Invisible NYC is proud to host, “Augmentable”, a two-person exhibit featuring the paintings of Joshua Abram Howard and mixed-media sculpture of Carlyle Micklus.

Joshua Abram Howard, originally from Seattle Washington, presents work that combines childhood experiences with biting commentary on contemporary art and culture. Mr. Howard has had numerous solo exhibitions in Europe and the U.S. – including his (date) success at Invisible NYC. He has also participated in a wide array of group shows including the recent “A Jamaica Queens Thing” at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning. Among his various grants and awards, Mr. Howard received the Skowhegan Fellowship, and he has been included in numerous publications including “Beautiful/Decay”. Mr. Howard’s paintings address a multiplicity of subjects such as astronomy, Greek myths, space debris, and cartoons through his signature use of electric colors and bold pop-culture imagery. He merges recognizable images and icons with his own fantastical characters and symbols. All of his paintings are snapshots of much larger stories that are continuously evolving. Mr. Howard uses imagery and themes laden with presumed meaning and reinterprets them thus creating his own, new visual myths and narratives. He states that this process makes it easier for himself to reflect on his own subconscious. Drawing inspiration from sources ranging from Freud’s concept of the alter ego, to the Greek myth of Icarus, Mr. Howard’s vibrant and pop-image inspired paintings delve deep into metaphoric history and myth while commenting on the frivolity of current pop-culture and corruption in politics and society at large.

Carlyle Micklus, originally from the Philippines, presents work that is a stinging reaction to the attitudes saturating t he art world, attitudes that seek to intellectualize contemp! orary cr eation at the expense of accessibility. Mr. Micklus has participated in multiple group shows throughout the world, including the Spencer Brownstone Gallery and Kathleen Cullen in New York City and the “Alimatuan” at The Conteporary Museum of Hawaii. He too had a solo exhibition at Invisible NYC, and has been featured in numerous publications such as “The Fader”. For this exhibit, Mr. Micklus will present a single sculpture. The piece, consisting of an immense pile of melted glue toped by two glue guns, is a culmination of his ongoing exploration of the subtraction of an object’s utility. He examines the concept of erasing conventionalities in order to produce an object that is admired for it’s sheer uselessness and spectacular effects, and the irony which exists in supplementing it’s significance through it’s insignificance. An overriding theme of the aggregate of thousands of serviceable binding materials reduced to a single object of adornment is presented so that it co nfronts the viewer with an unabashed challenge which is seen in it’s rawest form. While it is a glistening and beautifully sensuous mass of transparent glue, it’s theoretical and metaphorical significance an not be ignored much in the way Mr. Howard’s paintings, while colorful and amusing, boast confrontational and clear comments on society, the current political climate, pop culture, and history.

Mr. Howard and Mr. Micklus’ work, while visually very different, possess a dynamic and relevant dialogue, one that is pleasing, yet somewhat absurd. The works are sharp commentaries that evoke a sense of wonder and awe. Images and symbols have been redefined producing a new and refreshing commentary on the current world situation as well as figuring into historical narratives.