Built Tough by Aaron Young at the Bortolami Gallery, New York
Built Tough is American artist Aaron Young’s second solo show with Bortolami Gallery. The standout fiberglass folded grey flag in the entrance of the gallery reminds of Robert Longo meets Jasper Johns in its overt American iconography. Into the main gallery, the echoes of Johns are most transparent with a series of silkscreens on linen employing stars and stripes. As with Johns’ interpretations of the flag, Young pulls the most symbolic elements and complicates its representation. The exhibition builds upon Young’s interpretation of contemporary culture and re-purposes found imagery. Built Tough by Aaron Young is on view until 4 June at the Bortolami Gallery, 520 West 20th Street, New York. Photo and text Juliana Balestin