Genesis Belanger has unveiled a new exhibition titled “Another Man’s Treasure” at Tokyo’s Perrotin Gallery. The show, which takes its title from the popular idiom, ‘one man’s trash, is another man’s treasure,’ follows the Brooklyn-based artist’s ability to take seemingly mundane objects and sculpt them in a surreal manner that shines light on society’s progressive, yet stagnant movement across gender stereotypes, equality and mass consumerism.
Having worked in the ad world back in her mid-20s, Belanger is all too familiar with the power behind the visual lexicon that makeup our daily lives. But instead of exploiting the opinions of her viewer, her goal is to awaken the deeply nestled emotions that are charged by these items or scenes. In When Dad Does the Shopping, a paper bag with flowers, milk and a cigar leaves one to ponder — ’are these flowers an apology, the cigar a celebration, the milk for sustenance?’ Each of her sculptures are made from a variety of materials such as porcelain and stoneware and carries these deeper questions.
In a past interview, Belanger has stated her aim is to “make objects that are relatable. When there is something familiar and relatable but the recognition of that familiarity is uncomfortable, it may be uncomfortable because it reflects some part of our personal psychology. I am hoping this discomfort will lead to a conversation and maybe a better understanding of our commonality. Everyone is an individual, but we are all also human and share both good and bad qualities. I see a lot of room for empathy.”
For those in the Tokyo area, be sure to check out Genesis Belanger’s “Another Man’s Treasure,” which is on an appointment only basis at Perrotin Gallery in Tokyo until September 15.
Also on view, curator Raphael Fonseca juxtaposes past and present in a new group show at Nara Roesler.
Perrotin
PIRAMIDE BUILDING,
1F, 6-6-9 ROPPONGI,
MINATO-KU, Tokyo
106-0032
