Artist statement: Primarily taking inspiration from biblical narrative and religious imagery, my performance explores notions of addiction, sin and redemption. Themes of machismo and the industrial workplace are also recurrent within these works, as is the use of costume that makes reference to personal mythologies and stereotypes. Often ambiguous in their meaning, they can be perceived as either ridiculous or unsettling.

Erik Hokanson's performance work has lately focused on the idea that the food we eat always comes from life. Eating is always an act of violence. You, me, the carrot, fish, and steak we eat, the bacteria that makes us sick, or the mold on our bread, all share a common ancestor. Everything we eat is our relative.

ERIK HOKANSON'S work focuses on the body in actions. Although he came to Performance Art recently, he has found a home within this medium. He has already exhibited internationally, in Europe, Asia and the United States. His background was first in theater, until he moved onto sculpture and woodworking from hand-making exquisite guitars to shingl;ing roofs. Yet, he has found a medium to challenge existing ideas forcefully through his performances .

BIOGRAPHY: ERIK HOKANSON attended the Swain School for Art and Design, Bedford, Mass. and lives in his custom-made loft in Newark, NJ<br

We are starting a new series of artist hang-outs after-performance, at the cool new bookstore Book Thug Nation, that just opened
We will continue the fun one more hour!

BOOK THUG NATION 6:00-7:00 pm. 100 N 3rd St. Williamsburg, Brooklyn
wine likely