Collectivity Artist: Ben Jackel
The Corps of Discovery, 2016, stoneware, ebony, and copper, dimensions variable
Collectivity investigates points of connection between artists from two significant artist collectives based out of the Western United States – Hyperlink (Colorado) and Durden and Ray (Los Angeles) in back-to-back exhibits across two states. Currently on view at Durden and Ray in Downtown Los Angeles through August 25, 2018 - http://www.durdenandray.com/exhibitions/
Ben Jackel is an artist based in Los Angles, originally hailing from Aurora, Colorado. Jackel attended University of Colorado Boulder, CO in 2000 and received his Bachelors in Fine Arts. Continuing on for his Masters of Fine Arts, Jackel moved to Los Angeles and graduated from the University of California. Other education he received was his obtaining his Black Belt, (Shodan) Jinenkan, Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA. Jackel’s recent exhibitions include Reign of Fire at L.A. Louver in Venice, California, Providence of Night at Brandstater Gallery in Riverside, California. Currently, Jackel is an active sculptor, a teacher of ceramics at CSULB, and in his free time, restores brass aboard the Battleship USS Iowa. Jackel is a member of the Durden and Ray collective.
Pay Attention, 2012, pine wood and graphite, 162x64x11″
His sculptures are handmade and deal with the history of war and its artifacts, inherently but also subtly political in nature. His materials are primarily clay, wood, and stoneware and have an appearance of being artifacts of weaponry from wars of years past, imparted from a hand-rubbed beeswax finish that unifies the works. From medieval-esque helmets and Norse weaponry, to World War I and II era military machinery like cannons, naval ships, and aerial machines, to a series of more common objects like a fire extinguisher, a fire hose, and sprinkler heads, the artist explores the objects of conflict and emergencies. Scaling these objects for a gallery space exposes viewers to objects from our own culture that they may not see without military service, inviting reflection on their role in our geopolitical reality that may otherwise go unconsidered.
Gas Mask, 2016, stoneware and beeswax, 20x15x19″
