When you walk into an exhibition that is clearly marked as an homage to the past you can have two main reactions:
Anger to the obvious reproduction of a standard that many others have tried to achieve in the hope that no one would notice the references or sheer excitement for witnessing the work of an Artist that is conscious of his roots and is not afraid to pay his dues.
The latter is the case for the Antonio Bokel pieces shown in the Sid Lee Collective Gallery until June 30.
It is impossible not to see clear echoes of Jean Michel Basquiat in the paintings and sculptures as well as in the overall presentation of Antonio’s works and that is actually exciting for the Artist himself replicates the crown signature of the fascinating Warhol’s protégé in the attempt to show his admiration.
Even more exciting is the realization that every piece has been done in more or less a week by re-utilizing discarded materials such as cardboard boxes, wood pieces, broken toys and other plastic parts found in the streets of Amsterdam.
One can only wonder about the coincidence or fate behind such a technique and the garbage haulers strike going on.
“No thing but the truth” claims one graffiti written with white chalk on a black wall, and Antonio does speak the truth.
He covers the gallery space with joy, a shiny fuchsia pink joy in a possible reference to the “Giro d’Italia” that has coloured the city in the same shade the past days.
Antonio does not forget to quote also Robert Rauschenberg by attaching a giant Piglet head to one painting.
“Where your eyes can see” they collect stimulation and energy in every simple but strong mark.
Now “Have a Rest” on the floor pillows and release a smile.
For info on Antonio Bokel: antoniobokel.blogspot.com
The Curator: Alexandra Onderwater – www.alex-on.com
The Gallery: Sid Lee Collective – www.sidleecollective.ca http://twitter.com/sidleenews
