Lustprinzip: The Pleasure Principle by Christopher Dance

The term lustprinzip In Freudian psychoanalysis, the pleasure principle (German: Lustprinzip) is the instinctive seeking of pleasure and avoiding of pain to satisfy biological and psychological needs. This show is a collection of works in reaction to the tragedies and comedies of the past few years which have felt like a constant wave of physical, psychological, emotional and actual, fire tornados. It felt like this was a moment to celebrate what is still possible, and also poke a little fun at myself and the capitalist machine driving so much of our common tragic history. The work for me represents little views in to my escapist and avoidant duality; some of it beautiful and confrontational, some of it absurd and uncanny.
Figure sculpting, master copies (studying and making works resembling the original) and exploration and experimentation with the potters wheel for sculptural and two-dimensional canvas work have been themes throughout this past year. Influenced by the release of the Bernini Terra Cotta’s from the met in a fully accessible PDF, the abolitionist wares of the Wedgwood factory, Della Robbia reliefs, Toby mugs, and Greek and Roman pediments. A large part of the show was created in Las Vegas, which has a rich visual and cultural milieu to pull from. I am interested in blending history and the contemporary moment, increasing my understanding of ancient and modern techniques, and most recently laughing a bit while I make my work.
Join me for an evening of art, conversation and some adult beverages. If you would like to schedule a viewing, outside of the reception, please send me an e-mail. Christopherdanc@gmail.com