June 2016 / In The Backspace: Redefining Ballerism
Jana Brevick. Redefining Ballerism: Upping The Ante
Basketball rim, crystals, glass, nylon, brass & steel
2009, edition 1/3
photo: Adrian Busse
In The Backspace
Redefining Ballerism: Victory Lap
Jana Brevick
June 02 – July 02, 2016
Reception / Thursday, June 02, 6–8pm
Brevick revisits her Ballerism series, making a piece she has had in her brain’s sketchbook department for a few years.
Using heavy gold rope Dookie chains, pendants and other jewelry long described as bling, she makes a net that echoes back to 80’s hip hop styling à la RUN DMC and Slick Rick. Wearing your wealth has been a part of human nature since we decided that putting a cord through the hole in a shell and tying it around our neck set the tone for glamour. Wearing Dookie chains started as a way for hip-hop artists to show off success from hard work, dedication, status, and loyalty to labels and community.
Victory Lap ties together sports, hip-hop, status, sex, fashion and what it means to be baller.