Ever Velasquez at Rusha & Co.

In Ever Velasquez’s Chispa at Rusha & Co, the artist uses magazine advertising imagery and reworks it to create playful collages. In the works, we see advertising’s usual trappings: blinged-out wrists, diamond rings, preening poses, perfectly lacquered nails, handbags, and models staring seductively into the camera. And yet, while we might look at advertising as an enforcer of consumer culture, and unhealthy body standards, Velasquez’s images seem to wade through these pools, turning their implications on their head to create something more joyful and full of life. 

Her titles do a lot of this work — one collage that features RuPaul in white cat-eye shades surrounded by tea cups and elaborate cakes has been playfully titled “Yumm that hits.” In another, the title “SO fRESH AND SO cleannnn” seems to counteract the serious “come hither” look of a lounging woman in a white negligee in the foreground, highlighting instead the community of toweled women in a steam room in the background. “Oooo gurrrl…you see her take that ?!” gives narrative to the collaged imagery of a woman forming her hand into an eyeglass over her eye next to another hand holding a piece of jewelry.

As we contend with so much uncertainty in our day-to-day lives (today, perhaps more than most!), Velasquez reminds us that play and joy can coexist alongside malcontent. And, in fact, perhaps we can rework the world around us to see things in a new light that celebrates togetherness, play, and community.

Photo: Weeerk… but don’t forget to play and dance, 2024. Image courtesy of Rusha & Co.