LOS ANGELES–A new exhibition–"Macho Bullshit," will make its debut at the Black Maria Gallery–reflecting issues of contemporary male identity.
Commenting on the theme of the exhibition–Black Maria Gallery owner Zara Zeitountsian said–"In our time–and especially since the sexual revolution of the 60s–masculinity as both social role and frame of mind has become increasingly problematic."
"While boys and men are still led to believe in notions of gender-based entitlement and invincibility–the realities of our world have long overshadowed such beliefs–with women continuing to gain in economic and political power," she added.
Sam Saghatelian–Black Maria curator–said: "Many men today are stuck in a referential no-man’s-land–quietly nursing an identity crisis yet unable to ultimately overcome a traditional macho mindset. Should they remain steeped in anachronistic male behavioral patterns–or should they get with the program of radically transformed inter-gender relations? ?Macho Bullshit’ is an exploration of that particular disconnect."
According to Saghatelian–the exhibition as a whole will underscore the tragicomic nature of what he terms the macho ethos. "A bona fide macho can be offensive and comical in equal measure," he explained. "There is also something pitiful–even endearing–in the way a typical macho man interacts with others. Our exhibition will be a no-holds-barred look at the phenomenon–with plenty of commentary on the irony and nuances of the macho way of being–and also the inner conflict of not being able to deal with fast-evolving gender roles and societal values."
"Macho Bullshit," featuring new and recent works by seven artists–will kick off on Saturday–July 23–at 7 PM–and will remain open until August 27.
Artists participating in the exhibition are: Thomas Lee Bakofsky–Gary Garay–Jack Howe–Dave Leamon–Sam Saghatelian–Gary Garay–Gin Stevens–and Chris Ryniak.
Black Maria is located at 3137 Glendale Boulevard in Atwater Village. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 11.00 to 6.00 PM–or by appointment. For more information–call (323) 660-9393–(818) 613-9090.