Sweetwater is presenting sculptures by Kayode Ojo (1990, US) and photographic works by Marina Grize (1987, US). Both artists each find inspiration in pre-existing objects, images, and stories, drawn from everyday life and culture; the resulting artworks each transform and intensify these readymade elements through delicate compositions.
Marina Grize
Bathers 37 (Cay), 2024
Dye diffusion transfer print, glass, artist’s frame
8 1/4 in x 6 1/4
21 x 16 cm
Detail
The work of Marina Grize (*1987, US) considers depictions of sexuality in media, with an emphasis on the female gaze. Her “Bathers” series consists of depictions of women in and around water, swimming, sweating, showering, taken from queer cinema.
Each work begins with a dye diffusion transfer print, using expired and distorted film, focusing on a female subject, as depicted in a lesbian film; the print is then encased in a delicate, hand-made soldered silver artist’s frame.
Marina Grize
Bathers 45 (Julie), 2024
Dye diffusion transfer print, glass, artist’s frame
5 x 4 in
13 x 10 cm
Marina Grize
Bathers 27 (Annabelle), 2023
Dye diffusion transfer print, glass, artist’s frame,
8 1/4 in x 6 1/4
21 x 16 cm
The series as a whole, containing images culled from hundreds of films, not only re-interprets authorship of these scenes, but also forms a personal connection to them, and to the individuals present in the images.
Marina Grize’s work has been included in group exhibitions at Sweetwater, Berlin; the Athenaeum, San Diego; and ICA San Diego, San Diego; among others. She received a BFA from SUNY Purchase, New York.
Kayode Ojo
His Dark Materials (Spicebomb), 2024
Seagull 4 Mittelformatkamera mit Haiou-31 75mm F/3.5 Objektiv, TLR Kamera, Karlskrona Lampfabrik Petroleum-Nachtlampe, Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb, Classic Cantabile CLK-10 B-Clarinet (Böhm Fingering, 17 Flaps, 5 Rings, ABS Plastic, Silver-Plated Mechanics, Ideal Student Instrument, Includes Case and Accessories) Black, Mirror
8 3/4 x 48 x 12 in
22.2 x 121.9 x 30.5 cm
Kayode Ojo (*1990, US) examines interpersonal relations, pop culture, and ersatz glamour through sculpture, photography, and video.
His sculptures take the form of ready-made assemblage, often created using precariously balanced furniture, clothing, and other items atop glass, mirrors and metal, adorned with wigs, rhinestones, or acrylic jewelry, with forms and titles inspired by film, theater, literature, and consumer culture.
Kayode Ojo
His Dark Materials (Spicebomb), 2024
Seagull 4 Mittelformatkamera mit Haiou-31 75mm F/3.5 Objektiv, TLR Kamera, Karlskrona Lampfabrik Petroleum-Nachtlampe, Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb, Classic Cantabile CLK-10 B-Clarinet (Böhm Fingering, 17 Flaps, 5 Rings, ABS Plastic, Silver-Plated Mechanics, Ideal Student Instrument, Includes Case and Accessories) Black, Mirror
8 3/4 x 48 x 12 in
22.2 x 121.9 x 30.5 cm
Detail
At Paris Internationale, Ojo debuts new sculptures each featuring an arrangement of objects atop a mirrored shelf. Cameras, perfumes, and liquors abound, the connections between them seemingly forming a secret narrative.
Kayode Ojo
His Dark Materials (Paradox), 2024
Virginia Black Decadent American Whiskey 0,7 ltr., Rare Vintage Citizen GN-4-S ANA-Digi Temp Men Wristwatch Japan Pre-owned, Prada PARADOXE, Polaroid SX-70 Original
10 x 48 x 12 in
25.5 x 121.9 x 30.5 cm
Detail
Kayode Ojo’s solo exhibition “Me & U” is currently on view at Sweetwater. In 2023, he presented “Eden”, a solo exhibition at 52 Walker, New York; his work has also been included in group exhibitions at the Kestner Gesellschaft, MoMA PS1, and the Athens Biennale, among others, and is featured in the permanent collections of the CCS Hessel Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Arts, Los Angeles, the Museum Brandhorst, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Studio Museum in Harlem. He has been featured in Artforum, Art in America, Cultured, CURA, Flash Art, Frieze, Mousse, The New York Times, and Texte zur Kunst, among others.