David Levinthal

Opening Reception, Saturday September 8 from 6-9pm

Once again utilizing a 20 x 24 inch Polaroid camera to capture luscious images, Levinthal focuses his camera on Christian figurines depicting various episodes in the story of Christ, as well as images of Moses descending, and Pope John Paul II. Titled “The Passion” 2005, these new large-scale prints tease out the drama, euphoria, and devotion found in the depictions of the life of Jesus Christ.

Accompanying this work will be a selection of prints from his 2001 series “Desire”. An abstract haze of soft-focus pink and peach hues, gives way to voluptuous nude figurines engaged in kinky, sensual play. Printed on Silver Lame fabric—a fetish object in its own right---“Desire” peeks into the private world of sexy dominatrixes and in turn, implicates us, the viewers, transforming us into voyeurs.

Although seemingly at odds with one another, the two bodies of work in the exhibition exemplify David Levinthal’s inquiry into the subjects that obsess American culture. The toys and figurines photographed by the artist offer windows into America’s collective consciousness, giving us a glimpse into our own minds, our obsessions, and our passions.

David Levinthal