Unprecedented
March 18 – May 3, 2021
Unprecedented is a group exhibition of works which reflect a response to a year
marked by extraordinary change during unique times.
The works presented by, Sophia Chizuco, Elena Chestnykh, Johanna Furst, Mark Rosenthal, Bill
Leech, Alice Zinnes, Robert Zurer, Bill Page, and Gary Giordano, reflect a response
to a pandemic not seen in a century and a cultural revolution of change through
protest and civil unrest.
This Virtual Exhibition on Artsy Gallery Gary Giordano runs March 18, 2021
through May 2, 2021
About the exhibition:
2020 is one in which we all experienced significant changes to our daily lives. Our
normal routines altered, our lives were turned upside down and things were not
the same. We began to experience a new normal. For the Artist, the changes
affected their lives in unique ways. Exhibition and gallery spaces were closed and
no longer available. This eliminated the opportunity for them to present their
work. Studios had been closed and artists were denied entry to access their art.
Incomes were disrupted, artists could longer afford workspace. Artists also
found themselves completely cut off from social relationships and left to spend
significant amounts of time alone in isolation. Once bustling streets filled with
energy and inspiration, became empty and desolate.
Simultaneously, our country experienced a cultural revolution brought on by
those who would no longer tolerate a system that perpetuated racial inequity and
gender prejudice. A system which excluded groups from participating in
opportunities available to others. These groups spoke out in a voice of protest for
justice. The demonstrations were met with militarized enforcement intending to
silence and suppress them. Often this would erupt into violence, and this was
played out in the non-privileged neighborhoods. These same neighborhoods
where artists set up studios.
The paintings in Unprecedented deal with emotions of fear, anxiety, and those
accompanied by isolation and solitude. They address issues of anxiety of dealing
with the unknown. They examine sexuality and identity and the trauma
experienced though lack of touch and contact. The paintings also examine
systemic inequality and an understanding and awareness towards social justice.
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