What is That Called? Pussies on Wheels: A Performative Talk

About

Antoni Hervàs draws from his personal experience turning everyday life into extraordinary narratives through an expanded method of illustrating. Hervàs places his body in the center of an action: as a collection of memories, techniques and modus operandi. Drawing helps him build a map from a nonlinear temporal structure, made up of fragments which cut, paste, color and overlap. He takes advantage of the transformative power of drawing and installation. 

During his stay at 18th Street Arts Center, Antoni has conducted research in three main areas: Chuck Arnett, The Roller Derby Girls and Voguing.

With these areas of focus, Hervàs challenges stereotypes associated with masculinity and femininity as well as prescribed modes of beauty and the body. He explores hyper-sexualization, the customization of clothing and self-representation, the relationship with DIY, freedom, physical strength, femininity and alternative masculinities and inclusiveness; and reaches beyond the binary definitions of gender. 

Hervàs's talk at LACA will have a performative nature. He will share his temporary experiences in Los Angeles - particularly with the difficulties of translation, not only linguistic, but also those related to cultural parameters which have added a new filter of fantasy to his fascination with popular culture.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Antoni Hervàs

Antoni Hervàs studied fine arts at the University of Barcelona (2006) and completed coursework in engraving and printing at the Escola de la Llotja. His most recent solo exhibitions include “Hércules en la Luna” at the Espai Cultural Caja Madrid, Barcelona (2012), “Kakanoures y Kitschades” at the Galeria Sis, Sabadell (2015), Agón at the Galeria etHALL, Barcelona (2016) and “El Misterio de Caviria” at La Capella, Barcelona (awarded with the Barcelona’s visual arts grant of 2016). Hervàs has participated in many group exhibitions, including Capítol II. Fugides. La ficció com a rigor as part of the El text: principis i sortides programme at Fabra i Coats- Centre d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (2014), PUNK, It’s Traces in Contemporary Art at the MACBA (2016)and Deshaciendo Texto at La casa encendida, Madrid (2016). As part of his artistic practice, Hervàs has led Fènix (2013-2016), Sant Andreu Contemporani’s educational programme, which involves various artists from Barcelona in its different stages. He has also carried out many self-managed publishing projects like Grapandmopotheper (2009), tributo a Ray Harryhausen (Degénero Ediciones, 2014) and La Trama for Mataró Art Contemporani (2015). He has also curated periodic exhibitions like Domestica, together with Ariadna Parreu (since 2009), and performative events like Mercuri Splash, together with David Bestué, for the fundació Miró (2015).

Artist Website: 
http://antonihervas.com/ 

Event supported in part by 18th Street Arts Center.