Josh Kline's 'Quality of Life' Exhibition Explores Digital Prosthetics and Pharmaceutical Aesthetics

The exhibition 'Quality of Life' by Josh Kline showcases video pieces that utilize real-time imaging software created by Arturo Castro and Kyle McDonald, overlaying the faces of late celebrities on live performers. In 'Forever 48,' a digital representation of Whitney Houston, with a mask, dryly reflects on her party lifestyle, while 'Forever 27' features Kurt Cobain, sporting green hair and vaping. These digital masks serve as interchangeable symbols of celebrity identity, accessible to anyone. This exhibition builds on Kline's previous work, 'ProBio,' from summer 2013 at PS1, which included contributions from Ian Cheng, Carissa Rodriguez, and DIS. Kline’s sculptures, echoing the sleek aesthetic of Apple Stores, incorporate corporate and medical themes, with items like IV bags filled with Ambien and chamomile for sleep or spirulina and Red Bull for energy. The pieces critique modern labor, economic policies, and public persona construction. In the video, Houston admits that her only genuine personal trait was her depression, which she concealed with cocaine, while Cobain talks about his stomach issues and probiotics. The exhibition took place at 47 Canal in New York and was featured in ArtReview's December 2013 issue. Kline's methodology transcends mere diagnostic analysis, delving into a philosophy of surface, using fluid digital masks to investigate identity as a prosthetic.