art spaces here . When I moved to New York , it became more about making work that fi t into that community — which was mostly an art community . I think that since then the conversations around gender and sexuality in the mainstream have changed . People are now trying to understand how to deal with it .”
Linzy has utilized YouTube as a method of distribution for decades , making his work abundantly available to the public through the internet . “ It ’ s always been an extension of my studio ,” he says of his use of YouTube . “ I began by sending links to curators and collectors , and it ended up opening another universe to me because it broadened my audience .” Casting a wide net through the video sharing website has proven to be a successful way to make his artwork and the themes he addresses accessible to the mainstream .
“ I think artwork should be as accessible as possible ,” posits Linzy . “ There should be spaces that are accessible because we are dealing with tough issues which affect people in their everyday lives . It really helps shift mindsets . I think of artists as a mirror sometimes , because I think there are so many people who go through their day-to-day life and are not refl ecting . Artists give us that space to refl ect it .”
At the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery in Fort Myers , FL , Linzy has created a space for visitors to safely spark conversations of this nature . “ That ’ s how you have a discussion , if you put characters in front of people that are not one-dimensional , then you can have conversations about stereotypes .”
Alongside the Queen Rose Family Tree and framed photographic portraits of Linzy ’ s characters are new works by James Franco . Titled the New Film Stills series , Franco recreates through photographic portraiture movie-inspired photos of Cindy Sherman ’ s iconic images . Also included from Franco are images and fi lms from projects he has collaborated on with Linzy and others .
Collaborations is also host to a debut fi lm series created by Linzy and starring Franco . The ten episodes chronicle the lives of the characters Odessa and Katessa as they navigate the tumultuous worlds of art , music , and theater . This series in many ways departs from Linzy ’ s previous work , as both he and Franco contribute to the voiceovers . In another exciting departure from Linzy ’ s previous fi lms , the series contains meta-fi lms . These fi lms within the fi lm are also performed by Franco and Linzy .
“ I don ’ t fully understand it ,” says Katessa in the series ’ teaser trailer , “ but I think it may be groundbreaking .”
I think Collaborations is quite groundbreaking , exploring the themes Linzy addresses under the guiding infl uence of soap-opera dramatics , and referencing fi lms from the Golden Age of Hollywood that he and Franco share a reverence for . With episode titles such as “ Torch Song ,” “ Sweat in the Wind ,” and “ Whatever Happened to Baby Ozara ,” this new series is sure to give viewers the room to refl ect on current social issues while providing another juicy story from the lives of Linzy ’ s characters and the world they live in . Ultimately , Linzy says he hopes visitors leave the exhibition with a better understanding of his trajectory as an artist and the way his life has naturally intertwined with Franco ’ s .
Beyond the opening of Collaborations , Linzy has a multitude of projects on the horizon . In the next two months alone , Linzy will be traveling to Germany to participate in a group exhibition at the Kino Der Kunst Festival Munich , beginning a residency at the MacDowell Colony , shooting a feature fi lm he has written , writing season two of Odessa and Katessa , and shooting music videos for his upcoming album . He will , beyond a doubt , have more artwork to experience in the upcoming year .
Cast of As Da Art World Might Turn , Season 1 , 2013 . Image courtesy of the artist
As to how Linzy remains so calm despite his bustling schedule , he smiles and says , “ I think the world just works in these crazy ways .”
Linzy shared with me that Collaborations is a much more immersive experience than exhibitions he has participated in in the past . He felt the installation process allowed him to think critically about how to create engaging experiences in future exhibitions . Collaborations utilizes much of Linzy ’ s 2D work , including the complete family tree of the Queen Rose family . The Queen Rose family consists of all of his characters whose lives are so deeply intertwined , including the infamous Kaye , Katoyna , and Taiwan .
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James Franco and Kalup Linzy : Collaborations will be at the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery until June 3 , 2017 .
You can see more at : KalupLinzyStudio . com
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