Curated by Shaquille O’Neal

Curated by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, this exhibition includes works from international artists exploring the myriad ways that scale affects the perception of contemporary art.

Weighing 320 pounds and standing 7’1″ atop his size 22 shoes, Shaq is one of the most dominant players ever to play in the NBA. Throughout his career, O’Neal has capitalized on his size and strength to overpower opponents for points and rebounds earning him nicknames such as Diesel and Superman. Now Shaq takes the opportunity to reflect on his size with an exhibition boasting works from microscopic to giant pieces that have the ability to dwarf and exaggerate everyone—even Shaq himself.

Artists have readily utilized the element of size. Large and small objects require different approaches, elicit unique responses from their viewer, and reflect the varying purposes in which works of art were meant to serve. This dynamic exhibition will include a variety of mediums that play with scale as a key component in the composition of the artwork. Every work in the show was selected by Shaq himself or is being newly made at his request. Artists inlcude:

A comprehensive catalogue with installation images as well as an essay by bestselling author and Cleveland native James Frey will accompany the exhibition. Frey is one of the most controversial and celebrated authors in the world. His three books have all been #1 national and international bestsellers, and his work is published in 35 languages. He has written extensively about art, and worked on projects with Richard Prince, Ed Ruscha, Damien Hirst and Richard Phillips, among others. His next book, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible, is due to be released on Easter in 2011.

About:

Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal (b. 1972, Newark, NJ), known commonly as "Shaq,” is considered to be one of the most minant basketball players in NBA history. O’Neal first gaining attention as High School Player of the Year in San Antonio, TX, after which he played at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. During his rookie season with the Orlando Magic, O’Neal finished in the top ten in scoring, rebounding, blocks, and shooting percentage. In 1996, he signed the biggest contract in NBA history with the LA Lakers; he then returned to Florida in 2005 to play for the Miami Heat, followed by the Phoenix Suns. Now he can be found playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After 14 years in the NBA, Shaq has an impressive list of accomplishments: a 13-time All-Star, a two-time All-Star MVP, a three-time NBA Finals MVP Award, he has now perfected the “drop step” move which has made him unstoppable.

Along with his NBA accomplishments, Shaq has written an autobiography, starred in his own television show, released a certified platinum album, received his B.S. from Louisiana State University, an M.B.A from University of Phoenix, and is working toward a PHD in Human Relations. Shaq has also maintained an interest in the workings of the police department and has become personally involved in law enforcement as reserve officer with the L.A. Port Police.

Shaq appeared in several films including Blue Chips with Nick Nolte and the star vehicles Kazaam! and Steel, for which he also recorded the soundtrack albums. His recent reality television show Shaq Vs. features him competing against some of the greatest athletes at their own sports demonstrating yet again that traditional limits cannot contain him. He is that rare individual who is constantly looking to challenge himself and move outside his comfort zone. Now his creative thinking—which previously spurred him to success in a wide variety of fields—will be deployed at his first art exhibition, with him playing the role of curator and muse.

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