Three New Solo Exhibitions: Works by Benjamin Muñoz, David Wolske, and Kaima Marie Akarue

Artspace111 is honored to present three new exhibitions from May 11 through June 17, 2023. These three exhibitions will be held at 111 Hampton Street in the 3,000 square foot historic building. Each of these three distinct solo exhibitions, featuring artists Benjamin Muñoz, David Wolske, and Kaima Marie Akarue, emphasizes the artistic merit of one another while showcasing the unique processes each artist employs in their work.

Benjamin Muñoz: Clean Hands

In his latest body of work, Benjamin Muñoz redefines power by celebrating the Chicano people's resilience, strength, and ambition. Through vibrant, textured backgrounds and iconic Calavera figures, Muñoz honors the endeavors of past generations, shifting the narrative and empowering Chicano culture. Drawing on the rich Chicano culture of his upbringing, Muñoz's work captures the spirit of inter-generational labor and the triumphs of the Chicano community.

As a second-generation Mexican immigrant, Muñoz grew up in Texas, immersed in the region's rich Chicano culture. The title of the exhibition, "Clean Hands," refers to a conversation Muñoz had with a group of fellow artists, each a descendant of immigrants from Mexico. They discussed their family histories, revealing that physical labor played a significant role in their lives. Their fathers and grandfathers worked in construction, mechanics, oil fields, and other skilled labor jobs. Although these friends recognized the value and honor of such work, they admitted that they would not want to follow the same path. Their "clean hands" symbolize the opportunities and experiences afforded to them because of their families' sacrifices and determination.

The figures and stories in Muñoz's new ambitious body of work (spanning two sites throughout the course of the exhibition) are triumphant celebrations – a love letter to his culture. Muñoz says, “I wanted to make work that told the story of how powerful we are as a race and as a people. I think it is okay to take a breath and look back at what we’ve done, then go right back to fighting for more.”

David Wolske: Iterations

David Wolske combines contemporary and historical processes to transform letters, numbers, and punctuation into visual poetry. Merging digital design tools with letterpress and fine art printmaking traditions, Wolske's compositions explore conceptual dichotomies, inviting viewers to create their interpretations.

Central to David Wolske's art is an innovative printing technique he created, which he refers to as "isotype" printing—a combination of the words "isolate" and "type." This groundbreaking method allows Wolske to manipulate the fundamental components of letters, such as stems, bowls, and serifs, to craft a distinct language characterized by its dynamic vocabulary. The resulting compositions delve into conceptual dichotomies, including control versus chaos, symmetry in contrast to asymmetry, and the interplay between harmony and dissonance.

Wolske's interdisciplinary practice features two distinct modes of working: controlled methods that translate digital compositions into handmade prints incorporating his collection of antique wood and metal types., and improvisation on his Vandercook proofing presses, which fosters curiosity-driven unpredictability and propels his practice forward.

Kaima Marie Akarue: I want to be famous