Flanagan's Wake Exhibition at Kristina Kite Gallery Explores Performance Artist's Legacy Through BDSM Aesthetics
The Kristina Kite Gallery in Los Angeles is showcasing 'Flanagan's Wake,' an exhibition curated by Sabrina Tarasoff in honor of performance artist Bob Flanagan, who passed away in 1996. Flanagan, renowned for his sadomasochistic performances alongside partner Sheree Rose, created the notable 1989 work 'Nailed.' This exhibition intertwines elements of a wake, a BDSM gathering, and a celebration of life. Among the featured pieces are Michael Queenland's 'Black Balloon Group' (2018), Amy O'Neill's 'Post Prom Dance Floor Version Two' (1999/2022), and Robert Gober's 'Heart in a Box' (2014–15). The exhibition will be open until November 5 and ties into Tarasoff's earlier project for Made in LA 2020. The title alludes to Dennis Cooper's 1996 eulogy for Flanagan.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Flanagan's Wake' at Kristina Kite Gallery in Los Angeles runs through November 5
- Curated by writer and critic Sabrina Tarasoff as a tribute to performance artist Bob Flanagan
- Bob Flanagan died of cystic fibrosis in 1996 and was known for sadomasochistic performances with partner Sheree Rose
- Includes works by Michael Queenland, Amy O'Neill, George Stoll, Robert Gober, Julie Becker, Nayland Blake, and Mike Kelley
- Only one artwork directly by Flanagan: 1991 video '100 Reasons' with Sheree Rose and Mike Kelley
- Exhibition concept evokes aftermath of a party combining wake, BDSM orgy, and celebration
- Title references Dennis Cooper's 1996 Artforum eulogy 'Flanagan's Wake'
- Sabrina Tarasoff previously created a Beyond Baroque-themed installation for Made in LA 2020 (2021)
Entities
Artists
- Bob Flanagan
- Sheree Rose
- Dennis Cooper
- Sabrina Tarasoff
- Michael Queenland
- Amy O'Neill
- George Stoll
- Robert Gober
- Julie Becker
- Nayland Blake
- Mike Kelley
- Charles Bukowski
Institutions
- Kristina Kite Gallery
- Artforum
- Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center
- Made in LA
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States