During his milestone special, Bigger & Blacker, comedian Chris Rock once joked: “When you meet somebody for the first time, you’re not meeting them, you’re meeting their representative.” The joke itself has become an insightful classic that despite its bluntness and comical ire, it is actually rooted in a psychosocial philosophy that permeates society on a very real level.
The Jungian Shadow, a concept created by psychologist Carl Jung, involves the aspect of the Shadow self versus the social self. The Shadow self is often referred to as the “trickster,” a blind spot in the psyche that houses the antics of your id and rebukes the enduring posture of the ideal ego. It can be if you are trapped in a portrait of who the world expects you to be.
All Photos Courtesy of Andy Zalkin.
A revealing solo exhibition hosted by Mooncalf in Alphabet City, Maxwell Deter‘s MASKED is yet another notable point of reference that connects the dots of the Shadow self. The East Village native cleverly employs a thin veil of levity that allows him to levitate above the existential fray.
However, Deter also orchestrates a clash of patterns and materials that is very symbolic of the many different urges, thoughts and concerns that dwell within us all. Jung encouraged us to embrace the Shadow self, bring it into the light and bask in the unified glow of being who you truly are. Deter is leading with his id. He is creating with his instinct while being anchored by technique and intent.
Each work is a chapter of transformations that all contain a common red thread of Deter’s true self–both the beautiful and the ugly–a combination of the Shadow self and the social self, the two blissfully thrashing in the moshpit of the mind to an overture of inner peace and ultimate freedo0m. The artist is essentially dancing with his demons while simultaneously DJing the party. He is creating his own brand of visual jazz. There is a thoughtful discord in each note. Deter has a foot in chaos as well as control, hopscotching between mastery and madness.
MASKED is on display for al limited time only at Mooncalf in Alphabet City (332 E 4th St, New York, NY 10009) November 22nd. Be sure to stop by! In the meantime, we sat down with Deter and pick his brain about his work and his latest exhibition. Check out what he had to say…
Akeem K. Duncan: Before we begin… Do you prefer Maxwell or Maskwell?
Maxwell Deter: “I prefer Maxwell. Mask well is just an instagram persona.“
AKD: Describe your work in your own words…
MD: “I love using color, lots of it, o describe textures.. and organic patterns. I enjoy the process of making. I like having a red thread through all my work, maybe it’s not always so obvious what that red thread is. I’m not always 100% certain, but I know it’s there.
I have always been fascinated by the idea of a mask, the transformation of a person into a character, having that layer of cover between you and the world. It personally gives me confidence and also can make others unsettled. I try to make work that holds my interest whilst making it and I get absorbed in the details.”
AKD: What is your intention as a creative?
MD: “I think it changes a lot, I used to want to be a successful artist, selling lots of work and making a living off my art. That would still be great, but my intention is to make work that brings me pleasure and if I can share it with people who also enjoy it. I Make work I’m proud of and has to meet my exploration of an awkward image and a balance of beauty/ugly…”
AKD: Is there any significance to you using found and donated materials in your pieces?
MD: “I think anyway we can keep things out of landfills is great, but the main reason I use found materials is because they have the most interesting patterns and colors. I also love the idea of repurposing something that was a garment into art. That transformation is part of my process, it’s also helpful for me to create from an existing structure rather than just yardage of fabrics.“
AKD: What are some themes in your work that the audience may not be aware of? It’s giving Oogie Boogie from Nightmare Before Christmas…
MD: “Animals, monsters, insects, scales, skins… Expressions through the eyes… Confidence of line. Cartoon-like characters. Spikes, teeth, horns. Recycling of materials.”
AKD: You’re a True Yorker, hometown hero, East Village native to be exact… What is it like having a solo exhibition in your own backyard?
MD: “It’s amazing to have a show a couple blocks from where I grew up, especially because I don’t live in the neighborhood and how much it has changed, I was too young to know any galleries back In the day. If anyone should have shown here it should be someone from here.“
AKD: Being an East Village kid with Irish parents, what drew you to the Luchador aesthetic? And what would you say to an audience or critic who would place your work in the realm of cultural appropriation as opposed to cultural appreciation?
MD: “I’m open to criticism, comes with the territory. I would never deny that I pull inspiration from wrestling masks. Wouldn’t say it’s my sole inspiration, but was something that, even as young kid watching Mexican wrestling, amazed me. I try to be original and make masks that feel authentic to me. First masks I ever created were made from paint, then duct tape, and eventually fabric. I love masks of all kind, the luchadore template is one I found early on and helped me understand how to build and sew structures for the head… I’m grateful.“
AKD: You mentioned freedom… What is your definition of freedom?
MD: “Freedom for me is many things… Having enough time, energy, and resources to make art. Freedom is creative control… creative expression of the self without worry of judgement. Being able to do what you love without worry and have it feel genuine.“
Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, curator and profuse sweater, he is responsible for the curatorial direction and overall voice of Quiet Lunch. The Bronx native has read at venues such as the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, KGB Bar, Lovecraft and SHAG–with works published in Palabra Luminosas and LiVE MAG13. He has also curated solo and group exhibitions at numerous galleries in Chelsea, Harlem, Bushwick and Lower Manhattan.