Justin Colt Beckman Presents: RURAL FAMOUS at 3rd Ward

When:Friday, October 8, 2010
Time:7-10 pm
Where:3rd Ward
195 Morgan Ave
Brooklyn NY 11237
Cost:Free

3rd Ward is pleased to present RURAL FAMOUS, a collection of multimedia works by 3rd Ward’s Winter 2010 Solo Show Winner, JUSTIN COLT BECKMAN. Beckman’s culturally provocative work explores issues surrounding the urban/rural dichotomy though “hillbilly” tableaus that combine tradition, technology, and living in the modern age. RURAL FAMOUS is an unexpected, unique exhibit that uses a wealth of mediums to create what the artist calls a “mystical ‘countrypolitan’ environment…a virtual structure.”

Beckman will be bringing many of his critically-acclaimed works to 3rd Ward in RURAL FAMOUS. The installation, Honky Tonk, will transform a 3rd Ward studio into a full-scale country bar, combining projection, sound, found materials, and Beckman himself singing country tunes. In Homestead, the artist and his dog become a high-tech digital projection of “redneck” culture. Black Bear is a citified sculpture of rural masculinity: a towering black bear covered in 20,000 black rhinestones.

Justin Beckman was selected from hundreds of submissions in 3rd Ward’s Winter 2010 Solo Show Open Call. In addition to his own 3rd Ward Solo Show, Beckman was also awarded a $5,000 cash grant, a residency at 3rd Ward where he will produce new work, and living quarters in CASTLEBRAID, a residential community of creatives in Bushwick.

The October 9th Gallery Opening is free and open to the public, and will feature live bluegrass from the Melody Allegra Band, complimentary country-themed cocktails from Red Jacket Orchards, and – at the artist’s request – free cans of Busch beer. RURAL FAMOUS will be on exhibit for the month of October.


About Danielle Clarke