You get a strong sense of the homogenous state of America when you view Patrick O’Dell’s photo show Epicly Later’d at Fuse Gallery. O’Dell captures his skate friends acting out as they work their way from one end of the country to the other—apparently on a wild binge during a demo skate tour. Yet the images are less about their actions than the actors themselves. Close-ups and personality shots dominate the photo series, and you find yourself on a back stage tour of O’Dell’s private life.
Like so many young photo/documenters, O’Dell is clearly a fan of Larry Clark, known for his famed Tulsa photo series that featured snap shot depictions of a group of small-town lowlifes.
Clark’s crime, drugs and passion have been replaced in O’Dell’s visual travelogue with tattoos, more skin and cute skater boys. O’Dell and his artistic peers are using art to express themselves, unlike Clark, whose novel images shocked audiences, these new photos speak to us in a branded Facebook fashion. This “booking” or branding trend focuses on the potential of visual art as a storytelling medium.
The Epicly Later’d story resonated with opening night audiences last week, who found their own coming-of-age moments somewhere in the images on display. This may not be big art—and the gallery is located at the back of a bar—but Fuse Gallery is no Chelsea “Project.” They’re proud to sell drinks as well as art. So grab a beer and catch a tasty slice of Epicly Later’d life.
Through Feb. 16, Fuse Gallery, 93 2nd Ave. (betw. 5th & 6th Sts.), 212-777-7988; Wed.-Sat. 3-8, free.
Like so many young photo/documenters, O’Dell is clearly a fan of Larry Clark, known for his famed Tulsa photo series that featured snap shot depictions of a group of small-town lowlifes.
Clark’s crime, drugs and passion have been replaced in O’Dell’s visual travelogue with tattoos, more skin and cute skater boys. O’Dell and his artistic peers are using art to express themselves, unlike Clark, whose novel images shocked audiences, these new photos speak to us in a branded Facebook fashion. This “booking” or branding trend focuses on the potential of visual art as a storytelling medium.
The Epicly Later’d story resonated with opening night audiences last week, who found their own coming-of-age moments somewhere in the images on display. This may not be big art—and the gallery is located at the back of a bar—but Fuse Gallery is no Chelsea “Project.” They’re proud to sell drinks as well as art. So grab a beer and catch a tasty slice of Epicly Later’d life.
Through Feb. 16, Fuse Gallery, 93 2nd Ave. (betw. 5th & 6th Sts.), 212-777-7988; Wed.-Sat. 3-8, free.
