Currently on view at The Invisible Dog in Brooklyn, artist 2Fik presents “2Fik Museum,” a collection of photographic works that take inspiration from classical paintings. At first glance the works might seem derivative or even downright gimmicky, but 2Fik is able to elevate the familiar trick to create an earnest dialogue. By raising questions about identity, voyeurism and canonical art, 2Fik’s humorous portraits are something more than mere imitation. The photographer becomes a universal stand-in, inhabiting the roles of iconic figures so that we can look on them with fresh eyes.
Growing up with a childhood that straddled Morocco and France before immigrating to Quebec, much of 2Fik’s work focuses on the issue of identity as well as crossing real and perceived borders. In becoming Ingres’ “La Grande Odalisque” and picnic-crashing Manet’s “Le déjeuner sur l’herbe,” the artist and model causes viewers to pause and rethink what we know about the person in the portrait.
“2Fik Museum” will run through 18 May 2013 at The Invisible Dog.
Images courtesy of The Invisible Dog