The voices of the artist are not always easy to listen to. Sometimes it is because they speak with uncomfortable realities that form our societies and lives. In other cases, art can be part of that uncomfortable reality, which reflect harmful perspectives instead of criticizing. The Solo exhibitions below all represent artists with strong individual visions and voices, some more problematic than enlightening, but all to think in a mood.
A small but concise show of the works of Glenn Ligon shows why the artist’s dissection of racism by language and intelligibility is just as urgent as almost 40 years ago. Chloë Bass uses text in the same way, but connected with mirrors and home films, to look at what it means to be a mixed breed in a society that fetisjeert differences, while Elle Pérez uses photography to catch moments of being together among the varied families in the lives of a person.
Finally, HyperallergicThe managing editor, Hakim Bishara, goes into the belly of the American psychosocial beast with a huge retrospective Diane Arbus. No, it is not a show that we cordially endorse, but – especially in view of the fact that the location would not allow photography outside – it is one that you should see yourself. –Natalie Haddad, Reviews Editor
Elle Pérez: The world always starts again, history with the present
American Academy of Arts and LettersBroadway between West 155 and 156 streets, Washington Heights, Manhattan
Up to and including July 3
‘[The exhibition] Is about the earliest impulse of Pérez: still keeping a feeling – which is really a way to honor the living, witnessing them. ” –Monica userowicz
Read the full review here.
Glenn Ligon
Brant Foundation421 East 6th Street, East Village, Manhattan
Up to and including July 19
“His language as a medium points to his shortcomings, as well as the importance of the viewer in what is being said and whether it is readable or not for us.” –NH
Read the full review here.
Chloë -Bas: Seen twice
Alexander Gray Associates384 Broadway, Tribeca, Manhattan
Up to and including July 26
“She dares – especially those among us from multiracial backgrounds – to define ‘recording’, Pay attention to apparently unobtrusive things and refuse to change ourselves and each other into novelties. ” –Lakshmi Rivera Amin
Read the full review here.
Diane Arbus: Constellation
Park Avenue Armory643 Park Avenue, Lenox Hill, Manhattan
Up to and including 17 August
“On her photos, the rich seem refined and stately, while the miserable appears to be trapped in her gaze.” –Hakim Bishara
Read the full review here.
