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Latchkey Gallery is pleased to present, There is no God and we are his prophets, a two-person exhibition of new artworks by John Brendan Guinan and Esteban Whiteside. There is no God and we are his prophets casts a heightened shadow of an imagined state established by current systems. There is no God and we are his prophets, originates from Cormac McCarthy’s post-apocalyptic book, The Road which informs the theme of the exhibition. The exhibition is on view at 173 Henry St., New York City from March 1 – April 23. The opening reception will take place on March 1, 2023, 6-8pm.
Guinan and Whiteside’s complex reflections give a harrowing vision of a world directed by godly fanaticism. Through painting, sculpture, and abstract textile works, each artist reflects on the fragility of human civilization ruled by a dominant few. Veiled within this dystopian world are comments of our current systems, their discrepancies, manipulations, and hypocrisies. At the center of the gallery is an installation by Guinan. Camo Cross and Survivor Prie Dieu, introduces recognizable symbols now manipulated and repurposed to execute a new world order. Constructed from found utilitarian materials as well as high-end designer fabrics – such as Montcler, Balenciaga and Gucci, Camo Cross, is a symbol of militarization of this new religion. Save Us, a collaborative piece by the artists, fuses the geometric textile of Guinan with the reductive style of Whiteside. A textiled grid representing an aerial landscape of a fictitious refugee camp contains Whiteside’s Brut style symbols which can be found throughout the exhibition.
The aesthetically playful but sharp witted artworks by Whiteside target topics and subjects that reveal the absurdity of American culture. Market is Up, a painting masked in the colors of patriotism, quotes a bull market: the ever increasing sign of wealth and prosperity. Within Whiteside’s Big Board, an image of a man reaching into the garbage looks forward, his shirt soiled and hair overgrown calling attention to the immense disparity and callous indifference between citizens.
There is no God and we are his prophets is a visual prophecy of society’s quest for truth while shrouded in fear. It is both outlandish and a message of warning.
