Brendan Fernandes’ upcoming exhibition breathes new life into Scott Burton’s legacy

Ladue News, August 2, 2024

Art, in all its forms, has the unique ability to touch viewers’ hearts across generations. The Pulitzer Arts Foundation’s newest exhibition, set to open this fall, is prepared to accomplish just that by showcasing work from two artists connected across time through similar, yet distinct, explorations of queer identity. “In Two,” a visionary project by Chicago-based artist Brendan Fernandes, will run from Sept. 6, 2024, to Feb. 2, 2025, as part of a larger retrospective titled “Scott Burton: Shape Shift.”

 

Fernandes, known for his innovative approach to art that explores his multicultural and queer identity, created a series of four choreographic pieces that interact with iconic furniture sculptures created by the late Scott Burton, who died of AIDS-related illness in 1989. “Shape Shift,” the largest exhibition of Burton’s work since his passing, features over 40 sculptures, photographs, drawings and performance records that illustrate his exploration of social dynamics and personal identity. In addition to showcasing Burton’s work, the exhibition also emphasizes his unique contributions to public and queer art, delving into social themes such as intimacy, isolation and community.