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During the month of August, the Rena Bransten Gallery will present Tribe, a group exhibition of works that investigate clannish behavior. Tribe examines the attraction of members to one another and how this connection may be based on a shared identity that includes race, culture, or religion. Or the bonds may be less weighty such as those in subcultures where age group, interest, or behavior serve as binders. The artists in the exhibit explore the pull of conformity that both unites and separates one tribe from another. Their observations and depictions allow us a glimpse that almost satisfies our voyeurism yet leaves us hungry for more.
Ann Agee's porcelain figurines show busy New Yorkers bound by an interest in fashion, walking, and shopping.
John Bankston's narrative drawings and paintings include human and animal characters striving to connect - often across species boundaries.
Dawoud Bey's large scale confrontational portraits introduce the young sitters who may otherwise be lost in their peer group.
Leon Borensztein shows Japanese mafia members who have affiliated themselves with New York and Angelino "bikers" or "cholos" through hairdo, t-shirt, and tattoo.
Delia Brown's watercolors are taken from videos shot at parties specifically thrown to attract her subjects and reveal their commonality.
Marcel Dzama's Nubbies comprise an alien population who intermingle with earthlings - both human and inhuman - their distinctive deportment made clear in the vignettes.
Neil Farber draws and paints humanesque characters that collect in situations that test their survival skills.
Gail Halaban's photographs show 30ish girls of privilege enjoying the lush LA ligestyle that itself seems like a film script.
Nikki Lee costumes herself to assimilate into various subcultures. Through her snapshots she examines the meaning of self in relation to a surrounding group.
Albrecht Tübke's portraits from his book, "Citizens," show individuals of different nationalities united by commonality of their everyday pursuits and casual demeanors.
Sandra Wong's drawings of fragmented photos isolate groups of family and friends by activity and interest.
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