Fountain House Gallery – the premier venue in New York City representing artists living with mental illness – announces the group exhibition Boundaries. Boundaries is co-curated by Tracey Ryans and Nancy Caton.

The theme Boundaries explores both the physical elements of the topic as well as its psychological manifestations. This concept is visually articulated in literal form, as in maps, containment environments (i.e., imprisonment), and fences. However, it also allows and includes a more conceptual interpretation, as in the experience of blockage or "boundary" due to race, gender, religion, or even stigma regarding mental illness.

Conversely, the theme was used artistically to express not only an obstacle imposed externally but also one self-imposed as a form of protection and/or privacy. Frequently, boundaries are built as a shield against "the outside" as a way to mitigate social anxiety and maintain control over one’s environment and emotions. This show provides the general public a unique, important insight into the challenges facing both mentally challenged individuals and society as a whole.

Boundaries showcases more than 30 works in mediums including mixed media, painting, textiles, and found objects. Fountain House Gallery and Studio is funded, in part, by generous support from the Renate, Hans and Maria Hofmann Trust, and the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund.

Tracey Ryans currently serves as a Cultural Counsel for Kunstmuseum, Basel Switzerland, Factory International Manchester UK, Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands, and the Netherlands Danse Theater. He is also a co-owner/founder of Neuehouse, as well as iconic NY establishments such as La Esquina, Miss Lilly’s, Odo, Metrograph Theater, and Soho House Grasmere in Rhinebeck, NY. Ryans’s commitment to the arts extends to serving on the boards of The Kitchen, The Brooklyn Zen Center, Powerhouse Arts, The Mondrian Initiative, The National Black Theater, and the branding committee for The Central Park Conservancy. Additionally, he has contributed his expertise to the marketing committee for The New Victory Theater and notably serves as a consultant to Frieze Art Fair NY and Vanity Fair.

Ryans is an accomplished international public speaker. He was invited to speak at “The Business of Design” in Hong Kong. He is also developing a podcast and book titled “Thé Cérémonie." He is a co-founder of the artist activist collective “Wide Awakes” with Hank Willis Thomas, Black Thought, Alicia Keys, and Jose Parla.

Nancy Caton is a Fountain House Gallery member-artist who conceived the exhibition’s theme. Her art is greatly influenced by her study of physics and mathematics and articulates the endless natural geometric structures of reality. Prior to her foray into creating art, Caton had an extensive career in the fashion industry, including owning her own high-end atelier, Nancy Whiskey & The Sewing Factory.