NAILED – a group exhibition at Subliminal Projects

September 06, 2012

SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS presents
NAILED
A Group Exhibition Curated By Pedro Alonzo
Opening Reception: Friday, September 7th • 8PM – 11PM
Exhibition Dates: September 8 – October 6, 2012

featuring artwork by Liz Baca, Gabriella Davi-Khorasanee, Dzine, Igor Jovic, Simone Lueck, Chris Mosier, Kai Regan, Dominique Renee, Jamel Shabazz, Mickalene Thomas, and Monika Zbijowska.

Nailed is inspired by the 2011 publication titled Nailed: The History of Nail Culture and Dzine. Photographers from around the world were commissioned to document nail artists, clientele, and salon owners in their respective cities. The photographs that best represent the diversity of this personal and customized form of expression are presented in the publication, along with a historical account of the history of nail art and adornment from the Ming Dynasty in China to the present. The project outlines the trends and techniques that have emerged with time and the relationships nail art culture fosters,both inside and outside salon walls.

Nailed at Subliminal will focus on the presence of nail art, from the urban underground to high-end glamour and contemporary art. A selection of photographs from the publication, as well as unique sculptural hand jewelry and limited edition sneakers, will be on view. Subliminal has teamed up with ASPHALT to provide music for the opening reception.
Closing weekend, the gallery will turn into an “Imperial Nail Salon” with music, drinks,
and nail art. Madeline Poole from Nailing Hollywood will be setting up shop, providing an opportunity for viewers to both observe and participate in nail art culture.
The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, September 7th followed by a book signing
with several exhibited artists on Saturday, September 8th at The Standard, Downtown
LA. Dzine will further explore the theme of Nailed and his studio practice of custom
culture through a site-specific installation and intervention during the ASPHALT festival, taking place September of 2013 in Exposition Park, Los Angeles.

The people involved in this (Nail Art Culture) community have no formal art
training, yet their passion to make beautiful, over-the-top ornamental objects is
what truly struck me, hence the body of work. It has reminded me of why I am an
artist and why I choose to create.
– Carlos Dzine Rolon, 2011 (Author of Nailed: The History of Nail Culture and
Dzine