PHILADELPHIA, PA.- HOT•BED is presenting, After Forever, a solo exhibition of surreal sculptures by renowned artist, Adam Wallacavage, and curated by James Oliver. The iterative installation will evolve every week with new sculptures introduced every Friday of the exhibition. After Forever will present work in an immersive fantastical environment from two ongoing series, Octopus Chandeliers and Kitsch Collaborations. After Forever uncovers the intricacies of Wallacavage’s practice and gives a closer look into the artist’s unrestrained techniques. The exhibition will be open to the public from December 18, 2020 through March 6, 2021.
The Octopus Chandeliers are a study in form, function and whimsy; candy-colored bulbous octopi with puckered tentacles. Mixing Art Nouveau, Surrealism and a lifetime fascination with the sea, Wallacavage’s Octopus Chandeliers use a unique combination of traditional plastering techniques combined with Contemporary materials such as: epoxy resin, iridescent powders, and glitter. Though Wallacavage sculpts the works by hand, his touch is indiscernible in the final product, a testament to the artist’s level of skill. Typical of the artist’s practice, the Chandeliers deftly mix form and function. Light the works with candles or light bulbs and they’ll not only provide a source of light, but the work will activate; the dripping wax adding to the tentacle’s oozing effect.
After Forever also presents new works from Kitsch Collaborations, a series of transformed figurative lamps sourced from beloved Philadelphia antique stores, Jinxed. With Wallacavage’s effect, classic figurative lamps metamorphose into fluorescent ‘realm fantastic’, with a cast of characters (frogs, fairies and more) straight out of a fairytale. The series began in the early 2000’s as a way for the artist to poke a little fun at the highbrow world of art; however, over time, the ethereal works became a symbol of the imagination, creativity and fantasy Wallacavage brings to his art.
As a part of After Forever, Wallacavage and HOT•BED collaboratively constructed ‘fantasy vignettes’ comprised of furniture, decor, objet d’arts and plants to complement the design-forward works. After Forever’s merger of art and design reflects HOT•BED’s mission to bridge the gap between the creative spheres.
Established in 2017, HOT•BED is a gallery and creative lifestyle space in Philadelphia that unites art, horticulture, and design. Founded by Bryan Hoffman, a design visionary, and James Oliver, an established gallerist, HOT•BED is a catalyst and a conduit for futures not yet realized. It’s a gathering place, not unlike the Paris Salons of the Nineteenth century, where visitors and artists alike have the opportunity to collaborate, exhibit, and explore new ideas in a welcoming and judgment-free environment.
