"The Afterlife" at ArtCenter and "Charles LeDray: Bass Museum of Art"

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The ArtCenter/ South Florida is a cultural jewel among the tourist oriented, Euro-themed restaurants and cafes that litter the Lincoln Road promenade. Inside this center, there are dozens of artist studios.... each with a big window, so you can look in and see them working.  This center provides a unique opportunity to not only become inspired artistically, but to observe and chat with local clever craftsmen up close.  

The most recent exhibition, "The Afterlife" with works by Byron Keith Byrd, Alex Heria and Franklin Sinanan explored the concept of the afterlife in a bizarre and inquisitive way. Indeed, whether an individual believes in God, Allah, Buddha, Jesus, Zeus or a Higher Power, the afterlife is a core concept for most religions. Below are some insights from my walk around: Upon entry, I was a little affronted.

First, I saw the "Religious Trap"... where 312 spring-loaded mousetraps were arranged to form a huge Christian cross. Next, I saw an illuminated "Sweet Jesus" sign that was reminiscent of a sign outside of a Deep South tent revival. It is, after all, sometimes, low lying fruit and popular to dissect the errors with organized religion. Thus, I was uninspired and bored. However, I went back again with a more open mind. It isn't fair, after all, for one to dismiss a whole exhibit after a cursory walk-through. Perhaps, these artists can peel back the veil on something otherworldly.

First, I came across the colored photograph, "Blue Jesus" that was embellished in a gaudy floral golden frame. In the photo, Jesus was blessing me in 3D while dressed in a bejeweled robe. The features of his face were not in porcelain, rather they were of plastic. He was illuminated by a stream of light that elegantly shone through trees in the backdrop. That particular stream of light was the only item that looked true in the photo. As Jesus was bejeweled, 3D, plastic and in an exaggerated frame... the piece to me represented the man-made version of him. Under those man-made layers and illusions, may lay truth.

Afterward, I went over to the "Life's Journey Altar" that was made from blackened Styrofoam wig heads, African and Buddhist masks, voodoo candles, plastic flowers, wooden rosaries, feathers, crosses, sundry liquor bottles, offerings, and a plastic slave ship. I hypothesize that it was a motley mixture of artifacts constructed by global cultures trying to understand the mystery of what happens after death in a tangible form.

There was an untitled piece of mixed media in the back that caught me off guard... for it had a white doll with a crossed out neck holding a yo-yo while inside a womb. The piece also contained a half man/dog over a fire, bones, skulls, a coffin, piranhas, candles and tulips. Similar to life... it was incredibly complicated and mysterious. In addition, it represented a complimentary dualism of sorts as it had prints of life, death, light and dark.

At the end, there was a painting of a dead black bird with an illuminating quote underneath. The quote read... "Flee as a bird to your mountain... for LOOK! The wicked bend their bow... they make ready their arrow or string and they may shoot secretly upright in heart." Indeed, the history of man is not only wrought with war, but with dogmatic religions that replace mystery with certainty. Don't be ensnared. Respect the mystery and the journey. Remember, we are free. We are free.

Good Article!!! The art in Miami is so good!