Piston Head II: Artists Engage the Automobile
July 30 - September 10, 2016
Opening: Saturday, July 30th, 5:00 - 8:00 pm

VENUS
601 South Anderson Street
Los Angeles, CA 90023

(Los Angeles, CA) – VENUS is pleased to present Piston Head II: Artists Engage the Automobile, an exhibition which explores the relationship and parallels between art and the automobile, featuring new works in which the car is considered as both a cultural icon and sculptural form.

The exhibition includes works by César, Katherine Bernhardt, Will Boone, Keith Haring, Matthew Day Jackson, Olivier Mosset, Richard Prince, Sterling Ruby, Peter Shire, Lawrence Weiner, and Jonas Wood. Additionally, VENUS is delighted that Garage Italia Customs, the creative hub founded by Lapo Elkann and dedicated to tailor-made customizations, will personalize a selection of vehicles exclusively for the exhibition.

As the quintessential machine of modern life, the car has both shaped human experience and inspired countless artists over the years. With the power to convey status and identity, the automobile reflects the desires and dreams of its owners. The artists included in the exhibition have approached the car as both object and subject in numerous ways—from Olivier Mosset’s bikes recontextualized in the gallery space to Sterling Ruby’s caged-in bus to a quintessential Richard Prince muscle car. In a collision between the automobile and contemporary art, the exhibition explores the tensions between aesthetics and utility.

Adam Lindemann explains, “This art car show takes off where our Piston Head exhibition in Miami ended (December 2013) and explores the intersection of art and cars, a space that VENUS has helped define. We have several amazing artists producing new work for the exhibition as well as several important and historic art cars on loan.”

Lapo Elkann adds, “I am happy that Garage Italia Customs and its creations have a role in VENUS’ exhibition alongside world-class artists. Adam Lindemann and I share a passion for the incredible artistry, beauty and power of the automobile. The VENUS exhibition gives Garage Italia Customs the rare opportunity to evolve beyond its unique cars and focus on the potential for innovation that still exists within the space.”

In partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, VENUS is pleased to present a Keith Haring Land Rover (1983), which will be on view at the museum in conjunction with the exhibition.

For further information about the exhibition and availability, please contact the gallery at info@venusovermanhattan.com

For all press inquiries related to the exhibition, please email press@venusovermanhattan.com