“Undercurrents” by James Bantone

032c Gallery is pleased to present "Undercurrents," an exhibition by Swiss artist James Bantone, in collaboration with Dr. Martens.

The exhibition was on view from November 1 - 3, 2024.

James Bantone, Echo Bunker, site-specific installation leather boot,
mannequin, and sound by flirty800, 2024. Courtesy the artist.

In “Undercurrents,” Bantone merges the realms of art, fashion, and objecthood, drawing on historian Achille Mbembe’s concept of the “entrepreneur of the self.” Mbembe’s theory explores how technology and market-driven forces shape personal agency, transforming individuals into commodities. Initially applied to marginalized bodies, this process now reflects a broader societal condition. Through the figure of the mannequin, Bantone’s work examines the shifting relationship between human subjectivity and objectification in contemporary culture.

James Bantone, Wearyplasty, leather 210 x 90 x 20 cm, mixed media
in collaboration with Kylie Rose Carroll, 2024. Courtesy the artist.

The exhibition title, “Undercurrents,” evokes the subtle yet powerful forces that influence design evolution—how shifts in technology and culture quietly shape creativity and products. Both Bantone and Dr. Martens draw from these currents, fueling their continuous process of innovation and transformation in their respective creative practices. At the heart of the installation is a subtle reflection on the evolution of design. Dr. Martens boots have not only transformed in form but have also gained cultural significance. While retaining their heritage of craftsmanship, each iteration of the boot adapts to evolving societal needs, becoming a timeless object and a reflection of shifting social dynamics. The exhibition’s central figures embody the phrase “Boots Like No Other,” showcasing a distinctive blend of functionality, resilience, and individual expression. The maximalist features, modular designs, and bold, distorted prints push the boundaries of the traditional design language of Dr. Martens. These sculptures explore the tensions between selfhood and commodification in a world increasingly shaped by economic and technological forces.

Installation view "Undercurrents" curated by Claire Koron Elat and Shelly Reich.

James Bantone, Strain (for), acrylic transfer on aluminum
30 x 40 cm, and Strain (off), acrylic transfer on aluminum, leather
30 x 40 cm, 2024. Courtesy the artist.

James Bantone, Strain (off), acrylic transfer on aluminum, leather
30 x 40 cm, 2024. Courtesy the artist.

James Bantone, Strain (at), acrylic transfer on aluminum
30 x 40 cm, 2024. Courtesy the artist.

James Bantone, Strain (for), acrylic transfer on aluminum
30 x 40 cm, 2024. Courtesy the artist.

James Bantone, Wearyplasty, leather 210 x 90 x 20 cm, mixed media
in collaboration with Kylie Rose Carroll and Dr. Martens, 2024. Courtesy the artist.