For Immediate Release
March 26, 2012
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Calvin Phelps, Communications Manager
Armory Center for the Arts
(626) 792-5101 x 130
[email protected]
Armory presents Steven Bankhead’s large-scale
sculpture Eighteenth Brumaire
Exhibition: Steven Bankhead, Eighteenth Brumaire
Exhibition Dates: May 23, 2012 - May 31, 2013
Location: Madison Neighborhood Casita, 805 N. Madison Ave., Pasadena, California
Armory Center for the Arts is pleased to present Eighteenth Brumaire, a large-scale
sculpture by Los Angeles-based artist Steven Bankhead. The temporary public work will
be on display through May, 2013. Bankhead’s monumental sculpture, which utilizes the
materials of billboard construction, will stand prominently in the garden of the Madison
Neighborhood Casita, 805 N. Madison Ave. Pasadena, California.
In 1801, Napoleon commissioned Jacques Louis David to create a painting depicting him
crossing the Alps in order to propagandize his successful 1799 coup d'état (also known
as the 18 Brumaire, regarded by some scholars as the beginnings of 20th century
fascism). The piece entitled, Napoleon Crossing the Saint-Bernard Pass (1801), shows a
strongly idealized view of Napoleon astride a white stallion rearing back in victory. Fifty
years later, Karl Marx would make reference to Napoleon and his successor, Louis
Napoleon in his essay The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Napoleon. This essay best states
Marx’s view of the capitalist state, and includes the frequently quoted passage that
history repeats itself, "first as tragedy, then as farce.”
Apropos, Steven Bankhead attempts to depict the parallels that exist in contemporary
society in his piece entitled, Eighteenth Brumaire. The work, which stands nearly ten
feet tall and consists of steel armature, plywood and printed image, represents an
appropriated copy of David’s horse cut out from its surroundings with most of Napoleon
cut off as well. Originally displayed at the rooftop of Steven Turner Contemporary on
Wilshire Blvd. (across from Los Angeles County Museum of Art), the piece was created
with the intent to engage in the conversation surrounding the Getty during their PST
campaign throughout Southern California. He felt like there was cause to re-investigate
the work which he first caught his attention during the exhibition, Jacques-Louis David:
Empire to Exile at the Getty Center in 2005. Bankhead decided to address American
capitalism/imperialism by removing the very figure that symbolizes the two (Napoleon),
from the horse that is considered by many in America as a sign of freedom. In placing
the work in a Pasadena neighborhood after a three month stint on Wilshire Blvd.,
Bankhead considers how location can enlighten the potential for new meaning.
Born in 1971 in Augusta, Georgia, Steven Bankhead earned a BFA at Auburn University
and an MFA at Otis College of Art and Design. He has had solo exhibitions at Emma Gray
HQ, Los Angeles (2011); Circus Gallery, Los Angeles (2008 & 2010) and at Galerie
Andreas Binder, Munich (2009). His work explores themes of the avant-garde and its
revolutionary spirit, engaging in both their successes and failures.
Armory Center for the Arts
The Armory Center for the Arts, in Pasadena, California, believes that an understanding
and appreciation of the arts is essential for a well-rounded human experience and a civil
community. Founded in 1989, the Armory builds on the power of art to transform lives
and communities through presenting, creating, teaching, and discussing contemporary
visual art. The organization’s department of exhibitions mounts over 25 visual arts
exhibitions each year at its main facility and in locations throughout the City of
Pasadena. In addition, the Armory offers studio art classes and a variety of educational
outreach programs to more than fifty schools and community sites.
For information about Armory exhibitions and events, the public may call 626.792.5101
x122. or visit the Armory website at www.armoryarts.org.