Today marks the halfway point of 2012! (Give or take.)
We’re taking the holiday week to reflect on the first half of the year and some of the great gallery shows we’ve seen this year.
Here’s a short list of three of my favorite exhibitions of 2012 so far:
1. Julie Chang’s recent exhibition at the Hosfelt Gallery was enjoyable and thought provoking, a reflection of her work. Chang’s paintings are bold and beautiful yet their recognizable cultural imagery makes you think more about the deeper meaning behind the work. Enjoy this Art Seen episode from the opening:
2. In a March “Jen Recommends” I suggested heading to Joshua Liner Gallery to see a solo sculptural show by mixed media artist Kris Kuksi. Upon arriving at the gallery I entered a room vibrating with energy and people which escalated as the minutes passed. The artwork, wow, I was expecting intricate and intriguing works, but I wasn’t expecting the massive scale of some of the pieces which changed the interaction. Kulsi’s show, Triumph, at Joshua Liner, named well, was certainly triumphant in my book.
Kris Kuksi, The Surrender of Helios, Mixed media assemblage at Joshua Liner Gallery
3. I didn’t end up suggesting this show on “Jen Recommends” and wasn’t able to film it for Art Seen, but I went, and boy was 10Twenty10 at Claire Oliver awesome! (I event went back more than once and brought the whole nAscent team to see it too). 10Twenty10 celebrates 10 years in New York, twenty years as a gallery with ten participating artists. One of the better group show’s I’ve seen, it’s a fabulous cohesive presentation of varied, interesting works. If you can, run there this week! The exhibition continues until July 7th.
Norbert Brunner, Imagine You Are Invincible, digital print on plexi; Swarovski crystals; LEDs; mirror,
at Claire Oliver gallery
If the second half of 2012 measures up to the first, we’re in for a real treat.
We’re spending tomorrow hosting good friends with good food and a great view of New York City’s fireworks. Hope you are, too!
Stay tuned right here every Tuesday for “Jen Recommends”, my recommendation for a hot NYC gallery opening each week. (And don’t forget to watch Art Seen if you can’t make it to the gallery openings in person!)
And tomorrow, we’ll have a special 4th of July edition of The Bare Square.
Happy Revolution Day!
- Jen Wallace
