Jun 5, 2014 2 min read beauty salons

The Art of the Game: Local Gallery Displays Art Inspired by the World Cup

Whether you root for Brazil’s Neymar, Argentina’s Messi, or Portugal’s Ronaldo, stop by Lex 56 on Saturday for a World Cup-themed art exhibition. (Invitation by Dwane Maxwell)

By Alex Gruss

Brazilian player Pelé called soccer “the beautiful game,” and this Saturday Clinton Hill art space LEX56 is hosting an exhibition inspired by the sport, just in time for the World Cup in Brazil on June 12.

Eleven local artists will be displaying soccer-themed art this Saturday at LEX56.(Artwork by Dwane Maxwell and Mista Martin)

Merging art and a love of soccer, “When Soccer is Called Futbol” will showcase paintings, sculptures and video installations by 11 local artists. The number of featured artists, many of whom also play soccer in Fort Greene Park, reflects the number of players on a soccer team. Among the artists are Dwane Maxwell, a Pratt Institute grad who grew up playing soccer in Jamaica, filmmaker Lilka Hara and painter Wali Vidal, whose work appeared in LEX56’s opening last fall. Gallery owner and artist Alex Gruss and aspiring Canarsie-based artist Misz. Manon curated the show.

Locals are invited to wear their favorite soccer jerseys to the exhibition, which will include a professional photographer snapping pictures at a red carpet entrance, as well as a soccer “confessional” where fans can place bets on the up-coming games.

Alex Gruss is a Clinton Hill-based muralist, cartoonist and jewelry maker who runs LEX56. The gallery and studio space is located at 56 Lexington Avenue. The Nabe featured his cartoons from 2011 to 2012 when it was The Local blog on The New York Times website.