There’s Something About Maria:
Vaginal Davis and ektor garcia

September 20–November 2, 2024

Opening Reception: 
Friday, September 20 from 5–7pm

“Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death: Vaginal Davis and ektor garcia at Adams Ollman”
by Andrew Suggs

Adams and Ollman is pleased to present There’s Something About Maria, a two-person exhibition featuring Vaginal Davis and ektor garcia. The artists, who first met in 2013, developed a friendship through years of correspondence, discovering shared interests in unearthing or re-inscribing forgotten histories, material experimentation, and unconventional modes of production. The exhibition will include sculptural installations, paintings, and collaborative works that pay homage to personal histories as they intersect with broader political and cultural narratives. There's Something About Maria opens with a reception on September 20 and is on view through October 26, 2024.

Both artists challenge traditional ways of making and disseminating art and ideas. Davis, whose history includes hosting parties, self-publishing zines, and gossiping, creates work for and with friends and fellow artists, often displayed in her Berlin atelier, heard on the radio, or experienced in her presence. garcia pushes boundaries and upends expectations of materials and objects. Like his sculptures and installations, garcia works fluidly across geographies in a nomadic practice that traces material use and tradition from place to place.

There’s Something About Maria centers on the polycultural figure of Mary, whose name, possibly Egyptian in origin, has dual meanings—"beloved" and “rebellious.” The iconic Mary becomes an archetypal third presence in the exhibition, embodying the power and wisdom of the divine feminine and evoking ideas of motherhood, family lineage, and ancestral knowledge. For Davis, Mary also has a more personal meaning—it was the name of her mother, Mary Magdalene Duplantier. For garcia, Mary was once a pseudonym.

Central to There’s Something About Maria is Davis’s constellation of painted portraits of various women, all named Mary, from various walks of life including cinema, literature, and science. This suite of “Marys” creates a through-line between famous, infamous, and unknown women across time and place—an unlikely cohort of historical, cultural, and political figures, including Marie Curie, Maria Montessori, and Mary Queen of Scots. Presenting themselves as ghostly apparitions atop notes and to-do lists, the paintings in the show are created with unconventional materials such as make-up, medicines, tonics, and powders in reference to beauty standards, artifice, identity, witchcraft, and the history of Black alternative medicine.

Maria is a ubiquitous name and subject in the religious traditions and handicrafts of Mexican Catholic culture which deeply influence garcia’s work. Motifs and imagery found in this religious material culture—flames, hands, lace—appear throughout garcia’s ceramic sculptures and sculptural assemblages. The sculptures, resembling things from everyday life such as ropes, doilies, chains, curtains, pots, belts and industrial castoffs, perform personal and poetic functions in the form of portable repositories or mementos that represent a form of personal activism, and celebrate those who have carried forward undervalued traditions while challenging gendered, classed, and racialized biases surrounding craft and labor. garcia offers a reverential retooling that rethink conventional value systems, proposing materiality as an active agent with the power to cross geographical boundaries, advocate on our behalf, or watch over us. In the exhibition, the artist’s vessels are both functional and poetic, creating a venerated space; his finely crafted crochet, handmade with thin copper wire, further demarcates the space, charging it with an erotic, electric energy.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Vaginal Davis (b. Los Angeles, CA; lives and works in Berlin, DE) has been included in exhibitions at The Hammer (2021), Los Angeles, CA; Art Institute of Chicago (2020), IL; the New Museum (2017), 80WSE (2016), Cooper Union (2015), Participant Inc. (2012, 2010), all in New York, NY; Portland Art Museum (2018), Portland, OR; National Museum of Contemporary Art Bucharest, RO (2009); Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Rijeka, HR (2009); Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA (2008); and Kunsthaus Bregenz, AUT (2006), among many others. Magnificent Product, a solo exhibition examining Davis’ work and legacy, is currently on view at the Moderna Museet, Nationalmuseum, Index, Accelerator, all Stockholm, SE. She has performed at the New Museum, New York, NY (2017); documenta 14, Kassel, DE (2017); Lafayette Anticipations, Archives nationales, Paris, FR (2017); Arsenal Institut für Film und Videokunst, Berlin, DE (2017); GenderFest Athens, GRC (2017); Creative Time Summit, Washington, D.C. (2016); Kunstverein Hannover, DE (2016); Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Kingston, Ontario, CA (2015); Centre for Contemporary Arts Glasgow, SCO (2015); New York University, NY (2014); School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL (2013, 2020); Participant Inc., New York, NY (2012); Southbank Centre, London, UK (2012); The Getty Center as part of Pacific Standard Time, Los Angeles, CA (2012); Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, CA (2011); and Tate Modern, London, UK (2011), among others. Davis has been a visiting professor at Lund University-Malmö Art Academy, SE; Justus Liebig Universität Gießen, DE; Goethe Universität Frankfurt, DE; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; and New York University, New York, NY. Her prolific artistic production also extends to her participation in a number of art bands including The Afro Sisters; Black Fag; ¡Cholita! The Female Menudo; and Pedro, Muriel, & Esther; as well as solo projects. Her zine publications include Dowager, Crude, Fertile La Toyah Jackson, Shrimp, the Magazine for Licking and Sucking Bigger and Better Feet, Yes, Ms. Davis, and Sucker. In 2009, she was awarded the Ethyl Eichelberger Art Prize. Davis has hosted and curated the performative film event Rising Stars, Falling Stars at the Arsenal Institut für Film und Videokunst in Berlin for eight years.

