Wave Pool contemporary art center has announced their newest exhibition, Faux Real, opening June 13.
Faux Real focuses on the “rapidly imposing threat of deepfakes.” The exhibit explores the idea that in the modern day and age — especially during these unprecedented times — the connections we have with the world and with each other are mainly through the screen.
Sidney Cherie Hilley, the 2020 Rigaud Curatorial Resident for Women of Color, is a multidisciplinary artist and writer, owner of Sidney Cherie Studios, a University of Cincinnati alumni and curator of the exhibition.
The exhibition has been dubbed a “thought-experiment show,” allowing the audience to question who they are and what they are willing to share when their identity is shed, while also exploring the “benefits of storytelling through an anonymous mouthpiece.”
Wave Pool’s Executive Director Cal Cullen said in an email, “Given the timely nature of both the exhibition content and the residency program, we felt it necessary to make this exhibition happen as planned.”
Recently, the gallery has been hosting digital openings of its exhibits via its COVIDeo YouTube channel. But Cullen says Wave Pool will be open to visitors noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday starting June 13, and will be taking appointments, though you can view the show in person without. When visiting the gallery, masks are required and no more than two visitors at a time will be allowed inside.
Large portions of the exhibition will also be available for viewing online, as well as via the virtual opening reception.
Featured livestreamed performances and events will include “In My Room — Absurdist Solo Clown Show” by Claudia Pompeya; “What is Your Mask: Call to Artist Fashion Show;” and an “IDENTI-TEA” poetry reading and performance night. Start by catching the livestreamed opening performance on Wave Pool’s Instagram from 6-7 p.m. June 13.
Wave Pool is a Cincinnati-based “contemporary art fulfillment center” whose mission is to connect communities and their needs through the experimental work of local artists.
Wave Pool (2940 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington) offers the Rigaud Curatorial Residency for Women of Color as a means for creating opportunities for women minorities in the curation field in a city where these opportunities are overwhelmingly lacking.
For more information on Faux Real, Sidney Cherie Hilley and Wave Pool, visit wavepoolgallery.org.
This article appears in May 6 – Jun 14, 2020.