MATRIX 281 / Kenneth Tam: The Founding of the World

August 16–November 26, 2023

For MATRIX 281, Kenneth Tam’s latest video and sculptural installation makes its museum debut at BAMPFA. Incorporating the artist’s long-standing research into culturally prescriptive forms of masculinity, The Founding of the World interrogates themes of group identity, ritualized violence, belonging, and intimacy.

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  • A darkened room with a projected image of a figure in a blue-lit space. The projected image is partially obscured by clear liquor and cologne bottles that hang from the ceiling and are illuminated with bright white light.

    Installation view of Kenneth Tam, The Founding of The World, 2023, Commonwealth and Council, Los Angeles. Courtesy of the artist and Commonwealth and Council, Los Angeles, Mexico City. Photo: Paul Salveson

  • A view of the upper half of a standing figure in a red-lit room. The figure gestures with their left hand in front of their chest and wears a black t-shirt and a mask over their mouth and nose that is black with an image of pointy teeth.

    Kenneth Tam, The Founding of The World, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Commonwealth and Council, Los Angeles, Mexico City.

  • A figure on a green background is dressed in black shoes, pants, and t-shirt. They hold a red folding fan over their head to obscure their face.

    Kenneth Tam, The Founding of The World, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Commonwealth and Council, Los Angeles, Mexico City.

  • Eight figures in red t-shirts stand back to front with their arms wrapped around the torso of the person in front of them. Each person wears a tight white hood with black markings on it that covers their faces.

    Kenneth Tam, The Founding of The World, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Commonwealth and Council, Los Angeles, Mexico City.

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Upcoming Events

  • Wednesday, November 8, 7:30 PM

    The Founding of the World Student Dance Performance

    In conjunction with MATRIX 281 / Kenneth Tam: The Founding of the World, this performance explores the ways desire for identity and belonging have intersected with the history of student-led organizations and movements on UC Berkeley’s campus.

    BAMPFA