In Fairyland, Greco has created a theatrical spectacle that is peculiar, visually arresting and deeply personal. He challenges his own reserved nature and internalized homophobia by making work that is, in his words, “boldly queer” and “openly flamboyant”. Touching on the tableau of the Temptation of St. Anthony of the Desert and the perilous trials of Herakles, Greco turns to camp and light humour to explore these deep existential themes. “I draw indiscriminately upon diverse seemingly unrelated archetypes and themes from many sources, including Classical mythology, British folklore, Wagnerian operas and the biblical text of my Catholic youth,” says Greco, “doing so in order to touch upon that which is culturally familiar to me, to others – and if we believe Jung – found deeply rooted as archetypes in our souls.” While the work possesses decidedly camp sensibilities it is never ironic nor cynical, “…for no other reason than the inherent affection I hold for my motley crew of heroes, saints and sinners,” Greco said.
Music / Song: Kyrie / Artist: Arcanta / Album: The Eternal Return (1997)
L.A. Art Contemporary / www.laartdocuments.com www.lancastermoah.org/cedar-leonard-greco
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