Alex Israel: Fins

The exhibition features a collection of giant, plastic, colored surfboard “Fin” sculptures on display starting May 12th at Gagosian Rome.

Israel is known for his exploration of the visual culture of Los Angeles, and this exhibition continues this exploration with an exciting new approach. These brightly colored plastic surfboard “Fin” sculptures have been crafted with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a collection of works that are both playful and strikingly beautiful. They exist in dialogue with Light and Space and Finish Fetish artworks that developed in Los Angeles in the 1960s.

By transforming the familiar surfboard fin into a work of art, Israel invites the viewer to engage with the culture of surfing in a new and unexpected way. The exhibition showcases a variety of surfboard fin sculptures, each with its own unique shape, size, and color scheme.

“We are delighted to present this exciting new body of work by Alex Israel,” said a spokesperson for Gagosian. “His Fin sculptures engage with historical precedents and offer a playful and inventive exploration of Southern California’s surf culture. We are thrilled to share them with our visitors.”

In addition to the “Fins,” the exhibition features additional works including cut-out works on paper and study-sized “Self-Portraits,” all thematically related to Israel’s new sculptures.