Opening Reception: In Response to Fundamentalism

Having a week to organize an exhibition was no easy feat for Loretta Lomanto and myself. But being the badass ladies we are, we pulled it off, with thanks to the contributing artists. Here are some photos from the opening reception on Wednesday:

detail of my piece, "Tracing Utopia", ink drawing on the wall

i'm chatting with my bf Greg and his friend Claire in front of "Tracing Utopia".

artist Tom Pnini seems suspicious of the artsy crowd.

MFA candidates enjoying the first show of 2010 in the 25 East Gallery.

Anthony Aziz, professor and also former Director of the Parsons MFA program, is always the life of the party!

Superhero Pnini! Wall drawing titled "Book Wars" by Josh Bricker

Superhero faculty Andrea Geyer and Anthony Aziz

Digital Artwork by Loretta Lomanto. This piece is titled "The Wedding"

A fine-looking group of Parsons fine artists

from left: Thomas O'Grady, Beom Do Seo, Brendan McCarthy, Andrea Geyer, Adelaid Harrison, Nana Asante, Gene Kim, Mona Kamal, and Mary Younkin

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the show!

Exhibition: In Response to Fundamentalism

A group exhibition, organized by myself and Loretta Lomanto, will open at 25 East Gallery at 25 E13th Street, New York City, this Wednesday February 17th.

Fundamentalism: • noun 1 a form of Protestant Christianity which upholds belief in the strict and literal interpretation of the Bible. 2 the strict maintenance of the ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion or ideology.

In the history of art making, these select artists have used their works to rebel or respond to fundamentalisms present in their society. The artists chosen for this exhibition have responded to fundamentalism in various ways and methods. Whether at the forefront of their practice, or in response to personal histories, fundamental beliefs are being challenged, reflected upon, with new ideas created. Whether in response to power, familial and societal repression, global responses to cultural suppression, Religion, and limits on sexuality, this exhibit hopes to broaden the Contemporary dialogue of rebellion.

beginning again to begin again

The new year has been rich so far with the beginning of the last semester in the Parsons MFA program. I have been working on several paintings, and working from photos taken in the suburbs of Southern California. You can see the progress in my studio below.

As Michael Auping wrote of Robert Bechtle's photorealistic paintings of California in the 70s, I also wish to "create a slightly incomplete portrait of the American experience. At the same time, there is a certain emptiness in these scenes, a disturbing suggestion of incomplete lives".

My goals in this thesis semester are to pursue this "dark underbelly" in my work, the thread which has always existed, but has lacked strong presence. Like a stranger standing behind me, I can hear it's breathe, I can feel the goosebumps running along my arm, but can't quite grasp the sense of unease.

adding elements to photos using photoshop

3'x4' painting in progress in the studio

tomorrow is here!

some may call it messy, i call it inspiration