and Conquer!

Josue used to bar-back at this spot called the Clybar, where my band and I used to gig. Little did I know he was a brilliant artist. I even dragged my baby sister to one of his earlier shows. Funny thing is he paints the deepest subject matter smack dab in the middle of the hood. He may not get the most sales, but he is indeed trying to change perception with amoungst his own people instead of telling stories miles from where they would be able to view it. His work is so contriversial I get tingles in my wool. It's about time for a close shave. The funny thing about this work is thousands of people are walking past it everyday and not noticing because of the medium. The neon seems to disguise the work as ordinary sales tools in a run of the mill grocer in Humboldt Park, but when you stop to look: AH HA! Substance!

Here's more:
For Immediate Release – Conquistadors at It Again, this Time in Neon!!!

For the second time in 500 years, a conquering European Armada has landed
on the shores of this continent to disrupt the activities of the
unassuming natives. Only this time, they are 48 inches tall and filled
with neon gas.

Chicago-based artist Josue Pellot has crafted three whimsical yet
invective sculptural neon pieces to be displayed in the windows of La
Municipal Supermarket (2559 West Division st., Chi. Il. ) in Humboldt
Park, just in time for the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival.
To the passing pedestrian or float-rider offering only a cursory glance,
these pieces may be mistaken for signs advertising liquor or a sale. But
upon closer examination these works actually depict storied events at the
onset of the culture clash that began when Columbus landed, sticking his
sword both in the sand and in the ribs of a native.

“While the people of Humboldt Park celebrate their culture and symbols,
there is an ironic embracement of a dubious colonial history,” Pellot says
as a Taino Indian drowns a Conqistador in bright colors behind him. It’s
quite a sight!

Josue Pellot received his MA in Art Theory and Practice from Northwestern
University in 2006 . He was featured artist with the Chicago Cultural
Center for Chicago artists month (06’) and recently completed an
installation project titled ‘Temporary Allegiance’ on the Expresso de Las
Americas (Dec. 2007) in San Juan, PR. Upcoming solo exhibitions at
Elmhurst college, Northeastern university, Vane gallery (U.K) and the
Chicago Cultural Center.

For more information contact:

Jorge Felix
felixjorge@msn.com
PH: 773.486.8345

FX: 773.782.1499