The work of Lucien Shapiro has always remained an investigation—of self, life, death, truth. He sources materials from around the world, bit and pieces that strike his eye, and have been left, unwanted, ceasing to have purpose. He gathers humble fragments, what some may call garbage, and offers them a new form, and second incarnation, where bottle caps, broken automotive glass and discarded plastic become totemic figures and portals.
His new body of work opens at Hashimoto Contemporary August 3rd in a solo exhibition entitled Oculus. Here, he further delves into exploring transformation through the intricacies of his craft. The tedious labor of love places him in a state of rumination, where he hones in on a meditative consumption of time through creating his ornate, ritualistic objects.
Shapiro melds polar elements, drawing from natural landscapes and city streets. He obsessively collects memories, lessons, and tangible pieces associated with them; garnering a diverse assemblage ranging from fragments of Indonesian jungles to San Francisco curbs. In Oculus, find an array of organic crystals and wood forms, interwoven with “street diamonds” (broken auto glass), spikes and metal remnants fused together to form armored vessels and abstract figures.
“Street Diamonds [are] born on the streets from the loss of an item in your automobile, collected by me and transformed to see how beauty can grow from loss,” says Shapiro. “Onward and upward, [we] learn from our tragedies, thefts, pains , etc. [to] grow together.”
In his second solo exhibition with Hashimoto, Oculus is, in a way, a departure from his typical work where he creates forms of protection and masks. Putting more of himself than ever into a collection, he’s developed spirit figures and portals where pieces hold energy internally. Viewers are invited to insert their own intentions or energy into an object to help manifest their inner powers and protection. Each is made to provide self-empowerment, offering a metaphorical shoulder to rest on when navigating life’s many challenges.
One of the motifs present in Oculus are hands, cast from his own. The idea came from a mask design he developed six years ago, representative of everyone and balance. They also symbolize healing, openness, welcoming, and the becoming of one. It’s the sense of letting go of the ego to see we are the same, and to co-exist in harmony.
The accompanying performance ties into this theme of hands and release. Become One With Ness will take place alongside the gallery at Spoke Art. The performance will have two grounding and healing chairs studded and weighted with chains. Armrests are made of selenite, while upholstery is adorned with handmade patches from Ben Venom. Guests will be able to participate two at a time in a personal and private experience. The pair will choose right or left and then release something that no longer serves them. The immersive experience will also include sound and time with chimes, bells, and other instruments from around the world. These are meant to enhance the journey within yourself and heal.
Oculus opens at Hashimoto Contemporary SF on August 3rd with performances from 6 to 9 pm. The exhibit will be on view through August 24th, 2019.
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