Cult of Personality Exhibition (Now through May 28)

CHRISTIAN HOLSTAD
TAKE STANDS 3 (FOREST FIRE, BLUE SKY, LOCUST ON WHITE SPINDLE LEGS) 2004, COLLAGE

The third in a annual series of exhibitions curated and organized by the de la Cruz Collection to benefit the students of Nova Southeastern University.

The  title  of  the  exhibition,  Cult of Personality, arises from the term when an individual  uses mass media, propaganda ,  or other methods   to create an idealized, heroic, and at times worshipful  image, often occurring through unquestioning flattery and praise. In the beginning, it was described as having no political connotations, but closely related to the Romantic Cult of the Genius. In  his  writings,  Sociologist  Max  Webber  developed a  classification  where the “Cult  of Personality”  holds similarity with charismatic authority.

Christian Holstad’s art practice reflects his interest in crafts, handmade  objects,  textiles,  and  his appreciation for  American  culture  and  history.  His  work  shares  a  “Camp” aesthetic sensibility. With references to Kitsch, “Camp” was very much part ofthe 1960’s – 1970’s culture and is often associated with filmmakers,artists and performers like John Waters ( his films Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, and Polyester), Andy Warhol, Divine, Liberace, and Marilyn Monroe.

Admission is free and open to the public.