Two weekends ago, I had the pleasure of seeing Kalup Linzy perform an acoustic set at Texter & Spengemann Gallery in conjunction with Performa 2009. Linzy, a former recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2007, as well as a grant from the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation, is best known for his satirical videos based on the over-the-top drama of soap operas and music videos. I first encountered Kalup Linzy's work at "Frequency," a group exhibition at the Studio Museum of Harlem. I was struck by the artists ability to confront topics of sexuality, race, church, and pop culture with a sense of humor.... Well, that, and as his ability to perform in drag.
Note to all: It really upsets me when men look better in leotards than I do! Despite this fact, I managed to control my anger, and even laugh a little bit with the crowd at the gallery. Linzy, performed as Taiwan, one of his most famous characters (please see the above picture), hits such as "Asshole,"and "Edge of My Couch." Personally, my favorite song (and a potential club banger) is "Chewing Gum," a beautiful ode to men's genitalia.
It was very interesting seeing work so aggressive performed in a cold, white cube-esque gallery, with a primarily white audience. We all know that art is very subjective, however there is a tendency to take every damn thing seriously. On that Sunday, it was great to see a packed house of people willing to break character and honestly laugh along with Kalup Linzy.
Performa Arts- Kalup Linzy
Kalup Linzy Performance
