Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
In her newest site-specific work, the eastside of south central los angeles hieroglyph prototype architecture (I), Lauren Halsey combines signs, symbols, and architecture from the past, present, and future to remix (or, as she says, "funkify") history. Known for her vibrant sculptures, mixed-media pieces, and large-scale installations, Halsey here critiques the gentrification of Black spaces by uniting ancient Egyptian-inspired iconography with contemporary advertising and representations of leaders and icons from her South Central, Los Angeles community. An insightful essay on Halsey's artistic process and an interview with the artist uncover her diverse influences--from ancient Egyptian relief carving to funk music, Afrofuturism, and LA architecture--while also discussing how her work focuses on community engagement and on creating spaces for people of color and the working class.
Synopsis
Lauren Halsey's diverse artistic influences, including Afrofuturism, ancient Egyptian iconography, and the architecture and community in her native Los Angeles, feature prominently in her latest site-specific installation In her 2023 site-specific work at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the eastside of south central los angeles hieroglyph prototype architecture (I), Lauren Halsey combines signs, symbols, and architecture from the past, present, and future to remix (or, as she says, "funkify") history. Known for her vibrant sculptures, mixed-media pieces, and large-scale installations, Halsey here critiques the gentrification of Black spaces by uniting ancient Egyptian-inspired iconography with contemporary advertising and representations of leaders and icons from her South Central, Los Angeles community. An insightful essay on Halsey's artistic process and an interview with the artist uncover her diverse influences--from ancient Egyptian relief carving to funk music, Afrofuturism, and LA architecture--while also discussing how her work focuses on community engagement and on creating spaces for people of color and the working class.
Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press
Synopsis
A primer on contemporary artist Lauren Halsey's latest site-specific installation, outlining her process, past work, and influences drawn from Afrofuturism, ancient Egyptian iconography, and Los Angeles Lauren Halsey is known for her sculptures, mixed media works, and site-specific installations that remix (or, as Halsey says, "funkify") history by combining signs, symbols, and architecture from the past, present, and future. In her new installation for The Met's Roof Garden Commission series, she brings together ancient Egyptian-inspired iconography and sculpture with signage and texts drawn from the artist's local community in South Central Los Angeles. Accompanied by new photography and unpublished sketches from Halsey's studio, this compact volume contains an insightful essay by curator Abraham Thomas that examines Halsey's artistic process and considers this installation in the context of her past work. In a revealing interview with poet Douglas Kearney, the artist discusses her diverse influences--which include ancient Egyptian relief carving, funk music, Afrofuturism, and the architecture of L.A.--and elaborates on the importance of community building and engagement in the spaces she creates.
Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press
Exhibition Schedule:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (April 18-October 22, 2023)