Lucky DeBellevue

Invitation Card for Open Concept (09/12 - 10/18)

Digital Photograph, courtesy of Lucky DeBellevue

Kai Matsumiya presents Open Concept by Lucky DeBellevue on Friday, September 12th, his first solo exhibition in NYC since 2006. The exhibition debuts unseen works illuminating a variety of new directions in the artist’s prolific career.

The title comes from the catch phrase often heard on the Home and Garden Television Network (HGTV). Whether invoked for a renovation project, or a couple looking to buy their first home, the words Open Concept appear like a mantra as desired contemporary living spaces.

More formally, the title references the idea often used in the world of architectural design about the elimination of barriers which separate functional spaces that theoretically adapt to the malleability of tastes and styles. The artist references the evolution and adaptions of an interior space at Kai Matsumiya by responding to its changing physical histories- most recently the remains of a Wu Tang clan merchandise store.

DeBellevue’s works emphasize the domesticity aspect in Open Concept in its various art incarnations evident in his process. Wood veneer is ironed into sculptural forms. Surfaces are sometimes washed, scrubbed, eliminated. Evidence of everyday activity runs throughout each piece; the ritual of eating finds its way into the work, shells which would normally be discarded become patterns on printed linen. The artist cites the design group Memphis and the artist/designer William Morris as significant influences for this exhibition.

Similarly, DeBellevue’s works make malleable the properties of two-dimensionality and three-dimensionality, painting and printing, sculpture and installations, without sacrificing its original art concept, practice, or form. These new works, in turn, are placed at Kai Matsumiya which now results in the latest manifestation of the space

Originally from Louisiana, Lucky DeBellevue is a long time New York-based artist. Selected solo exhibitions include NGBK (Berlin) Feature Inc. (New York) Björkholmen Gallery (Stockholm, Sweden), Whitney Museum of American Art at Philip Morris and a site specific project at The Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago, USA).  His extensive group exhibition history at museums and galleries include - Museum Ludwig (Cologne, Germany), Emmanuel Perrotin (Paris, France), the Wexner Center for the Arts (Columbus, USA) The Dalarnas Museum (Falun, Sweden), MoMa PS1 (Long Island City, NY), and White Columns (New York) .

Reviews of his work have appeared in Artforum, Flash Art, Art in America and the New York Times. Awards and honors he has received include The Louis Comfort Tiffany Award, The Rome Prize Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome, and the Versailles Foundation Munn Artist Program (Giverny, France). 

For more information: please contact info@kaimatsumiya.com  or visit www.kaimatsumiya.com

** High-resolution images and CV available upon request