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This was my first year not only attending Damned but also my first year exhibiting a piece of art. Damned VI spanned over three nights, the first was described as “The Darkness” – A night of introspective exploration within the shadowed and primal essence of self. It featured an intimate VIP Preview/Artist Reception, absinthe served by sexy Devil Girls Meridith Lorde and Lushes Lamoan, on-site chef prepared hors d’œuvres and some really unique performances. The gallery was filled with pieces by artists from all over the world, sculpture, paintings, drawings,photography, mixed media…all with a dark theme or tone.
My piece titled “Elocution” was a mixed media piece. I was inspired by the history of things, Antique-hardware, its unique and aware; not a single piece is alike. The drawer of my piece was cracked and worn. You can see a little piece of history in every scratch. I was also very inspired by 1920’s-1930’s nude photography and decided to use actual vintage images for this piece. The images are back lit so when you are in a dimly lit room you are able to see the transparency of both images.
Strolling performers accompanied by live musicians performed throughout the night, enhancing the over all dark tone of the evening. Aerialists including the lovely Lula Loops and Miss Pussykatt swung from the ceiling and performance artists including the amazingly talented Satori Circus left the room speechless.
The second night was called “The Enlightenment” – A night of the extrospective self enlightened through light, fire and the ethereal. In addition to aerialists and performance art, fire performers dazzled the crowd.
The third night was the much anticipated Masquerade, where guests attended in their finest clothing and masks. Simultaneous strolling performers gave a very dream like quality to the night and after an elegant 6-course aphrodisiac-inspired dinner guests could wander around the gallery or dance the evening away in the ballroom.
I ended up taking three pieces home: a beautiful print by Chad Michael Ward called “Victorian Blue,” a striking piece by my friend Tim Malik called “Awaiting Thee,” and a quick sketch by Resa stamped “This is your DAMNED sketchy portrait.” The event was absolutely amazing and left me wishing there were more than three nights to enjoy. I look forward to Damned VII!
I also wanted to offer my condolences to the friends and family of Victoria Strehlau, an artist who passed just before the event. Her piece in the show was absolutely striking, beautiful and boldly honest. May she rest in peace. <3
