MEMENTO MORI
August 30 – September 19
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 30, 7 – 11pm
Gallery Hours: Wed-Sat 1-5pm and by appointment
The phrase Memento Mori reminds us to be aware of our mortality. David de Lara will die one day, but he’s ok with that. In the meantime David returns to Pump Project Art Complex with an event where an art show meets a cabaret with an exhibit of his artwork, songs by Luna Tart, burlesque by The Jigglewatts, and music by Southern Drama on Saturday, August 30, 2008 from 7-11 pm.
The trademark girls David creates have always represented moments in his life, however, there are times when things don’t seem real. Those moments helped inspire some of his recent artwork. While working he also thought about beliefs related to Día de los Muertos where life doesn’t truly begin until we die. The life we have now is what we make of it. We should celebrate it.
About the Artist and Performers
For most of the past decade David de Lara has created stylized portraits and figurative work of women. He doesn’t set out to capture anyone in particular with his paintings and drawings. Instead they are like dolls used to symbolize the human condition and share thoughts, ideas, feelings, and reactions to events in his life. The images of the women he photographs are often manipulated to blur the line between the reality and the surrealism of life.
Luna Tart has been playing ukulele and planning her own funeral for years. Luna Tart Died (of a broken heart) – tells a tragic tale of the almost famous, almost happy diva that never was. Luna Tart Died (Luna’s only recording) was released in 2007 and the Austin Chronicle called it “Sally Bowles and Lotte Lenya’s long-lost love child.” Tune in for new songs by Luna – all channeled to us by Austin’s own Laura Freeman.
The Jigglewatts are a burlesque and cabaret troupe based in Austin, Texas. They have been described as “the Zeigfield Follies meets Studio 54 with a dash of Barnum and Bailey.” Known to hold impromptu rehearsals in Irish pubs, go stalking down Red River Street in vintage swimsuits, and induct shy onlookers into spontaneous conga lines… you never know what to expect when these ladies are around! The Jigglewatts specialize in classic burlesque and striptease, modern cabaret, and flash mob go-go dancing.
Beautifully unconventional indie rockers Southern Drama use an eclectic blend of sultry and sour vocals, erratic and experimental electric violin, haunting and rhythmic piano, a trademark ramshackle drumming style, and carnival-esque bass lines that thunder like a stomping circus elephant! Soundcheck Magazine says “That music this refined comes from a band so young is noteworthy; that it comes without any adherence to social subcultures or characterization is what sets them apart as a group worthy of respect and a much, much wider following.”
