"1493"
Public intervention by Josue Pellot
"Here is my latest public intervention piece. its an animated neon sign installation in the store front windows of a food and liquor store that looks like the spanish fortress in Puerto Rico or anywhere in the world for that matter." Josue Pellot
For the second time in 500 years, a conquering European Armada has landed on the shores of this continent to disrupt the activities of the unassuming natives. Only this time, they are 48 inches tall and filled with neon gas. Chicago-based artist Josue Pellot has crafted three whimsical yet invective sculptural neon pieces to be displayed in the windows of La Municipal Supermarket (2559 West Division st., Chi. IL.) in Humboldt Park, just in time for the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival. To the passing pedestrian or float-rider offering only a cursory glance, these pieces may be mistaken for signs advertising liquor or a sale. But upon closer examination these works actually depict storied events at the onset of the culture clash that began when Columbus landed, sticking his sword both in the sand and in the ribs of a native.“While the people of Humboldt Park celebrate their culture and symbols, there is an ironic embracement of a dubious colonial history,” Pellot says as a Taino Indian drowns a Conqistador in bright colors behind him. It’s quite a sight!
Josue Pellot received his MA in Art Theory and Practice from Northwestern University in 2006 . He was featured artist with the Chicago Cultural Center for Chicago artists month (06’) and recently completed an installation project titled ‘Temporary Allegiance’ on the Expresso de Las Americas (Dec. 2007) in San Juan, PR. Upcoming solo exhibitions at Elmhurst college, Northeastern university, Vane gallery (U.K) and the Chicago Cultural Center.
For more information contact:
Jorge Felix felixjorge@msn.com
PH: 773.486.8345
FX: 773.782.1499
