the canal chapter presents
a solo exhibition by alfredo martinez:
arsenal for democracy; war corporatism
exhibition date: january 27th ˇV february 24th
opening: friday january 8-10 pm.
curated by andreis costa
The Canal Chapter is proud to present Arsenal for Democracy ; War Corporatism, a solo exhibition of recent drawings and sculptures by Alfredo Martinez. Alfredo Martinez now working from a studio within a gated compound alongside the Gowanus Canal, Brooklyn. He has developed prototypes of modified tactical military vehicles as well as explosive devices and large caliber firearms. The artist has compiled sketches and drawings over the past several years depicting assault rifles, tank-like mobiles, and robotic soldiers with a fanatic obsession and childlike inquiry. Mr.Martinezˇ¦s art is rooted deep in Americaˇ¦s obsession with conflict, i.e. The War on Terror. Armed with a political agenda and detailed knowledge of weaponry, he is set to manifest his ideas and views about Americaˇ¦s foreign and domestic policy, through an installation of hand made gun replicas and gun drawings.
Alfredo Martinez presents us with sculptural composition directly representative of the aforementioned drawings. The drawings or diagrams ultimately act as a blueprint for the construction of weapons and vehicles made from found objects, metal and plastic parts, automotive detritus, and other adopted material. Martinez is able to show the viewer the homicidal nature of the tools. Smartly placing raw battle footage from Iraq in the viewfinder of the anti-aircraft gun, he draws a direct relationship between our infatuation with guns and the end result of warfare. More than just merely an obsessive display of firearms, it is Martinezˇ¦s condemnation of Americaˇ¦s insatiable appetite for war.
The Canal Chapter is an artist space/gallery, a cultural social sculpture that functions as its own installation. It is a reflection on the New York Downtown Scene, its here to elevate the state of contemporary art with a tight network of supporting lifestyle publications like Mass Appeal, Cargo, Animal and Frank 151, With Red Bull fueling the space, it has become a prime destination for trendsetters, artists, collectors, musicians, and fashionistas. We intend to explore the rawness of the Downtown Art Scene by showcasing the hottest multimedia artists, designers and photographers.
It is an open invitation for talent. The Canal Chapter is a studio, gallery, exhibition space and an event venue attracting New Yorkˇ¦s leading talent to come and collaborate with 1134nyc. We have turned the gallery into a social, where artists congregate, ideas fly and work is produced.
For more information about the exhibit, contact
Mikhail Sokovikov
Co-Founder/Director
1134 NYC
343 Canal Street New York, NY 10013
917.642.5033