Installation view. Courtesy of the gallery.

Installation view. Courtesy of the gallery.

Luis Miguel Bendaña, “Cherry”, 2013.
Enamel on sculpey.
Courtesy of the gallery.

Chicago based artist Luis Miguel Bendaña is currently on view at Important Projects in Oakland, CA for his solo exhibition, “White Mud Filthy Clean”.  “White Mud Filthy Clean” is composed of a collection of various mixed media works that display a special sense of immediacy in their functionality as an art object, as well as the pieces’ construction.  When visiting the exhibition viewers can see how and why Bendaña is attracted to his materials as well as the methods and techniques he uses in his practice.  The exhibition’s press release contains a quote by R. Strauss (below), an interesting introduction to Bendaña’s work.

And my face must glow far
whiter
Than the moonlight when
it glows most white.
And whoso beholds me
Must unto death be stricken
Or be lost in pain of joy.
See ye all not my face?
See ye that light
That from me doth shine?

-R. Strauss

Bendaña is the Co-Director of Queer Thoughts Gallery in Chicago, and has recently contributed to the current issue of SFAQ – #14.  Together Luis Miguel Bendaña and Sam Lipp (Co-director of Queer Thoughts) interviewed artist, Puppies Puppies about their work and influences.  Check out the interview by downloading SFAQ Issue 14 here.

“White Mud Filthy Clean” is on view until October 13th, 2013.  See it while you still can.  For more information visit here.