Michael Workman

Fandom knows no greater heights than the illusion of intimacy with the object of its affections. As a Hollywood player in her own right, Los Angeles-based artist Deb Lacusta means to imagine the onscreen possibilities. Besides, it's Brando, man. That last name evokes all that needs said, given the actor's mainstream cult status as a Hollywood provocateur. Impossible to imitate, heirs of the method-acting school he championed have settled for mockery. Straddling that line between mockery and adoration, Lacusta dives into the actor's cultural predominance at Vedanta Gallery in the West Loop neighborhood with "loving Brando being." A writer for "The Tracey Ullman Show" and "The Simpsons," Lacusta roped in cast members Hank Azaria, Dan Castellaneta as well as brothers Abe and Will Groening for both the videos on display in the project space and a 77-minute feature film playing in the main gallery. In it, Lacusta carries on a relationship with a never-seen Brando, identified to viewers only by his voice.

Deb Lacusta, "loving Brando being," shows at Vedanta Gallery, 835 West Washington, (312)432-0708, through February 28.

(2004-01-20)

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