Image by Gerald Slota / text by Neil LaBute

As Home Sweet Home, the new exhibition at the Ricco Maresca Gallery proves, a simple e-mail can go a long way. In the case of artists Gerald Slota and Neil LaBute, it resulted in a provocative yet poignant artist collaboration. Shot out into the depths of the internet, the initial e-mail sent by photographer Slota was a seed waiting to be planted; a great idea that needed mutual incentive for physical manifestation. That’s where LaBute, a renowned screenwriter and playwright, comes in. With his consenting reply, the duo set to work. The photographs—with Slota trademarks like vivid colors, collaged items, out-of-focus elements, and etched indentations—were like peeking into the bizarre dysfunctions of family life. LaBute’s brief accompanying text gives the necessary narrative to top off each piece, allowing his twisted writing style to shine through. The two artists during their correspondence never actually met, making the partnership even purer, with no distractions—just the art at hand.

The Slota / LaBute works are featured in Aperture magazine Issue 196, and as limited-edition postcards.

Home Sweet Home
On view: Thursday, October 14th – Saturday, November 13th, 2010

Ricco Maresca Gallery
529 West 20th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10011
(212) 627-4819