Chris Bakay

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STATEMENT

Words and images can only go so far in telling the story of a time and place in history. Objects give us deeper insights

by having physical contact with the past. They tell today that yesterday was real, that it actually happened. Certain

experiences can transfigure these objects into bearers of identification, emotion and recollection. A thing by itself is

inert. It’s spirit is dormant. Only by reviving its narrative can it be resuscitated with new meaning. Once it has been

brought back to life its molecules vibrate with an event, emotion or memory. By remaking these objects using elevated

mediums and processes I’m paying homage to not only the memory itself but the participants as well.

BIO

Chris Bakay is a multidisciplinary visual artist living and working in Houston, TX. His work is informed by past personal

experiences as well as commentary on human nature. The materials he works with range from industrial resins and silicones

to household items like sugar and ice. Born in 1977, in Atlanta, GA, he studied Design at The Creative Circus. Bakay’s work

has been included in solo and group exhibitions in New York, Austin, Indianapolis, Houston and Galveston. His work has

been covered High Snobiety’ #GramGen, Design Taxi and Business Insider. In 2017, he was commissioned by Nike for a

VaporMax sculpture for Air Max Day.

Solo Exhibitions

2019 Stained Glass, Indianapolis Art Center, Indianapolis, IN

2019 The Tangibility of Memory, Galveston Arts Center, Galveston, TX

Group Exhibitions

2019 Emerging to Established (7/13-8/26), Krause Gallery, New York, NY

2019 Emerging to Established (1/5-2/26), Krause Gallery, New York, NY

2018 The Big Show, Lawndale Art Center, Houston, TX, (curated by Evelyn C. Hankins, PhD.)

2017 OVERNEATH, Northern-Southern Gallery, Austin, TX, (curated by Rachel Freeman)

2017 The Big Show, Lawndale Art Center, Houston, TX (curated by Toby Kamps)

2016 The Big Show, Lawndale Art Center, Houston, TX (curated by Apsara DiQuinzio and Tina Kukielski)

2014 Voids, Shadows and Believable Things with Brad Nelson, Avis Frank Gallery, Houston, TX

2013 Spring Introduction Group Show, Avis Frank Gallery, Houston, TX

Commissions

2017 Nike, clear VaporMax sculptures for Air Max Day, NYC

Bibliography

Zaidenweber, Arianna. “Chris Bakay Is Turning Supreme Tees Into Translucent Artworks” HighSnobiety.com. Oct, 30, 2018

Leow, Mikelle. “It’s 2018, But These Reimagined Streetwear Staples Are Already Living In 3018”, DesignTaxi.com. Oct 29, 2018

Kurt, Ilkin, Interview, A Journal. May 9, 2018

Moloney, Tim. “Icy Hot”, Local Houston Magazine. June 2017

Barrington, Molly. Interview, VexxdMagazine.com. March 31, 2017

Zierold, Ariadna. “Retired Jerseys by Chris Bakay”, UpperPlayground.com. March 14, 2017