Federico Solmi’s Twisted
Take on the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election
JUN 2ND, 2015 6:32 PM
Federico
Solmi, American Circus installation),
2014, 3 video paintings, acrylic paint on plexiglass, gold and silver leaf,
video loop, time varies, 18 x 24 inches (each).
In
keeping with internet age, ConnerSmith has recently launched a new online
exhibition series on its website.
For
its inaugural presentation, the gallery features three mixed media video works
by Federico
Solmi, who is known for
using art as a platform for his satirical, at times scathing, commentary on
contemporary society. In these recent pieces, he focuses on an event
that lends itself all too well to criticism: the 2016 U.S. presidential
race.
Federico Solmi American Circus - The Next
President of the United States of America 2014 - CONNERSMITH
Each
one of the videos is centered upon a political archetype, as indicated by
Solmi’s titles: The Next
President of the United States
of America, The Last President of the United States of America and Dick Richman Wall Street Tycoon (all 2014). Rendered with a
combination of video game animation technology, acrylic paint, and gold
and silver leaf on Plexiglas (these are objects as much as videos), the figures
move in the stiff, staccato manner typical
of video game characters. They stand against a background filled with an
American flag, and before a bank of microphones,
nodding their heads to acknowledge the cheers of an unseen crowd. Their faces
are ghoul-like, complete with
waxy-looking skin, dark bags under eyes that practically pop out of their
heads, and curious crimson splotches that resemble
splattered blood. The bright reds, whites, and blues that comprise the scene
glow and pulse continuously.
Though
each figure is shown as if preparing to give a speech, only theThe Last
President of the United States of America actually talks. In composing his
short address Solmi takes stock of what he sees as the subtext of presidential messaging,
distills it down to its essence, and then foregrounds it—with frightening
results. “My fellow Americans, we
are the best country in the world,” say the
candidate. “We are spreading freedom and liberty across our empire, and we
will continue to rule the world thanks to our invincible military. Our currency
is gaining strength. Our appetite for supremacy
and authority endures, and because of this, the rest of the world is on their
knees. God bless America” My
fellow Americans: get ready for 2016.
Federico Solmi American Circus - The Last
President of the United States of America 2014 CONNERSMITH
Karen
Kedmey
“Federico Solmi: American Circus” is on view at
CONNERSMITH., Washington, D.C., May 18 – Jun. 15, 2015.