ektor garcia (b. 1985, Red Bluff, California; lives and works nomadically) received his BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL (2014), and his MFA from Columbia University, New York, NY (2016). garcia was included in The Whitney Biennial, Whitney Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY (2024); Hangzhou Triennial of Fiber Art, Hangzhou, CN (2019); the La Trienal at El Museo del Barrio, New York, NY (2021); and Prospect 5 in New Orleans, LA (2021). His work has also been exhibited at The Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; New Museum, New York, NY; Sculpture Center, Long Island City, NY; Museum Folkwang, Essen, DE; LAXART, Los Angeles, CA; Museo de Arte de Zapopan, Guadalajara, MX; and  Blaffer Art Museum, Houston, TX.



Untitled zine to accompany the exhibition
Vaginal Davis and ektor garcia, 2024
digital printing on paper
8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches
open edition
design by Andrea Glaser
production by Adams and Ollman

Works

ektor garcia
negritejido, 2019
crochet thread, patinated cast aluminum
180h x 13w in
457.20h x 33.02w cm
egarcia 12


Vaginal Davis
Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, 2024 Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024003


Vaginal Davis
Mary #1, 2024
etched glass candle
8h x 2 1/8w x 2 1/8d in
20.32h x 5.40w x 5.40d cm
5 + 3 AP, varied editions

Vaginal Davis
Mary #2, 2024
etched glass candle
8h x 2 1/8w x 2 1/8d in 20.32h x 5.40w x 5.40d cm 5 + 3 AP, varied editions VC_C_02 VC_C_01

Vaginal Davis
Mary #4, 2024
etched glass candle
8h x 2 1/8w x 2 1/8d in 20.32h x 5.40w x 5.40d cm 5 + 3 AP, varied editions VC_C_04


Vaginal Davis
Mary Chapin Carpenter, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024018


Vaginal Davis
Mary Jane McLeod Bethune, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024007


Vaginal Davis
Maria Callas, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024013


Vaginal Davis
Mary Frances Berry, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024019


ektor garcia
tejida María, 2024
glazed ceramic, crochet copper wire
12h x 10w x 10d in
30.48h x 25.40w x 25.40d cm
egarcia 10


Vaginal Davis
Mary-Louise Parker, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024012


Vaginal Davis
Mary McDonnell, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD20240010


Vaginal Davis
Maria de Los Ángeles Félix de Güereña, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024001


Vaginal Davis
Mary Stuart Masterson, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024024



ektor garcia
verde espuma de mar, 2022
crochet wool
117h x 17 1/2w in
297.18h x 44.45w cm
egarcia 07


Vaginal Davis
Mary Stuart Queen of Scots, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024009


Vaginal Davis
Maria Louise Pool, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024008

Vaginal Davis
Mary Shelley, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
5 1/16h x 3 15/16w in
12.86h x 10w cm
VD2024023

