Irish Artist Domino Whisker unveils ‘Maybe, Baby’ at ARCANE Space
in Venice Beach
VENICE BEACH, CA – Arcane Space is pleased to present “Maybe, Baby,” a deeply personal and whimsical solo exhibition by Irish-born artist Domino Whisker, featuring a collection of hand-embroidered works on linen and large-scale, hand-tufted tapestries.
The show, running September 6 to September 29, 2024, with an opening reception on September 7 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM, explores the artist’s journey of self-discovery and the playful reminiscence of her childhood in Los Angeles.
For the past decade, Whisker’s work has centered around themes of loss, grief and the search for hope, often navigating emotions and the complexities of life following the loss of her father to Alzheimer’s disease. However, “Maybe, Baby” marks a significant departure from these somber themes. This exhibition offers a refreshing break from the past, allowing Whisker to revisit her younger self—the six-year-old who moved to Los Angeles from Ireland in 1994.
In “Maybe, Baby,” Whisker embraces a newfound playfulness in her art. Moving away from her traditionally monochromatic palette, she introduces vibrant colors that evoke feelings of happiness and nostalgia – an homage to her roots that seem to have once adorned the walls of an imagined childhood bedroom. These hand embroidered pieces on Irish Belfast linen and 100% New Zealand wool tufted tapestries, depicting California palm trees, poppies, parakeets, bunnies, and thought bubble like texts, invite viewers to recall an idealized childhood.
“I wanted this show to feel playful and use colors that made me feel happiness,” Whisker explains. “In my series ‘Remember to Take Your Pills, The Pills You Take To Remember,’ I wanted to bring people to a colorful, happy landscape, a made-up world where anything can happen. With the pieces I’m doing for ARCANE Space, I want the viewer to stand still and remember what it was like to be a child—to make a mess and not hold guilt or shame.”
The title “Maybe, Baby” is a tender nod to Whisker’s late father, drawn from an email he sent during her 20s, urging her to quit smoking. He ended the message with, “I love you and want you to live longer than me… maybe, baby.” This sentiment resonates throughout the exhibition.
About the Artist:
Domino Whisker was born in Dublin in 1988 and spent her childhood in Los Angeles with her artist parents. She began her creative journey with embroidery a decade ago, using it as a means to process grief and loss while caring for her father. Since her return to Ireland in 2001, Whisker has carved a niche in the art world and her pieces have been praised for their intricate detail, emotional depth, and the way they seamlessly blend personal narrative with universal themes. She continues to gain recognition for her ability to weave her personal history into her art works which have been featured in numerous prestigious exhibitions, including her recent solo show at Château La Coste, France held in the company of permanent works by Frank Gehry, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Tracey Emin.
“There’s an extraordinary vulnerability woven into Whisker’s intricate work. As well as creating extraordinarily vibrant floral scenes or soaring birds, there are stark, confessional pieces that are equally commanding.”- The Journal
ARCANE SPACE, a contemporary art gallery in Venice Beach was co-founded in 2017 by dance and visual artist Morleigh Steinberg, and music artist, Frally Hynes. Dedicated to showcasing thought-provoking works by emerging and established artists of all disciplines, ARCANE Space is committed to creating community through the arts. The curation aims to transform and reshape the way art, story, and space is experienced. A portion of proceeds from art sales benefits local charities.
Exhibition Details:
• Exhibition Title: ‘Maybe, Baby’
• Artist: Domino Whisker
• Dates: September 6 – 29, 2024, OPENING September 7 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM
• Gallery Hours: 10:30 AM- 4:30 PM, Friday – Sunday (Thursday by appointment)
• Location: ARCANE Space, Venice Beach, CA- 324 Sunset Ave. Unit G, Venice, CA 90291(Next to Gjusta Bakery)
• Opening Reception: Saturday, September 7th, 2024, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
