From March 25th to April 8th, 2023, Gabba Gallery in Los Angeles will showcase renowned mixed media photographer and NFT photography advocate Justin Aversano’s latest exhibition, Smoke and Mirrors. The exhibition features 78 limited edition silkscreen prints attached to NFTs that reimagine a tarot deck through the medium of photography. Each of the 22 major arcana (gold) and 56 minor arcana (silver) portraits are printed on papyrus, capturing local healers, spiritualists, creatives, and Aversano’s family members in what the artist calls “hybrid photographic neo-hieroglyphs.”
Aversano’s Smoke and Mirrors series delves into the themes of memory, history, spiritualism, and psychogeography, striking a balance between the worlds of occult and crypto. The exhibit resonates with the global interest in technopaganism and spirituality, as expressed through photography. The use of papyrus as the printing medium harkens back to ancient Egyptian scrolls, drawing parallels with the preservation of digital assets through NFTs in today’s world. Aversano’s work intertwines the private and public spheres, with one evocative portrait featuring his father standing by his late mother’s grave.
“We’ve been creating these works here for over two years now. I had the concept, and I’ve been working on this since 2016. And since March of 2021, we’ve been silk-screening this project to be minted and sold on the blockchain.” – Justin Aversano
The collaboration between Aversano and Gabba Gallery owner Jason Ostro began with the Twin Flames project in 2021. Since then, the two have worked tirelessly to bring the Smoke and Mirrors exhibition to life. The NFTs accompanying the artwork are already sold out on the primary market, but interested collectors can find them on secondary markets like Opensea.
Justin Aversano, one of the world’s most celebrated living photographers, has achieved record sales at Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and on the blockchain. Best known for his Twin Flames collection, Aversano is also the CEO of Quantum Art and Creative Director of SaveArtSpace, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing community art to public spaces. Through his work, he connects with the world, capturing moments, faces, and communities in his unique photographic style.
Gabba Gallery, established in 2012, is a contemporary art gallery in Los Angeles showcasing work by emerging and established artists from around the world. With a mission to make art accessible to everyone, Gabba Gallery strives to be a welcoming space for artists and art lovers alike.
Smoke & Mirrors Exhibition: Justin Aversano
Gabba Gallery
March 25th to April 8th, 2023
3126 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90057
