The Untitled Space is pleased to present “True Stories” group show opening on April 9th and on view through May 27th, 2022. Curated by Indira Cesarine, the exhibition features over 30 contemporary artists whose work addresses storytelling through narrative painting, drawing, or portraiture.

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” Storytelling through art is historically one of the oldest forms of communication dating back to early cave paintings thousands of years ago. Although once used as an essential tool due to the constraints of language and literacy, it has over time evolved into an art form exploring what it means to be human, allowing for a deeper understanding of our experiences, relationships, and selves. “True Stories” group show presents a diverse range of contemporary artists who navigate the complicated world we live in by sharing their stories. Whether based on real people and events or drawn from their imagination, each artist provides a window into their unique universe in order to elicit emotion and allow audiences to connect and engage. The artwork of “True Stories” addresses themes of public and private life, encounters, dreams, suspense and drama, the absurdities of life, lived experiences, traumatic moments, celebrations, memories, time, love, loss, and survival, while touching on notions of the eerie, the familiar, and the déjà vu. Through their depictions, the artists present complex narratives featuring characters and scenes that provoke our imagination, address our hopes, fears, and desires. They channel their abilities to give shape and character to stories that can be read across time, language, and cultures.

Exhibiting Artists: Annie Brito Hodgin, Annika Connor, Bartosz Beda, Boris Torres, Bria Fernandes, Danielle Muzina, Eva Redamonti, Faustine Badrichani, Gabriel Zea, Grace Graupe Pillard, Hannah Duggan, Ian Clyde, Indira Cesarine, Jared Freschman, Katie Commodore, Ken Mar, Kerry Lessard, Kestin Selwyn Cornwall, Kristin O'Connor, Louise Campion, Meegan Barnes, Mel Reese, Michael Hubbard, Michele Brody, Rebecca Bird, Robin Tewes, Siobhan McBride, Sophia Oshodin, Tabitha-ann Whitley, Tracy Brown, and Watson Mere.

What is a ‘true story’? The concept of truth revealed through a narrative be it art or otherwise is a concept that has always fascinated me. Stories are by nature colored by the person who shares them. Whether it be the aristos and rulers who relayed “reality” to the populace centuries ago or modern-day movies based on true events, often the stories we are presented with are significantly swayed by opinion, bias, or intended to influence the viewer. The artists featured in “TRUE STORIES” are not necessarily defined by being merely storytellers. Each in their own way through their works on canvas, paper, and panel, share their contemporary vision of the world we live in. They use narrative themes to address moments of the past, present or future as well as the characters that engage in those dialogues in order to confront the complexities and nuances of the complicated world we inhabit. Their works investigate our concept of reality and shared experience, providing insight into the human condition. They question our motivations, priorities, and obsessions with subtle details and emotional triggers. “TRUE STORIES” is made up of unique depictions of personalities and scenarios, observations of our culture, attitudes, and relationships, renditions of the mundane, bizarre, and fantastical. The world we live in has become increasingly complex, with the concepts of truth, right and wrong, reality and fiction, constantly thrown into question. Each detail, moment, and character we encounter becomes part of the greater puzzle of life. Somewhere in between the experiences we live and the stories we tell there is a notion of the truth and the desire to share it. What is your true story?

(Indira Cesarine)