Introduction

Nathan Carter’s solo exhibition, Ladies and Gentlemen, Meet the Dramastics, presents a dense display of sculpture, drawings, installations, and miniature stage sets centered on the story of The Dramastics, a fictional band comprised of four women. Presented in four galleries, the exhibition features colorful, handmade sets from imagined milestones in The Dramastics’ brief but legendary career, including an early rehearsal, recording session, breakthrough performance, and final break-up show in Paris. The sets are accompanied by a range of figurative and abstract drawings that reference not only the imaginary band but also the history of art and other narratives. One gallery presents band merchandise and a full-scale interactive stage with a disco light, fanciful sound system, and a rock-and-roller photo booth that invites viewers to both lip sync and act out their musical fantasies.

With the combination of stage production and works of sculpture and drawing, the exhibition brings together the fantasy of freedom symbolized by female punk rock bands with the tradition of art. Using a deliberately child-like and DIY style, Carter’s drawings and sculptures embody a sense of play and imagination. The artist’s film THE DRAMASTICS ARE LOUD AF, accompanying the exhibition, is screened.