Located in the lower East Village, FUSE Gallery/Lit Lounge has hosted a solo show by Mark Mothersbaugh in 2003, 2004, and now in 2005. I can always count on having a great time at FUSE.

The night of the opening reception was packed full of activity: DEVO had just performed at Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC and finished their set around 10:30pm. After I packed up my camera, tripod, etc., I headed straight to the gallery to start working the merchandise booth. I arrived by 11pm and the gallery was already packed. Mark Mothersbaugh and Jerry Casale headed to the gallery sometime after 11pm, along with most of the DEVO tour crew.

At midnight, DEVA, the female-fronted DEVO tribute band from NYC, performed downstairs in LIT Lounge to a packed crowd. Mark and I were both blown away by how good it was - hearing fantastic versions of DEVO songs that never get performed live, like Love Without Anger, Auto-Modown, etc. Three cheers for DEVA! Go see them if you get the chance.

Some notable faces at the reception: Artist Joe Coleman, Artist Ron English, Artist Erik Foss, and even a human-sized Twinkie©.

Thanks to everyone for coming out, especially folks like Jessica DeNardo from IL, Tom Keirstead & Pete-vo from MA, Alex Brunelle from PA, and everyone who traveled from other afar to attend the DEVO concert & opening reception. Hope to see you again at another show.


-Michael Pilmer

Art Project Coordinator
The Visual Art Of Mark Mothersbaugh Gallery Tour 2005