Vaginal Davis
Maria Konstantinovna Bashkirtseva, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024005


Vaginal Davis
Mary Davys, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024021


Vaginal Davis
Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024022


Vaginal Davis
Mary Ellen Pleasant, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
5 1/16h x 4 1/8w in
12.86h x 10.48w cm
VD2024025


Vaginal Davis
Maria Montessori, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024006

Vaginal Davis
Mary Mac Lane, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024016


ektor garcia
portaflor tornasol, 2024
glazed ceramic, crochet copper wire
12h x 8w x 8d in
30.48h x 20.32w x 20.32d cm
egarcia 04



ektor garcia
portal LES, 2023
crochet leather, raw copper, and copper wire
86h x 18w in
218.44h x 45.72w cm
egarcia 06


ektor garcia
arde que arde, 2024
glazed ceramic, crochet copper wire
12 1/4h x 10w x 10d in
31.12h x 25.40w x 25.40d cm
egarcia 09


ektor garcia
chorreada, 2024
glazed ceramic, crochet copper wire
14 1/2h x 13w x 12d in
36.83h x 33.02w x 30.48d cm
egarcia 11


Vaginal Davis
Mary Astor, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024017


Vaginal Davis
Maria Edgeworth, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024015


Vaginal Davis
Marie Laveaux, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024004


Vaginal Davis
Mary McCarthy, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024020


Vaginal Davis
Mary Tyler Moore, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6 11/16h x 3 15/16w in
16.99h x 10w cm
VD2024014


ektor garcia
una lágrima, 2024
porcelain
1 1/2h x 4w x 11 1/4d in
3.81h x 10.16w x 28.58d cm
egarcia 13


ektor garcia
xicalcoliuhqui, 2024
glazed ceramic, crochet copper wire
10 1/2h x 17w x 17d in
26.67h x 43.18w x 43.18d cm
egarcia 05


ektor garcia
Maria #3, 2024
etched glass candle
8h x 2 1/8w x 2 1/8d in
20.32h x 5.40w x 5.40d cm
5 + 3 AP, varied editions
egarcia_c_03

ektor garcia
Maria #2, 2024
etched glass candle
8h x 2 1/8w x 2 1/8d in
20.32h x 5.40w x 5.40d cm
5 + 3 AP, varied editions
egarcia_c_03

Vaginal Davis
Mary #5, 2024
etched glass candle
8h x 2 1/8w x 2 1/8d in
20.32h x 5.40w x 5.40d cm
5 + 3 AP, varied editions VC_C_05


ektor garcia
Maria #1, 2024
etched glass candle
8h x 2 1/8w x 2 1/8d in
20.32h x 5.40w x 5.40d cm
5 + 3 AP, varied editions
egarcia_c_01

Vaginal Davis
Mary #3, 2024
etched glass candle
8h x 2 1/8w x 2 1/8d in
20.32h x 5.40w x 5.40d cm
5 + 3 AP, varied editions
VC_C_03

ektor garcia
Maria #4, 2024
etched glass candle
8h x 2 1/8w x 2 1/8d in
20.32h x 5.40w x 5.40d cm
5 + 3 AP, varied editions
egarcia_c_04


ektor garcia and Vaginal Davis
There’s Something About Maria, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper, custom artist frame, crochet copper
dimensions variable
installed: 56 x 11 x 5 inches
VD_egarcia_001



ektor garcia
bronze transformashuns, 2023
lost wax cast bronze
dimensions variable
installed: 180 x 18 x 109 inches
egarcia 08


Vaginal Davis
Marianne Williamson, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
6h x 4w in
15.24h x 10.16w cm
VD2024026


Vaginal Davis
Mary Wollencroft, 2024
Schminkstifte, Jofrika Cosmetics, eyeshadow palette de Fard à paupières, Colormates Eyeshadow, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette de 10 Teintes, San Soucis Eyeshadow, Harley Quinn Essence Eyeshadow, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, Santee Gel Nail Varnish, and Aqua Net Hairspray on found paper
5 3/4h x 4 1/8w in
14.61h x 10.48w cm
VD2024011