In England, the windows open outward. In France, they open inward. In Brooklyn, windows materialize on cladded walls, adorned with awnings and AC units.

We peek into lit windows on dark evenings. At home, we look beyond the glass pane at night, only to be greeted by our own reflection. Our eyes absorb the familiar blur of stations and tunnels swishing by as we absentmindedly wait for our stop. In many layers, like an oil painting, reflected landscapes, weather and glimpsed interiors all merge onto the glass.

(Aglaé)

Inspired by her recent move to New York City from London and experiences here as an immigrant, Aglaé Bassens continues her exploration of windows, obfuscated views, and the gaze. The paintings in this exhibition remain opaque, offering only closed curtains or blocked views. Keeping their back to the wall, the installations never expose themselves fully. Evoking both longing and detachment, Bassens’ paintings of windows form thresholds for engagement and disengagement with the world. CRUSHCURATORIAL is pleased to present Aglaé Bassens’ New York solo debut exhibition.

Aglaé Bassens (b. 1986, Belgium) lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. Solo exhibitions include Surface Tension (Forthcoming, 2018) at Nars Foundation, Brooklyn and Front Parting, Cabin Gallery London (2016). Recent group shows include HEADS, The Java Project, Brooklyn (2017), Contemporary British Painting Prize, London (2016), Biennial Of Painting: The Painter’s Touch, Museum of Deinze, Belgium (2014), PAPER, Saatchi Gallery, London (2013) and Jerwood Drawing Prize, London (2012). Her work is featured in New American Paintings No 134 Northeast Issue, and in 100 Painters of Tomorrow published by Thames and Hudson (2014). She has a BA in Fine Art from the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, Oxford University (2007) and an MFA in Fine Art Painting from the Slade School of Fine Art, London (2011).