Press Release

“A Memorial For Lola”

A Solo Exhibition by Basil Malicsi

“As air gives life to the human body, so does sewing gives breath to my soul.”

– Basil Malicsi

Breathtaking, beguiling and bedazzling. These are the words that best describe the soft and hard sculpture installation work by artist/fashion designer, Basil Malicsi. Resembling the home of the artist in his early childhood years, the labyrinth is dedicated to honor and memorialize his late grandmother who greatly influenced his life and career as a fashion designer.

Entering the replica of his home, imagine yourself walking into the heart of the artist’s store of memories filled with j’oi de vivre of family, faith, love and togetherness expressed through the vibrant prints and colors of the threads and retasos. Wander around and feel free to touch the sewing machine then visualize the artist’s grandmother sewing and stitching layers of fabric from sun up to sun down and into the middle of the night. Smell the scent of stored fabrics and immerse yourself in the process of creating this monumental structure.

The functional art objects act as triggers that bring memories of sight and sound such as the dining table that doubles as a cutting table for fabric before meal times, a rattan hammock which eased the back of the grandmother during siesta hours, an altar where everyone paid homage before leaving the house –all these replicas evoke meaningful memories to the artist in his early years and add richness and depth to his identity as he fosters on with his life.

Occupying a floor area of 16-feet by 16-feet, 10 feet high cube, recycled Palochina wood posts or Paletas from leftover box frames used as the house frame for the structure to complete the labyrinth. Let your eyes feast around the whole structure covered with retasos stitched together with the labor of love in the duration of this pandemic to recall childhood memories and to bring forth the identity of the artist.

As you make the tour, go back to your inner child, reconstruct as well in your minds and in your hearts the images and the people that have had the most influence in your life. Your loved ones who have molded and shaped you for who you are. In your own little way, honor and memorialize them today!