In November 2021, confined to bed with Covid, artist Juliana Halpert found herself immersed in the fantastical world of Harry Potter and the intricate lines of political maps. This period of isolation and introspection inadvertently set the stage for an unexpected collaboration. A message from Parker Ito, arriving amidst Halpert’s feverish contemplations, sparked the genesis of their joint exhibition, “12 Dancing Princesses,” at Climate Control.
The exhibition, running from June 15 to July 27, 2024, is more than just a display of artworks; it’s a narrative woven from the threads of friendship, chance encounters, and contrasting artistic approaches. Halpert, reflecting on the serendipitous nature of their collaboration, recalls their initial connection: casual exchanges on Instagram that blossomed into a deeper artistic dialogue. Ito, known for his aversion to small talk, admits to finding a unique resonance in his conversations with Halpert.
Their friendship, characterized by what the exhibition text describes as “affinity and contrast,” began with chance encounters and developed through repeated interactions. Halpert recounts attending Ito’s 2020 show “Longevity Buns” and later inviting him to her solo exhibition, “Wake up sleepers!”. These early engagements paved the way for a shared dinner and eventually, the conception of “12 Dancing Princesses.”
The exhibition at Climate Control becomes another chapter in their ongoing artistic conversation. It’s an exploration of their individual practices in relation to one another, highlighting both their shared sensibilities and distinct perspectives. Halpert describes their bond as one where she considers Ito “one of my closest friends,” despite infrequent in-person meetings. This exhibition serves as a testament to their enduring connection, manifested through their art.
Halpert’s contribution to “12 Dancing Princesses” includes turmeric anthotype prints, a process born from resourcefulness. Utilizing pantry spices and household rubbing alcohol, she embodies the principle of creating “fairly complete worlds with few tools.” This ethos, inspired by Jasminne Morataya, underscores Halpert’s artistic approach: finding freedom within constraints and crafting narratives with minimal means.
Installation view of the "12 Dancing Princesses" exhibition at Climate Control
This resourcefulness extends to her video piece, “Old Dutch Cleanser Mine.” Initially lacking inspiration for a video to accompany a composition by Sarah, a chance encounter with Alex led to an impromptu excursion to an abandoned pumicite mine. The mine, reminiscent of the Gringotts vault from Harry Potter in Halpert’s mind, became the setting for her video. Alex’s drone captured the mine’s depths, creating a visual experience that Halpert playfully likened to a “colonoscopy,” highlighting the unexpected connections between personal experience and artistic creation.
Installation view of Parker Ito's artwork in "12 Dancing Princesses" exhibition
Parker Ito’s works in “12 Dancing Princesses” showcase a contrasting approach, characterized by meticulous control and the integration of diverse elements. His pieces, such as the Pilgrim’s sticky toffee pudding gesamtkunstwerk, in the year of the dragon, a la mode, part 1, exemplify this complexity. Ito manipulates AI-generated imagery, solar dye, and references to Japanese folklore, bending these elements to his artistic will. Drawing a parallel to Nabokov’s assertion of control over his characters, the exhibition text positions Ito as the Nabokov to Halpert’s more “Foerster-like” approach, where process and chance play a more significant role.
Exhibition space showcasing diverse artworks at "12 Dancing Princesses"
While Halpert embraces chance and resourcefulness, Ito embodies a more deliberate and commanding artistic presence. Yet, despite their differing methodologies, “12 Dancing Princesses” underscores their shared space within the exhibition and within the broader art world. The exhibition becomes a dialogue between these contrasting forces, exploring the dynamic interplay of friendship and artistic practice.
Installation view highlighting Juliana Halpert's turmeric prints
Through “12 Dancing Princesses,” Juliana Halpert and Parker Ito invite viewers to consider the multifaceted nature of artistic collaboration and the unexpected pathways of creative inspiration. From chance encounters to shared artistic dialogues, the exhibition reveals how friendship and contrasting approaches can converge to create a compelling and thought-provoking artistic experience at Climate Control.
Parker Ito's artwork *visions of the Pilgrim’s Printer Progress from this world, to that which is to come (small knight),* displayed at Climate Control
Close-up installation shot from the "12 Dancing Princesses" exhibition
Parker Ito's *the Pilgrim’s sticky toffee pudding gesamtkunstwerk, in the year of the dragon, a la mode, part 1,* showcased in the exhibition
Parker Ito's digital video installation ☉☉ at "12 Dancing Princesses"
Juliana Halpert's *Self-portrait in kitchen,* turmeric anthotype print
Juliana Halpert's *Backyard,* turmeric anthotype print on display
Parker Ito's *visions of the Pilgrim’s Printer Progress from this world, to that which is to come (small knight),* detail
