Locust Projects is pleased to present FAKE NEWS, a new installation of resin-coated illustrations by Miami-based artist Kelly Breez. Drawing from the look of serial publications, including newspapers and tabloid magazines, FAKE NEWS responds to the sensational headlines, media manipulation and climate of mistrust that culminated around the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. 

FAKE NEWS provokes the uncertainty of news reporting in the post-Trump era. With the dark humor and biting criticism of political cartooning, Breez’ illustrations propagate the scandal and melodrama of the current political moment. In headlines, bylines and caricatures of pundits, politicians and figures from the current presidential administration, the artist approaches political reality as a theater of the absurd. In appropriating these popular modes of media distribution, Breez fabricates her own ‘fake news’ where fiction imitates life, parodying the partisan info-tainment reporting so prevalent today.

Bordering on the grotesque, Breez’ imagery rests on the irreverence and satire of her own visual vocabulary, taking this charged subject matter to its furthest extremes. The artist’s own anxiety at today’s political climate comes through in instances where she inserts herself into the narratives that unfold across her invented headlines: One article, in reference to Breez, is titled “Artist Freaking Out.” Each headline insists on the trauma of current affairs, offering somber quips like “The Truth is Finally Irrelevant” and “Totally Screwed” to caution her viewers as they navigate these conditions. FAKE NEWS stages parody as the gruesome and not too distant counterpart to reality.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Kelly Breez (b. 1985, Lake Worth, Florida) received her BA from New World School of the Arts, Miami, FL. Commissions include public works by American luxury brand Shinola, Detroit as well as a series of illustrations for OBEY Clothing (founded by Shepard Fairey) launching summer of 2017. Breez is also the recipient of the ProMax BDA Gold Medal for Outstanding Creative Direction and Design: SundanceTV. Her work has been exhibited at Primary Projects, Miami. Breez lives and works in Miami, FL.