Elizabeth Herring at Micro Plot
A Secret Plot recently conspired with Elizabeth Herring to present the artist's project ‘Affirmation Action’ for the Micro Plot
Among the art faithful of Ojai, Herring hardly needs any introduction. The artist’s Basic Premise installation Ojai Gift confounded, confused and elated. It was the self-conscious and ironic salve on the near-mortal wound sustained by the culture front liberators of the picturesque resort town with its deep roots in early to mid-20th century occultism that is today filtered through a post-modern pastiche of magical grindset, debased celebrity and merch. And there is always more merch, as the mantra of the 21st century commands.
Ojai would be little if not for its glorious advertising and self-promotion qua self-delusion. The two go hand in hand and they are the penultimate 21st century ethos of the American century of the self. This is the magical act that Herring toys with in her micro installation. Using ignoble materials, discarded ear plugs, a found frame complete with an affirmation printed on cheap copy paper precariously attached to a broken piece of sheetrock with peeling wallpaper, the line between seriousness and irony is completely erased, at once pointing the way toward a self-affirming positivity of the New Age and its post-modern charlatan dream peddlers, but also to ironic detachment by which ‘true’ magical operations sustain themselves in the popular imaginary. Even the title ‘Affirmation Action’ suggests this double sidedness, a double identity, or double agency.
In order to be serious, one must always have the ability and become ready to self-doubt. Without this equilibrium the magical operation is null and void. One cannot buy Ojai paraphernalia, wear its variously similar uniforms or engage in acts of mystical self-improvement without a modicum of self-doubt and irony. Humor is the ultimate engine of doubt.
The merchandising of spiritual products and experiences is as old as the practice of magic itself, and so are its critiques. Poking fun at the supernatural materialism of today’s age is one of Herring’s great talents. The most immanent critique is always posed by those who are most dedicated or at the very least openly supportive of the thing being critiqued. Thus, humor also becomes the engine of ultimate avowal.
Elizabeth Herring at Micro Plot will be on view at Bart’s Books and in various locations around Ojai
July 20th – TBD (Sept/Oct 2023)
There will be a small celebratory gathering outside of Bart’s Books on August 18th at 6pm
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