seth bogart presents a dysfunctional sex shop filled with ceramic toys in latest exhibition

in his latest exhibition, titled lick, los angeles-based artist seth bogart has created 100 seductive ceramics to form a dysfunctional sex shop in hollywood. currently on show in the city’s nino mier gallery space, the exhibiton uses the entirety of the gallery space to create an immersive, retail-like environment filled with salon-hung paintings, sex toy ceramics, papier-mâché props and a pink painted walls with logo-like signature decals.

images courtesy of seth bogart /nino mier gallery

bogart pays homage to the gallery’s location in west hollywood, focusing his efforts on the ‘queer archive’ and its themes. objects form nodes of identification within queer culture, especially considering the lessened role that physical objects, code words, sex stores and club memberships now play as a result of hookup apps and social media.

an array of ceramic objects modeled after recognizable gay paraphernalia, from poppers and handcuffs, to condom wrappers, virility supplements, truvada bottles and mascara sit atop plinths. at the front space of the gallery contemporary and historic gay magazines spanning an array of subcultures and genres are available read and explore amongst more erotic ceramic objects.  

seth’s work lies somewhere between pop art and queer-as-hell kitsch. originally a stylist at legendary oakland hair salon, down at lulu’s, bogart first gained recognition as the frontman of all-femme-backed punk band hunx and his punx. in 2014, bogart launched his own clothing brand called wacky wacko featuring the artist’s illustrations and paintings, all distinctly queer in theme and exploding with joyful anarchy. 

in 2015 he exhibited a similar exhibition cataloguing images of salon life, including ceramic perfume bottles, hairspray, pastel hairdryers, curling tongs and cans of diet coke. in his latest, the artist continues to channel the DIY look of his work, whilst also building up the colourful world he is come to be known for. lick runs until 4 August, 2018.