Daniel Joseph Martinez- The report of my death is an exaggeration; Memoirs of Becoming Narrenschiff

At Roberts & Tilton until 3/8, Martinez’s show is comprised of two parts- the first is a group of text paintings and small framed polaroids of mysterious objects surrounding a group of unearthed bonsai trees in the center of the gallery. In the second gallery is a group of photos of buildings around Los Angeles with Martinez’s text added.

Martinez’s work for this exhibition is based on Das Narrenschiff, or Ship of Fools, a satirical work created by Sebastian Brant in 1494, which focused on human folly in society. For three years Martinez traveled around Los Angeles on the bus with this in mind, observing the other passengers and his surroundings.  The result is a grim but affecting look into the perspective he gained from his travels.

(lower image via Roberts & Tilton)