Installation view of ‘T. Kelly Mason: Atmospheric (Without revolutionary theory there can be no revolutionary action)” Courtesy Cherry and Martin.

T. Kelly Mason, Drinks, 2013. Acetate and vinyl on 4100K fluorescent fixture, lamps, wiring, MDF, Plexiglas, aluminum. 23.875 x 40.25 x 5.75 in., 60.64 x 102.24 x 14.61 cm. Courtesy Cherry and Martin.

T. Kelly Mason’s solo show, “Atmospheric (Without revolutionary theory there can be no revolutionary action)” at Cherry and Martin features a range of projects from the artist’s work over the past twenty years. His lightbox installations present candy colored consumption-related images of food, cocktails, domesticity, and an Apple store. His minimalist sculptures made from pot-scrubbers emanate jarring repetitive sounds. The video project “The Imp of the Perverse” offers a dark psychological exploration of Romanticism.

Installation view of ‘T. Kelly Mason: Atmospheric (Without revolutionary theory there can be no revolutionary action)” Courtesy Cherry and Martin.

T. Kelly Mason, Bloop, 2013. Ceramics, Cement, Driftwood, Plexiglas, aluminum, speed rail fittings, plywood, 2 channel sound track, speaker, subwoofer, amplifier and media player. 128 x 36 x 48 in., 325.12 x 91.44 x 121.92 cm. Courtesy Cherry and Martin.

Mason’s interest in the ideological coding of space is mentioned in the gallery’s press release.  Embedded in his projects are references to different art movements and the thinking of philosophers such as Foucault, Piaget, Althusser, Deleuze and Guatari. In spite of that, the overall impression the show gives is playful and fun. Mason’s references to popular culture, art history, aesthetics and philosophy add up to politically meaningful work that resonates positively on an instinctual level, while leaving plenty of room for a more academic examination.

T. Kelly Mason’s “Atmospheric (Without revolutionary theory there can be no revolution)” is on view at Cherry and Martin in Los Angeles until April 27.  For more information on the exhibition visit here.

Philip Martin was interviewed in the current issue of SFAQ by Gregory Ito discussing the history of the Cherry and Martin gallery and their endeavors in Los Angeles.  To read the piece, visit “issues” on the menu bar of the SFAQ website.

-Contributed by Kelly Inouye