Fredericks & Freiser is pleased to announce JUNE, an exhibition of paintings and performance byBaker Overstreet. Transforming the traditional gallery setting into both a performance space and exhibition space, JUNE will debut during the opening reception and will continue regular appearances at Fredericks & Freiser. Every Saturday afternoon at 2 pm, as well as intermittently throughout the exhibition, there will be a 20-minute performance.
As a personification of his vivacious alter ego, June Fagley, Overstreet uses this musical performance to explore the complications of being an artist. JUNE follows the absurd narrative of an aggressive narcissist, plagued with fears of stage fright, paranoia, and her own battle with “ego.” In a baritone voice, June belts out her woes of the theater, musing about the romanticism of the stage and her desire to be recognized. Borrowing various visual elements from Bauhaus performance, puppetry, drag, the magic show, and silent film, particularly of the horror genre, June explores her relationship with the self, her environment, as well as her enslaved assistant, Fanny.
The exhibition will have 13 paintings that focus on the narrative and the collection of imagery surrounding JUNE. Dramatized scenes of June and the relentlessly tortured Fanny, these works function as illustration and advertisement for the performances taking place within the gallery. Both the paintings and live performances are a portrait of the artist, addressing ideas of dandyism, social identity and an expression of the 'other'.
About the Artist
Baker Overstreet received an MFA from Yale University in 2006. He has exhibited his paintings in numerous galleries including Paolo Curti, Milan: Pilar Corrias Gallery, London: China Art Objects, Los Angeles; Franklin Artworks, Minneapolis; and was recently included in “Abstract America,” at the Saatchi Gallery, London. June Fagley performs regularly at Judy, a monthly queer performance and dance party. This is Overstreet’s third solo exhibition at Fredericks & Freiser.
