Varvara & Mar: Chameleon

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Varvara & Mar, "Chameleon," 2016

Photo courtesy of Pablo Ortuño

Opening / Friday, April 5, 2019 at 8PM

Exhibition Description Chameleon tackles current political and identity-related issues, welcoming any and all kinds of discourse and interpretations. A complex identity crisis, brought on by a cosmopolitan and hyperconnected era, is the cause of losing one's sense of belonging, yet in contrast, the rise of radical nationalism.

The exhibition aims to raise questions about the superpowers of our society, the meanings behind their flags, and the resurgence of nationalism in a cosmopolitan age. Each of these topics is tightly intertwined with the ethnic backgrounds of the artists and the politics of today. Varvara & Mar both struggle identifying themselves with any nation, and thus, the artworks mirror their complex identity issues. A growing amount of people experience a similar loss of belonging in these mobile and connected times. Hence, the exhibition touches upon multiple layers of personal and global interpretations. Chameleon implements the artistic language that Varvara & Mar normally use in their work: light, kinetics, interaction, readymades, and textile. The various mediums are brought together by the concept of the exhibition. The central symbol throughout the show is a flag. We see an increasing amount of flags around us, communicating support for certain nations or groups, yet on the other hand disapproving of others. The duo uses this symbol in their show, as well as outside the gallery, bringing these notions to attention and triggering discussion on the burning subjects of today.

There will be an opening reception on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 8PM. The artists will be in attendance, and all are welcome. The New Gallery is barrier-free with a single-stall, all-gender washroom.