Acclaimed artist Gonzalo Lebrija brings new meaning to Automobile Alley

 

Automobile Alley maintains tradition through contemporary means with the installation of Breve historia del tiempo, an outdoor sculpture suspending a full-sized vehicle above a 50-foot reflecting pool at Campbell Art Park on the district's northeast corner.

 

An opening reception will be held by Oklahoma Contemporary on August 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., allowing attendees to witness the elevated 2,500 pound Plymouth Duster.

 

Breve historia del tiempo, translated to English as "Brief History of Time," is a reactionary piece to a 2008 performance in which the artist dropped a similar vehicle from a crane into a lake. Inspired by an image captured at the event that showed the vehicle just before impact, this installation allows viewers to see firsthand the moment frozen in time. 

 

The reception will also allow the acclaimed contemporary artist, Gonzalo Lebrija, to speak with viewers about the artwork. A live mariachi band, a cash bar, and hors d'oeuvres will be included, as well.  

 

Breve historia del tiempo is being presented as a part of an upcoming exhibition at Oklahoma Contemporary.

 

The upcoming exhibition, La casa que nos inventamos: Contemporary Art From Guadalajara incorporates artworks from Mexican artists, like Lebrija, to help present a cultural expansion that has happened within the city of Guadalajara. Known for being the capital of Jalisco, the city has garnered a new respect in becoming an incubator for contemporary architecture, design, cuisine, literature, and visual arts. 

 

"It used to be that everything artistic really happened in Mexico City. Guadalajara decided to become their own art space and their own art landscape. It's aspirational for us in Oklahoma City where we want to do the same thing," Pablo Barrera, a curator at Oklahoma Contemporary said.

 

La casa que nos inventamos: Contemporary Art From Guadalajara consists of artwork by nearly 20 Guadalajara artists and will open on September 23 with its' own opening reception that coincides with Oklahoma Contemporary's Open House weekend. 

 

The Open House weekend will include artist talks, interactive performances, music, food trucks, and a car parade. 

 

You can find information on Breve historia del tiempo and more at www.okcontemporary.org.