(New York, NY) – Venus Over Manhattan is pleased to present PERSON(A)  a group exhibition exploring multifarious interpretations of autobiography. Through various modes of expression, both figurative and abstracted, the works featured contend with identity as explored and expressed through diverse means including in depictions of objects, avatars, interiors, and environments. Complicating notions of the locus of selfhood by decentering the axiomatic “self-portrait” these works typify the anamorphic and multifaceted nature of identity. Through these distinctive articulations mining the autobiographical becomes a portal for meditation on notions of subjecthood and experience. 

Through their varied approaches each of the twenty-four artists illuminate essential aspects of the lived experience, gesturing through their idiosyncrasies to both the deeply personal as well as the universal. Anastasia Bay’s work evokes mythological and ancient figurative depictions, amalgamating art historical sources and creating a unique visual language that feels both timeless and utterly contemporary. In a radically different style Scott Kahn offers remarkable phycological impressions, wedding personal memories with a modernist imagination. Kahn’s Oasis is a metaphysical portrait, part seascape part domestic interior, that personifies the artists inner life.

A venerable colorist and remarkable chronicler of the poetic moments found in the quotidian March Avery’s paintings are quietly emotive evocations of precious domestic scenes, country landscapes and interiors. Her work, Out of Sea, is stirring in its simplicity and intimacy, paired down to the most essential elements of color and form, with a gestural marine expanse that offers a profound almost abstract sense of resolve.

Returning to the personified form Alina Perez and Jo Messer offer forceful, vigorously realized depictions of the body that oscillate at turns between figuration and abstraction. Both works carry an erotic evanescence and invite close looking to parse there many intricacies.

Through different means each artist explores the possibilities and tensions of representation, successfully wedding aspects of multiple styles to arrive at their own utterly unique renderings. This exhibition will take place at the gallery’s space in downtown Manhattan, located at 55 Great Jones Street. 

PERSON(A)

Take 3D Tour