Shrouded in Mystery: Peering into the Privacy of Mr. Basic of Concave Oblivion
There’s a persistent feeling of the ultimate end that all living things inevitably face in Mr. Basic of Concave Oblivion’s art. This feeling easily overwhelms the façade of his work, which appears to be quirky denture-inspired jewelry and large scale, deceitfully playful installation pieces. Underneath these masks, the deeper meaning is undeniable and halts our busy lives, forcing us to ponder time, aging and death. Fittingly so, Mr. Basic himself wears a mask of sorts. He is an anonymous artist who creates a variation of art; more than we are privy to. He is an anomaly who takes care to keep himself as such. Always insightful and always surprising, CULTURE sits down with him (or her) after he kindly agrees to allowing us to pry into the private and mysterious life and art of Mr. Basic of Concave Oblivion.
What do you think happens after you die?
Some people will be upset. Most people won’t care. Several people will divide up my things and then carry on with their lives.
Can you talk about your interest in dentures as well as the materials you choose to make these denture inspired art works with?
I can’t say I have an interest in dentures in general. I grew up learning about and working with uncommon materials with my dental technician grandfather. The more you learn about materials and techniques the more adaptable you become and the less you need to rely on others to communicate your ideas.
What are you trying to communicate with these works? Are they in any way connected to the other types of art you make? If so how?
To me, these items are voluptuous but superfluous. I can’t inflate them with meaning. I made them for fun. For anyone interested, I have a 17-page manifesto that details the social importance of denture-inspired hair combs.
What are your thoughts on cannabis being legalized?
I think all drugs should be legal but I do view marijuana as the SOMA of our culture. It has unlimited medicinal properties and should be available to anyone who needs it.
Who were some of your early influences?
The Johnson Smith Catalog was one of my first and most important influences.
What were the events leading up to your decision to become an anonymous artist?
I’m a private person. I make things that I like and enjoy them to be seen/heard but it’s more interesting when people judge the work and not who made it. It shouldn’t matter if I’m a 14-year-old black girl or a white, transgender 48-year-old. At this point my insecurities are pretty much in check and my ego doesn’t require any feeding.
Do you think all art should be anonymous?
I don’t care what anyone else does, especially when it comes to art. Some people feel the need to market themselves and endlessly promote themselves. Constant twittering, Facebook photographs and strange tags/tales used to entice, like “autistic artist,” “schizophrenic artist,” “feminist artist,” “body building artist” or “this artist went crazy and was admitted to a mental hospital” or “this artist uses heroin,” etc . . . The only thing more boring than this approach are the people who fall for it.
What are some things you look for in a good piece of art?
I like when someone focuses on their personal interests, obsesses over them and presents them in a well-crafted manner. About six months ago I stumbled upon a piece of work that I am still thinking about. I wrote a song about it. I had dreams about it. I’ve talked about it to the point where friends are tired of hearing about it. I carry a printed image of it in my wallet. When I’m done with this interview, I will stare at it and think about it some more. It opened a door and forever changed me.
What are some things you look for in life?
A nice life would have as little government involvement as possible. That being said, I think life is quickly becoming less and less nice. Like vampires in old movies, government can’t suck the blood from your neck unless you invite them into your home.
Would you share with us something you feel you’ve learned within the last year?
I’m learning to play the piano.
What do you try to achieve with your art?
A reason to stop doing it.
If you met a five-year-old who expressed interest in being an artist, what advice would you give him or her?
Keep it a secret or they will destroy you.
