Nástio Mosquito: Daily Lovemaking, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham

This is a bold, provocative exhibition of the work of emerging artist, Nástio Mosquito. Exciting, contemporary and devoid of delineation, his work defies categorisation and points towards a new culture of art that combines pop, performance, fine art and politics. Hailing from the broadcast industry, where he worked previously as director and cameraman, this is Mosquito’s first solo exhibition.

Embracing film, music, performance, video and installation, Mosquito’s work has appeared in various contexts including music festivals and visual arts programmes. He has a lively online presence and often expresses ideas through the assumption of a theatrical character. One such figure is Nastia, a monstrous egotist with a Russian accent. These mimicries enable Mosquito to observe human follies and to fluctuate between identities, using the device of proclamation to ironic effect.

Central to the exhibition is Nástia’s Manifesto (2008), a projection suspended above the floor and in 3 Continents (2010) he displays the kind of misguided confidence that characterises the reaction of the nouveau riche to situations beyond their understanding. Whilst Mosquito often takes centre stage as a performer, he is also known for his collaborations, particularly with Spanish artist Vic Pereiró. Together these two form Nastivicious and create works such as Acts (2012), a non-narrative, abstract piece where he performs covers of songs interspersed by exhortations in Portuguese.

This is a bold and vibrant exhibition combining Mosquito’s self-awareness as someone in the art world and his understanding and concerns about Angolan politics as the county deals with the fallout of bloody civil war and the onset of globalisation.

Nástio Mosquito: Daily Lovemaking, 4 February – 19 April, Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS.

Credits
1. Nástio Mosquito, 3 Continents (2010), Video, 7:45’, Copyright Nástio Mosquito.