Heather Gaudio Fine Art is pleased to present The space we exist in, a ground-breaking exhibition curated by the renowned Ghanaian-American art curator Larry Ossei-Mensah. This is the first time the gallery invites a guest curator to organize an exhibition. The group show will open on November 16th and will run through January 18th, 2025. The public is invited to attend an opening reception and curator talk on Saturday, November 16, 4-6pm.

The space we exist in serves as a platform for rich dialogue and self-reflection for both the artists and viewers by questioning what it means to Hold space or Exist within a space. This exhibition features a diverse ensemble of visual artists whose practices create visual poetry that invites viewers to actively engage with the artworks. The exhibition fosters a deeper connection between art and the audience by challenging viewers to redefine their perceptions of the world and their place within it.

Each artist in this exhibition employs a unique blend of techniques and media, ranging from vivid representational objects to evocative abstract paintings. Patrick Alston, based in Connecticut, creates bold abstractions with striking color palettes and dynamic forms to evoke powerful emotional responses, prompting viewers to confront their perceptions and biases. New York City artist Kim Dacres sources her materials from recycled tires and found objects to make powerful sculptures that are commentaries on strength, resilience and the human spirit, imbuing the discarded everyday material with profound significance. Deborah Dancy, also based in Connecticut, renders her paintings with intricate detail and an emotive use of color, delving into the complexities of personal and collective memory. Clara Nartey, the third artist based in Connecticut, transforms textiles and embroidery threads into expressive and tactile figurative narratives, bridging the gap between traditional craft and contemporary art. Los Angeles-based artist Shinique Smith often incorporates fabric, calligraphy, and collage to explore themes of consumption, identity and cultural history. Her dynamic compositions challenge viewers to consider the material and conceptual spaces they occupy. Patick Quarm, based in Ghana, uses mixed-media in his portraiture that challenge traditional notions of identity and culture, using vibrant patterns and textures to explore the intersection of past and present. Austin Uzor, who is based in upstate New York, explores liminal spaces and questions of identity, displacement and the quest for belonging in his paintings.

The space we exist in is not just a visual journey but an intellectual and emotional experience. The selected works act as mirrors and portals, reflecting personal and collective experiences while offering glimpses into diverse perspectives. This exhibition seeks to create a space where viewers can pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about the narratives articulated by the artists and those of others, ultimately fostering a sense of community and shared humanity.

By bringing together a rich tapestry of voices and visions, this exhibition underscores the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect us to our innermost selves and each other during a tumultuous time in our society. The space we exist in, an exhibition that promises to challenge and transform how we perceive the world and our place within it.

Artists in the exhibition: Patrick Alston, Kim Dacres, Deborah Dancy, Clara Nartey, Patrick Quarm, Shinique Smith, Austin Uzor.