Philip Iosca’s “Hopefully I Become the Universe” receives acclaim
October 20, 2011
Making his debut solo exhibition, local artist/designer/poet Philip Iosca presents a touching collection of new works entitled HOPEFULLY I BECOME THE UNIVERSE in the Manuel Izquierdo Gallery. This work, in what critics such as Jeff Jahn at PORT have said is “powerful, restrained and ultimately heartbreaking,” is inspired by seven extraordinary young men from across the United States who independently and tragically ended their lives between July 9 and September 29, 2010 as a result of bullying they received for being openly gay or perceived as being gay.
Jahn writes “[t]he resulting effort is probably the most emotionally moving visual art exhibition I’ve encountered since moving to Portland 11+ years ago. I’ve never seen anyone tear up at an art show, like I observed at the opening on First Thursday, but that is an indication of the strength of this show. It is truly beautiful, very well considered and deeply sad memento mori.” Read Jahn’s review. HOPEFULLY I BECOME THE UNIVERSE is up until Thursday October 27.
Philip Iosca is a visual artist, award-winning designer and occasional poet. Most recently he published a book of poems entitled Ballad of the Sad Young Men with Publication Studio. Previous exhibitions include Watersports at 12128, curated by Sam Korman; Everything Matter All the Time at The Cleaners at Ace Hotel, curated by Azsa West; Catch All at PDX Across The Hall; Amsterdam Biennale, curated by Matthew Stadler and Publication Studio in Amsterdam and Portland; as well as an invisible monument for Car Hole Gallery last summer.
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