The Fragility of Complex Things
by Joe Merrell
May 6 – June 1, 2022
Artist Talk: Weds, June 1 – 7:30 pm
The Institute for Art and Olfaction (IAO) welcomes artist Joe Merrell in his second solo exhibition at the IAO Gallery. The Fragility of Complex Things is a multi-modal exhibition featuring scent, video, print and sculptural work, on view at IAO Gallery from May 6 – 29, 2022.
Known for his examinations into subjects and areas at the edge of human awareness, Los Angeles-based artist Joe Merrell turns his attention inwards and reflects on the individual impact of our ongoing political crises and pandemic.
The Fragility of Complex Things represents a small body of work made during the past two years: video, animation, print, and scent. While the work is, to a large extent, unified thematically (disease, isolation, life, and death), it is also simply a snapshot of an artist’s creative endeavors during a time of tremendous upheaval.
DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE (Opens as PDF)
ON VIEW
May 6 – June 1, 2022
Opening Reception: Fri., May 6, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
OPEN HOURS
Thu., May 26 – 6pm – 8pm
Sat., May 28 – 6pm – 8pm
Artist talk:
Wednesday, June 1 – 7:30pm – RSVP
The Institute for Art and Olfaction
932 Chung King Road, Los Angeles CA. 90012
IAO Gallery is accessible by wheelchair.
Directions: artandolfaction.com/visit
PHOTOS FROM THE OPENING
WORKS
Campo de la Estrella Azul
Eau de parfum, 30ml/1 fl. oz
2022
Balsam Fir
Eau de parfum, 30ml/1 fl. oz
2022
Untitled
12 x 19” pigment print
2022
Edition of 10
Blood from a Spoon
2 channel synchronized video +
1 unsynchronized optional video channel
2022
Edition of 1
Antisyzygy
12 x 12” pigment print
2022
Edition of 5
11/24/63 – 1/26/20
Gumball machine, gumballs, preserved gardenia blossoms, linen cloth
2022
Edition of 1
ABOUT JOE MERRELL
Joe Merrell was born in the Pacific Northwest and studied philosophy and history at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, later earning an MFA at California Institute of the Arts in Valencia. Dealing with subjects ranging from the paranormal to the environment, his artwork (video, animation, print, sculpture, and scent) has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and festivals in North and South America, Europe, and (most recently) New Zealand.
Website: joemerrell.com / eyesarealwaysthere.com
ABOUT IAO GALLERY
The Institute for Art and Olfaction’s gallery is devoted to exhibitions, performances, installations and other expressions that make use of or engage with the medium of scent.
Website: artandolfaction.com/exhibitions
Instagram: @artandolfaction
Contact: hello@artandolfaction.com