BRIAN ALFRED
“Future Shock”
Miles McEnery Gallery, New York
What the Gallery Says: “Taking its title from Alvin Toffler’s 1970 novel and Herbie Hancock’s 1983 album, Brian Alfred’s Future Shock embraces both of their messages and expands upon them. Toffler warns of an impending information overload as well as humanity’s inability to adapt to the ever-increasing speed of industry and consumerism. Alternatively, Hancock’s album welcomes the so-called information overload, praising the expansion of musical possibilities brought on by technology.”
Why It’s Worth a Look: Delivering a dark message in a seductive package is nothing new, but Brian Alfred’s sleek images stand out. The depopulation of all his paintings, showing scenes like a flooded suburb and a riot at a soccer field, show a world running out of control faster than humankind can comprehend.
What It Looks Like:
Installation view of Brian Alfred, “Future Shock,” at Miles McEnery Gallery. Courtesy of the artist and Miles McEnery Gallery, New York.
Brian Alfred’s Enclaves of the Future (2017). Courtesy of the artist and Miles McEnery Gallery, New York.
Brian Alfred’s Friendships in the Future (2017). Courtesy of the artist and Miles McEnery Gallery, New York.
Brian Alfred’s Sunlight and Personality (2017). Courtesy of the artist and Miles McEnery Gallery, New York.
Brian Alfred’s Experimental Industries (2017). Courtesy of the artist and Miles McEnery Gallery, New York.
Brian Alfred’s The Environmental Screen (2017). Courtesy of the artist and Miles McEnery Gallery, New York.
Brian Alfred, Time Horizons (2017). Courtesy of the artist and Miles McEnery Gallery, New York.
Brian Alfred’s Personal Stability Zones (2017). Courtesy of the artist and Miles McEnery Gallery, New York.
Brian Alfred, The Organizational Upheaval (2017). Courtesy of the artist and Miles McEnery Gallery, New York.
Brian Alfred, Bombardment of the Senses (2017). Courtesy of the artist and Miles McEnery Gallery, New York.
Installation view of Brian Alfred, “Future Shock,” at Miles McEnery Gallery. Courtesy of the artist and Miles McEnery Gallery, New York.
“Future Shock” is on view at Miles McEnery Gallery, 524 West 19th Street, New York, through March 10, 2018.