Photos by: Lukeyphotography
A SOLO EXHIBITION
August 14th – September 11th, 2021
Los Angeles, CA
RATS
Avenue des Arts in collaboration with MakersPlace is pleased to present RATS, a solo exhibition by deconstructive pop artist Matt Gondek. This is the first exhibition in which Gondek has based all of the artwork on one central character in a variety of ways. There will be paintings, an ink drawing, sculptures, prints, NFTs, and a mural. This new exhibit is especially exciting because it will include a collection of digital NFT work that will be shown alongside physical, tangible work. Additionally, it contains the largest painting that Gondek has ever created and the greatest amount of 1 of 1 unique sculptures that he has ever included in a show.
RATS has been in the making on and off for the past three years. The term “rats” is used to express annoyance or frustration, and Gondek uses the exclamation, “rats,” to describe the mood of the pandemic and the sudden cancellation of so many important events and exhibitions. RATS takes this frustration as inspiration and then leaves it in the past. “It’s just a big fun colorful show that I think we need after being indoors for the last year and a half,” Gondek says.
Annoyance caused by our socially distanced lifestyles and hope for the future are simultaneously conveyed in this exhibition, especially with its incorporation of very large works, bright colors, and innovative digital content. Furthermore, it is a show that everyone can relate to, from the common daily frustrations of the worldwide pandemic to the optimism of looking towards the future in hopes of a more “normal” lifestyle. The inclusion of NFT digital art might also hint at a common awareness in technological advance and an irreversible change in our culture following COVID-19. RATS is definitely a show you won’t want to miss.
Please join us in celebrating this awesome exhibition featuring Gondek’s largest painting ever and the greatest number of sculptures he’s ever included in a show. The opening reception will be held Saturday, August 14th from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, and the show will remain open until Saturday, September 11th.
