Scott Hove’s (Hi-Fructose Collected 3) art is much more than just three dimensional cake- it also tells story. His former studio in San Francisco, better known as “Cakeland”, featured a funhouse made of sweet, yet nightmarish cake sculptures. Now living and working in Los Angeles, Hove brings a piece of Cakeland to his current exhibition, “Pussy Jihad” at La Luz de Jesus Gallery. This exhibit plays with opposing ideals in society, while taking a look at the ethos of masculinity and femininity. For example, the word “pussy” can be used as both a demeaning insult towards men, or it can imply explicit sexuality and power in a woman. The word “jihad” by itself means struggling, emphasizing Hove’s theme.
Hove likens a “pussy” to an explosive weapon. This is best represented in his twin M4 rifles “Anima” and Animus”, which symbolize the feminine aspect of the masculine, and the masculine aspect of the feminine. Also on display are cake “paintings”, recalling the first cakes he ever created in 2005. Made of cardboard and house paint, those cakes had scibbled words and childlike drawings in the icing. His latest series gives new meaning to words like “Selfie” and “Awkward” by pairing them with sexual and religious images. Part of Hove’s process is in the feeling of his art, something he has brought to life with his walk-in cake installation. Upon entering, the mood is dark and the surroundings are impossible to distinguish. At the end of a tunnel, the viewer arrives at a hall of mirrors lit by disco balls. By luring his viewers in with beauty, Hove means to catch them off guard and create a unique experience. Depending on who you are, his art can be either terrifying or beautiful.
“Pussy Jihad” by Scott Hove is on view at La Luz de Jesus Gallery through April 26.
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