Installation view of Nick Cave at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. Photo by John Kennard

Nick Cave at the ICA, Boston

Nick Cave first gained widespread recognition for his “Soundsuits”: full-body outfits crafted from discarded objects found in antique shops and flea markets. Part sculpture, part costume, the complex, kaleidoscopically colorful works of art can be displayed as objects, and also often feature in solo and group movement performances.

Nick Cave,  Sculpture, 2013. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York. Photo by James Prinz Photography

Although the suits appear vibrant and joyful, crafted from materials such as buttons, beads, and bright synthetic fur, their origin is more sober. Cave created his first Soundsuit after the Rodney King beating in 1992. “I built this sort of suit of armor, and by putting it on, I realized that I could make a sound from moving in it,” Cave told The Washington Post. “It made me think of ideas around protest, and how we should be a voice and speak louder.”

Installation view of  Nick Cave at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. Photo by John Kennard

More recently, the Chicago-based artist has applied his signature assemblage techniques to freestanding sculptures bursting with ceramic flowers and birds, beads, and other cast-off oddities, even furniture and life-size dog figurines. The exhibition will present a selection of these new creations, as well as several new Soundsuits and large bas-relief sculptures that Cave calls “paintings.”

Nick Cave. Untitled, 2013. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York. Photo by James Prinz Photography

Organized by Jenelle Porter, Mannion Family Senior Curator, the exibition is on view from February 5 until May 4, 2014 .

more. www.icaboston.org/nick-cave/