Let the arguing begin. By presenting the Wax Nostalgic: 1994 art exhibit, guest-curated by Chris Breeden of Arnold's Bar & Grill, Covington's BLDG gallery is staking a claim that this was the year that defined the 1990s and, thus, all that has followed. The show opens with a 7-11 p.m. reception on August 17 and will be on view through September 14.
It will feature over 50 local, regional and national artists who were challenged by Breeden to create work "inspired by pop art, culture, media, music, tech and anything else that make one wax nostalgic for the glory of ‘94," according to a press release. Among the culture-shaping events of that year, BLDG mentions, were the movies Forrest Gump and The Shawshank Redemption, Nelson Mandela’s election to president of post-apartheid South Africa, and Kurt Cobain’s shocking, untimely death.
“A lot of things I love came out in 1994," Breeden says. "One could even argue it was both the best and the worst year of the '90s. It was a time of hella highs and bogus lows and the best way to deal was to party on through. Some remember it fondly, others would rather forget — but all are invited to celebrate what turned out to be one helluva year.”
The opening reception will be a dance party spun by DJ Brock McKinley, with attendees encouraged to wear their best '90s-inspired streetwear, fanny packs and "anything that celebrates their inner Saved by the Bell."
BLDG is at 30 West Pike St. in Covington. For more information, visit bldgrefuge.com