A new University of Florida student art exhibit looks at the duality of hope and fear — while getting around the university’s smoking ban.
The exhibit is the combined thesis of Jake and Josh Kubisz, twin brothers about to graduate from UF with their master of fine arts in sculpture degrees. A show tonight entitled the “Fear and Hope Expo” will present their art and includes a demonstration of a device that allows a person to smoke on campus despite the ban on tobacco use.
Josh Kubisz demonstrates the smokeless device
The device, which incorporates the fins of a bomb with gas masks and a purification system, allows smokers to puff cigarettes in a way that is safe for others. A cigarette is placed inside and a smoker can inhale through the mask without any smoke being released into the air.
“It doesn’t making smoking very comfortable, but it does make it possible,” Josh said.
Josh is also displaying models of furniture called “Home Safe Solutions” that he designed as absurd solutions to common fears. There are chairs that allow someone to give themselves the Heimlich maneuver or a slap on the back when choking, a germicidal table, and chairs and a sofa that allow people to have their own separate space.
“All of the products are a little bit tongue in check,” Josh said.
Tattoo helmet
Jake is displaying motorcycle helmets that appeal to risk takers under the “Tandemic Corporation” label. There’s a helmet that looks like a bondage mask, one covered in fox fur and another wrapped in synthetic skin covered in tattoos. Another helmet has an apparatus that allows the rider to smoke and even has an ashtray on top.
He also has condom machines and a cigarette dispenser that sells his own organic, hand-rolled brand. The Kubiszes said they had to get through red tape to exhibit the dispenser and smoking device, along with getting permission to do a duel thesis.
I probably didn’t do their work justice, so check it out tonight from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Focus Gallery of Fine Arts Building C on the UF campus. Look for the white and black motorcycles with “Hope” and “Fear” plates in the gallery window.
