Artists Jonah Freeman and Justin Lowe made their Art Basel: Unlimited debut this week with “Artichoke Underground,” on behalf of Marlborough Chelsea. “Artichoke Underground,” inspired by the printmaking lab of the artists’ same-named fictional artist collective, continues their practice of creating immersive, experiential installations.
“Artichoke Underground” is made up of several rooms, including one where the production and distribution of printed magazines, posters, and books of the Artichoke Underground would have taken place. It is from this room that spectators can take in fragmented views of other spaces within the installation, like a Punjabi Kitchen and an incubator of plants. Also placed around the installation are a series of rectilinear mirror ducts that offer kaleidoscopic views between the contrasting interiors.
Jonah Freeman and Justin Lowe have been collaborating since 2007. Jonah Freeman was born in 1975 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Freeman graduated from Tisch School of the Arts, New York University. Justin Lowe was born in 1976 in Dayton, Ohio. Lowe received an MFA from Columbia University, New York. Recent collaborations include Stray Light Grey (2012) at Marlborough Chelsea, New York; Shadow Pool: A Natural History of The San San International (2011) organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Bright White Underground (2010) at Country Club, Los Angeles; Black Acid Co-op (2009) at Deitch Projects, New York; and Hello Meth Lab in the Sun (2008) Marfa Ballroom, Marfa Texas (with Alexandre Singh). The artists currently live and work between New York and Los Angeles.
