YORK—“You Don’t Know Where Her Mouth Has Been,” sculptor Simon Leigh‘s show at The Kitchen, is far from straightforward. The name of the exhibit is taken from the title of one of her sculptures which she created using African ceramic techniques. It appears to be a cluster of huge cowry shells hanging like a chandelier suspended from the ceiling.
According to the gallery, the works “explore materiality, women’s work and Afro-futurism” and create “a dialogue between the aesthetically beautiful and brutally utilitarian.” The exhibition space is extremely dark which ratchets up the powerful presentation of Leigh’s installations. It’s strange, beautiful and thought-provoking.
Curated by Rashida Bumbray, the exhibit is on view from Jan. 18 to March 11, 2012, and features music created and performed by Kaoru Watanabe.
All photos by Arts Obsrever
Above, “You Don’t Know Where Her Mouth Has Been,” 2012 (stoneware, porcelain and wire). Top of page, “Uhura (Tanka)” 2012 (single channel video projection, digital video, continuous loop) with “You Don’t Know Where Her Mouth Has Been” in foreground.
“Cowrie (Blue),” 2012 (porcelain, cobalt and epoxy).
“Uhura (Tanka)” 2012 (single channel video projection, digital video, continuous loop).
“Herero Dress 1904,” 2011 (porcelain, graphite and epoxy).
“Crop Rotation,” 2012 (terra cotta, paint, steel and tobacco).
“Untitled #1 (From the series “my works, my dreams, must wait till after hell”),” 2012 (single channel video projection, digital video, continuous loop) collaboration with Chitra Ganesh.