I recently visited the opening for “Hustle For That Muscle”, an exhibition at Times Square project space, Public Works Association (more on them later). It was underground, between the subway and the street, filled with the glow of the M&Ms store and Sephora ads.
Where Time Square was once a grimy space full of artists working to survive, advertisements for the wealthy and recognizable franchises for tourists fill its place. Inspired by these advertisements, Amanda Mehl’s show “Hustle for That Muscle” creates a response full of mock ads for fantasy fragrance, sports drinks, and other modes of convenience for the busy Manhattan professional.
Born in Buenos Aires and now based in Brooklyn, Mehl combines fashion and fine art; inspired by her mother, a fashion designer; in order to create cultural commentary using humor and beauty.
Because this work resonated with me, I wanted to send Amanda few questions about her work for this blog- here are the responses:
MC: How would you describe your artwork in three words?
AM: Smart, funny, pretty.
MC: As a multidisciplinary artist, how do you manage to not be pulled in too many different directions/remain focussed on a finished project?
AM: I don’t. I’m all over the place. But it comes together eventually. When I have a deadline I prioritize that project and then I get back to everything else.
MC: What attracts you to non traditional gallery spaces, and what do you notice in the response to them?
AM: Traditional galleries are so boring and take themselves and the art so seriously. The responses are that people that don’t come from the art world are less intimidated to interact with the art.
MC: Do you think being an artist can be taught?
AM: Yeah, if that’s what someone wants to do, they should go learn how to make art. I don’t see art as a mystical thing that needs gatekeeping.
MC: What does fashion week mean to you as an independent designer?
AM: I recently decided to stop showing my shows during fashion week and just show whenever I’m ready and feeling it. Sometimes that might coincidentally fall on fashion week though. Regardless, I’m just doing my own thing these days.
MC: Your latest show “Hustle for that Muscle” satirizes Times Square advertisements and hustle culture, how do you feel wealth and hustle culture relate to be an artist?
AM: Manhattan ads don’t resonate with me because I have no desire for these products. Even if I could afford having everything delivered, I wouldn’t want that. I always felt alienated by them. So I turned it into a source of inspiration for my art. The ads are basically saying, “You’re too busy hustling to do anything, we’ll deliver everything do you don’t need to have any interaction with the world outside your bubble.” Of course I have something to say about that. It hurts me. But through art I can voice my opinion and have a laugh at how absurd life is.
MC: What inspires your work the most right now?
AM: Sometimes it’s a direct reaction to my surroundings, such as the ads. Other times it’s something more surreal, subconscious and dreamy. Depends on the project and where it’s showing.
MC: When did you first begin designing clothes?
AM: When I was a kid. My mom is a fashion designer so there was always fabric scraps around. I never liked the clothes that were in style and I had a vision since I was really little so I started making my own. The first dress I actually made was with a fabric scrap and a stapler. I draped it on my body and it was actually pretty! My mom was shocked. I was like 9.
see Amanda’s work here:
https://www.amehlnyc.com