By Robert Bradley
As many of you know, the 14th Bienal de Cuenca is now in full bloom.
The city is sprinkled with an assortment of artwork from an international roster of artists, yet there are even more artistic surprises beyond the bienal. Among them is an exhibit by a Quito artist, also of international renown, showing this week.
Howard Taikeff and one of his ‘counter monuments.’
Fishbon del Sur is presenting the recent work of Artist in Residence Howard Taikeff. The exhibit is titled, “The Monument Nobody Asked For: The Counter Monument and the Anti Heroic.”
This monumental effort can best be described by the artist himself.
“The debate surrounding the Counter Monument and its commemorative role opens a discussion into the nature of sculptural practice in the present. Young (1992) described the counter monument’s premise of rejecting imposed meta-narratives and values in order to incite reflection by the public that is deeply affected by contemporary and historical events. This work critically addresses unconventional themes and topics that otherwise would not be spoken about or remembered.”
Taikeff’s road to prominence as a sculptor is well documented. He has been a practicing sculptor for 35 years receiving, a B.A in 1982 from the University of California at Santa Cruz and recently received his MFA in 2018 from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, both in Sculpture.
The artist continued, “I see my art as a form of catharsis that helps me make sense of the world. This turbulence can only be resolved through constant production, freedom to express my ideas and feelings, and experimentation. Hopefully, my work will confront and engage people to reflect on accepted standards and attitudes while revealing a distinct worldview. To sculpt is to question and inquire through irony, satire, and humor while subverting conventional standards and expectations.”
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Fishbon del Sur, 14-25 Mariscal Lamar y Estevez de Toral; Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closing Reception and Student Exhibition November 30, 7 to 9 p.m.
