Long Hidden Friend: Nick Lenker
Long Hidden FriendA new video installation by Nick Lenkeron view October 3 - November 1, 2014[portfolio_slideshow id=1419]Nick Lenker and PRACTICE invite you to interpret a video installation best seen after a long, cold winter, in which 3 people died, 2 by their own hand, 1 by yours, 2 were friends, the other a stranger. Inscribed on an earthenware dish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Sincere to every man, intimate to few, as quiet as possible. Thus, who I am, he I am. And that is true. In the year 1769. Wish the devil had it. I have a very beautiful bed and I must sleep in it alone. When should I not be sad? And this is true. Nick Lenker’s new work borrows its title from the 1820 book The Long-Lost Friend, a collection of herbal formulas and magical prayers gathered by John George Hohman, a Pennsylvania Dutch healer. The folk-magic traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch are evoked several times in the video installation, as the artist was also inspired by research into the red-earthenware collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, going as far as to mimic some of these ceramic vessels for use in the recorded performance. Shrouded in mystery, Lenker’s work never tells all the answers but provides a tantalizing puzzle for viewers to interpret.A new moon casts no light. Reap the bounty.Special thanks to Cari Freno for video assistance.About the Artist:Nick Lenker is a performance, installation and video artist steeped in ceramic object-making traditions who holds an MFA from Tyler School of Art. He currently teaches Ceramics for non-majors as an adjunct professor at his alma mater while working as a preparator for Wexler Gallery and as Studio Assistant to Virgil Marti. Lenker has exhibited widely in Philadelphia, holding several solo exhibitions at Pageant Gallery and collaborative exhibitions at the recently-closed Bambi and Bodega galleries. See more of Lenker’s work on his website: http://www.nicklenker.com/--Long Hidden FriendOpens First Friday, October 3rd from 6-10pmThe exhibition will be on view through Saturday, November 1stPRACTICEOur gallery practice seeks to support artist practices that focus on performance, participation and experimentation.PRACTICE is open to the public on First Fridays and on Saturdays from 2-6pm. If you would like to drop by some other time please email info@practicegallery.org for an appointment/with questions. Visit PRACTICE online at http://practicegallery.org--Press for this Exhibition
Art of the hex and finding meaning in secular magic with Nick Lenkerby Chip SchwartzOctober 2014