Art enthusiasts, get ready for a compelling experience as Sprüth Magers presents “The Perversion of the Visual,” an essential exhibition showcasing the groundbreaking work of Gretchen Bender. Running until August 10, 2024, this exhibition brings Bender’s powerful and thought-provoking pieces to Los Angeles for the first time since 1989.
Gretchen Bender, a key figure from the 1980s New York art scene, was known for her incisive critiques of the media landscape. Her work predicted today’s screen-obsessed culture, dissecting the sanitized world of television and exposing the underlying horrors and violence often glossed over by mainstream media. This is Bender’s second show with Sprüth Magers, and it highlights her relentless fight against cultural lies and anxieties.
In 1984, Bender shifted her focus to the corporate media landscape, using cutting-edge technology to create powerful multimedia installations. She moved from traditional silkscreens to multi-screen video setups, crafting works that challenge viewers to see beyond polished façades. Notable pieces in the exhibition include “Unprotected,” “Wild Dead,” and the striking thirteen-monitor installation “Dumping Core.”
“Dumping Core” stands out as a highlight of the exhibition. This work blends computer animations, corporate logos, and war imagery, delivering a raw and unfiltered look at manipulated reality. It’s a visceral experience that forces viewers to confront the power and perversion of visual media.
Bender’s pieces like “Hell Raiser” and “Gremlins” use brutal images from the Salvadoran Civil War, compelling viewers to face harsh truths that are often masked by mainstream media. Through these works, Bender exposes the gritty and unsettling reality that lies beneath the surface of polished media presentations.
Overall, “The Perversion of the Visual” is a relentless challenge to audiences, urging them to see beyond the glossy exteriors of media and grasp the deeper, more disturbing realities. Bender’s work remains as relevant today as it was in the 1980s, offering a powerful critique of the media’s role in shaping cultural perceptions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Gretchen Bender’s visionary work at Sprüth Magers. The exhibition runs until August 10, 2024, providing ample time for art lovers and cultural critics alike to immerse themselves in Bender’s provocative and influential pieces.
For more information, visit the Sprüth Magers website and follow them on social media for updates.
