Most art exhibitions are a purely visual experience, but at the launch of Dean Arlen's AlterEgo Project, held on June 28, at the lobby of the Scrip-J building at the Fernandes Industrial complex in Laventille, guests looked at, touched and even sat on the artwork.
Arlen showed 15 furniture designs, most of which were chairs, made of local teak and weathered metal.
The well-attended event featured an introduction by artist Steve Ouditt, words of thanks by Arlen, and poetry by Jude Patrong. Many of the designs were rooted in traditional local furniture forms, but Arlen put a new spin on them, challenging the viewer to engage old ideas in new ways.
Guests tried out the feel of the chairs, many expressing pleasure and surprise at how comfortable they were, given their unusual angles and sometimes severe lines. Arlen's work attempts to engage questions of space, beauty, function and cultural relevance.
