In conjunction with the world premiere of Dream of Life at Sundance 2008, artMbassy Gallery features "objects of life", a multimedia installation of objects, photographs and video inspired by Steven Sebring’s filming of the artist, singer and songwriter Patti Smith. The film Dream of Life is a hypnotic plunge into the philosophy and artistry of cult rocker Patti Smith. This portrait of the legendary musician, artist and poet explores themes of spirituality, history and the human condition. Known as the godmother of punk, Patti Smith emerged in the 1970’s, galvanizing the music scene with her unique style of poetic rage, music and trademark swagger.
The collaborative multimedia exhibition "objects of life" was inspired by photographer and director Steven Sebring’s experience shooting the film Dream of Life. During the course of filming he became fascinated by the history and mythology behind the possessions and personal treasures that Patti Smith shares with us during the film’s most intimate moments. It resulted in the desire to return to his roots as a photographer and to recontextualize through his camera lens, the sacred, and the common place; the effect is both anthropologic and sentimental, collapsing cultural differences in iconographic similarity, while revealing the object’s character and lasting beauty. "objects of life" consists of 14 large scale photographs taken by Sebring. This collection ranges from Patti Smith’s childhood dress, to an ancient urn containing the remains of Robert Mapplethorpe, to black leather boots that have stomped around the world.
Included is a video installation of Patti Smith in the course of creating an art piece, as well as a rare unseen oil painting by Patti Smith, which is her largest work to date. The exhibit also features a private collection of personal belongings from both artists whose collaboration is grounded by their relationship to the film and to their individual experiences.
This exhibit has been shown before at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.