To refer to art as a revolution may seem cliché–and even passé–but the core intent of the practice still stands. The catalyst of change still remains. It will always have the power to raise awareness, provide brilliant commentary and readjust the societal lens. Those elements and efforts are very apparent in Resistance & Myth. A tight-knit group exhibition housed by Ki Smith Gallery and curated by Celine Cunha and Mooncalf Gallery, Resistance & Myth is both skillful and scathing.
Despite the heavy-handed and unflinching message, there is still a great balance in synergy where the technique and aesthetic of each artist shares the spotlight while still managing to stand out from the underlying concept of the exhibition. That is not something that is easy to achieve.
Photos Courtesy of Roman Dean.
Peter Kennard‘s stark and sculptural imagery, Laurie Lipton‘s intricate but playful satire, Judy Greenberg‘s frenzied and hypnotic collages, all anchored by Accra Shepp‘s tranquil but threatening diptych creates a new compelling narrative that pulls back the curtain and exposes the soft yellow underbelly of the stale and oppressive narrative of old.
Resistance & Myth sings a revised national anthem. Each artist is a note in a concise but tumultuous harmony that pulls no punches. It is very much a difficult symphony to orchestrate in such close quarters but Cunha and Mooncalf utilize the space to a tee. Resistance & Myth succeeds in being both direct and nuanced. It does not insist upon itself. It does not wag its finger; instead it waves a flag consisting of a passionate patchwork of purpose. Resistance & Myth is proof that art is not just a labor of love but also a lasting mark of liberation.
Resistance & Myth is on display at Ki Smith Gallery through November 23rd! Be sure to stop by and tell them Quiet Lunch sent you!
Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, curator and profuse sweater, he is responsible for the curatorial direction and overall voice of Quiet Lunch. The Bronx native has read at venues such as the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, KGB Bar, Lovecraft and SHAG–with works published in Palabra Luminosas and LiVE MAG13. He has also curated solo and group exhibitions at numerous galleries in Chelsea, Harlem, Bushwick and Lower Manhattan.