A WOMEN’S THING

In anticipation of the upcoming solo exhibition debut of multidisciplinary fiber artist, Ophelia Arc with 81 Leonard Gallery in New York, curator Nakai Falcón takes a moment to reflect on questions surrounding the show and the artist’s practice. In March of 2023 while scrolling through Instagram, I came across these surreally woven sculptures reminiscent of carved meats with rosette palettes. A combination of deteriorative and delectably rich qualities.

Alice Neel (1900–1984) was a visual artist known for her portraits of friends and family. AWT columnist Micaela Brinsley shares a creative look at her work and Neel’s talent for capturing the energy of her subjects. She’s the start of this, open ended. Maybe there’s a shade to a backdrop you know already. Too faint to tell what it’s suggesting but I’m sure it’s something about loneliness—no? Or maybe I’m listening for it as it’s shading me this season, day after day after day.

Ran Hwang’s artistic fusion of birds and Buddhism serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection and spiritual exploration, particularly in the bustling city of New York. Through her intricate installations composed of thousands of buttons, beads, and pins, Hwang invites viewers to contemplate their own identities amidst the fast-paced urban environment. Her art becomes a conduit for introspection, prompting individuals to question their place in the world and their connection to others.

In conversation with Tracey Tawhiao, a revered artist and curator hailing from Aotearoa, New Zealand, I had the privilege to explore her culturally vibrant, and boundary-pushing artistic journey. Emerging from the rich soil of Matakana Island, Tawhiao’s deep immersion in Te Ao Māori bestowed upon her a profound understanding of interconnectedness—a worldview that permeates her artistic expression.

Known for her curatorial work with women artists, artist and curator Christina Massey is on a mission to give back to the creative community, bringing awareness to contemporary women artists who inspire her and deserve attention and recognition. Massey’s latest curatorial project, “You Know What You Know,” at KUNSTRAUM, features the work of five female-identifying artists who intricately explore the profound connection between themselves and their embodied knowledge.

From the metamorphosis of her creative process to the immersive inclusivity of her large-scale installations, Eiko Nishida’s artistry emerges as a force that challenges conventional boundaries. In a recent interview, I delved deep into the avant-garde realm of conceptual and participatory art with Nishida. Nishida’s commitment to community engagement and the profound impact of audience interaction within her projects injects a dynamic energy into the arts community in New York.

Leonora Carrington (1917–2011) was an acclaimed writer and artist who made her mark on the surrealist movement of the 1930s. AWT columnist Micaela Brinsley’s new essay shares an imaginative look at her work and her legacy. The world spins on its axis as a suitcase stands in the corner of a room. An artifact. Its surface, a deep shade of navy blue, imprints fragments.

Who is worthy of care? Amber Robles-Gordon’s “Surely, she (he/we) is a little animal?” critically examines power, control, and societal implications. The show aims to visually demonstrate how unchecked control can lead to the mistreatment of both animals and children, emphasizing that these issues are universally connected and perpetuate a cycle of violence and abuse.

In an interview with both artist and curator, Clare Gemima explores the collaborative journey of Carla Perez and Nakai Falcón’s “Devourer of Sunsets,” Perez’s solo showcase which recently ran at Charmoli Ciarmoli in Midtown East in Manhattan. By employing an illuminating, multifaceted and physically demanding material sophistication, the artist uncovers themes of agency, memory, and the interplay between natural and artificial worlds through wax, glass, and other stubborn mediums.

“When we too are armed and trained, we can convince men that we have hands, feet, and a heart like yours; and although we may be delicate and soft, some men who are delicate are also strong; and others, coarse and harsh, are cowards.