James Franco: Gay Town New Solo Exhibition in Berlin

Just when we may have thought that James Franco couldn’t possibly be busier, he opened a solo show at Peres Projects in Berlin. The actor/filmmaker/writer/artist recently curated an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and now has the opportunity to show his own work. Franco’s ability to work in so many fields is admirable, but his hyperactivity may be his downfall as he becomes a ‘jack of all trades, but master of none.’

‘GAY TOWN’ is the title of the exhibition running from 9 February – 9 March at a temporary space for Peres Projects. Even in the visual arts Franco cannot help but dabble – the show comprises work in a variety of media including painting, drawing, film, sculpture, installation, and photography. The accompanying press release states, “GAY TOWN explores a variety of themes that are central to Franco’s artistic practice, mainly issues related to adolescence, public and private persona, stereotypes and other societal concerns such as society’s preoccupation with celebrity.” These sorts of themes are expected from someone who has spent many years in the film industry, but is he able to successfully convey his thoughts through art?

The pieces on display were mostly created in the past two years, in makeshift studios while Franco was travelling and working on other projects. The informality of his working environment is reflected in a “makeshift” nature in the art. It is attempting to be simultaneously profound and ironic while pulling images from pop culture and his own career. This is Franco’s second solo exhibition at Peres Projects, following ‘The Dangerous Book Four Boys’ from 2012. In October ArtLyst named Franco number 14 on it’s Power 100: The Alternative 2012 Visual Art Power List. The young actor is certainly one to watch, but perhaps with some scepticism.