Terracotta
“Where the material ends, art begins” —Etienne Hajdu
Mindy Solomon is pleased to present the second solo exhibition of artist Asif Hoque entitled “Terracotta”. Drawing from the ancient folk trades of Dhaka . the capital of Bangladesh, Hoque explores the relationship of the figure to utilitarian vessel. Incorporating mythology, classical figuration and urban cultural references, Hoque creates a two-dimensional homage to object as subject.
Hoque, Bangladeshi, raised in Rome, Italy and West Palm Beach, Florida is a conduit of cultural ideas. In his largest work, Speedin thru I95 in a White Ferrari, memories of his youth in South Florida and Italy form the bases of his imagery. We see the mythological male figure interacting with what appears to be an ancient beast. The lush green grass a universal background for the follies of youth. Moon River 1 and Moon River 2 are about love and longing. The mythological beast on a metaphorical, preening vessel emblazoned with hearts. The pieces bursting with ego and need. Bankura Mustang is a direct connection to traditional sculptural figuration with Hoque’s signature graphic style providing a comic relief element- the besotted protagonist searching for meaning in an ephemeral world.
Rum and Redbull 1 and 2 stand firmly upon the water. Both ancient and contemporary, the story of the youthful bon vivant forever recorded upon a historical artifact. The trio of drawings, Twist and Turn 1, 2 and 3 are playful gestural forms, moving and swaying to a timeless narrative of love and youth.
Hoque’s exploration of history, craft and storytelling continue to propel his art making forward in a way that embraces the long-held notion of artist as hopeless romantic.
About Asif Hoque
Asif Tanvir Hoque (b. 1991) currently lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. He has appeared in numerous group shows. As a Bangladeshi immigrant, who was raised between Rome and South Florida, Hoque’s paintings attempt to figuratively and stylistically combine aspects of multicultural identity.
His early work highlights his fascination with classical fine arts, but with the progression of his skill and his self-discovery, Hoque challenges his audience to explore aspects of self that are authentic. Hoque hopes to address the unique experience of living in the “in between”.
