Shadows Curated by Shilpi Chandra at Pelham Art Center
PELHAM, NY. Pelham Art Center presents Shadows curated by Shilpi Chandra, on view February 12 through March 26, 2022. Shadows features the work of artists Elizabeth Knowles, Nate Lewis, Sa’dia Rehman, Tara Sabharwal, Mona Saeed Kamal, Madhvi Subrahmanian and Tansy Xiao. The seven artists incorporate the physical and psychological dimensions of shadows – dark versus light – with each reflecting a different understanding of shadows both thematically and artistically. As a result, the selected artworks in Shadows communicate a new way to experience the beauty of shadows.
Priscilla Jeong’s works ponder the temporality and vulnerability of materials. Like an ancient sundial, her sculptural piece The Archer captures natural light in the gallery, casting dramatic shadows that become dynamic extensions of the artwork as they move across the gallery during the course of the day.
In her multi-media installation, Mona Saeed Kamal uses negative space as a visual device and a central narrative. Shadows within her intricate papercuts emphasize the artist’s desire to directly confront personal and cultural experiences by raising questions about religion, conflict, borders, and identity.
Shadows become marks in Madhvi Subrahmanian’s photos of chalk and ink works on the sidewalks of New York City. In her Walk and Chew Gum series, these marks offer a contradistinction between the gridded containment of the city and the many expressions of constant change and movement.
Installation artist Elizabeth Knowles uses X-Ray images to create her site-specific three-dimensional work Night Vision. Just as X-rays send ultravisible light through the body to reveal the shadows of internal structures, the artist exposes dynamic patterns of physiology, life and death.
The darkness of militarist annihilation and the lightness of delicate papercut coincide in Sa’dia Rehman’s installation War Zone 1. Warplanes and drones appear as burnt forms in the paper, creating a shadowscape around the work echoing the artist’s impressions of chaos and suffering.
Nate Lewis portrays the unseen patterns and tensions within society. By altering photographs, the artist uses distortion and illusion to uncover and challenge perspectives on race, history, and the shadows of humanity.
Tara Sabharwal’s nonfigurative works approach the mind with attention to its uncanny and shadow aspects. Layers of subconscious take form through color and composition, shedding light on opaque or unsettling internal dimensions.
The imagery in Tansy Xiao’s Bone and Air blends states of dream and reality. Using a language of symbols associated with danger or mystery along with interactive instructions for the viewer, the digital piece is an experience of suspension and free-association in the shadow psyche.
Events
Opening Reception February 12th, 2:00-4:00pm
The opening reception for Shadows will take place Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 2:00-4:00pm at Pelham Art Center. This event is free and open to the public.
Madhvi Subrahmanian – Walk and Chew Gum #2 (2020)- 30×20”
Virtual Exhibition Viewing & Artist Discussion March 2nd, 5:00-7:00pm
Attend an exhibition walkthrough and discussion on Zoom with the curator and artists of Shadows Wednesday, March 2nd 5:00-7:00pm. Free and open to all. Access Zoom link on the Pelham Art Center website.
About Pelham Art Center
The Pelham Art Center is a non-profit educational and cultural institution committed to providing access to study, experience and appreciate the arts. The Pelham Art Center strives to be a vibrant, engaging arts space that provides unique opportunities to learn and enhance artistic skills and practices. With community at our core, we welcome participants of diverse backgrounds to foster connections and encourage the open exchange of ideas. Pelham Art Center has vibrant exhibitions, public programs, and art education opportunities. Hours: Monday-Wed & Fri., 9 am – 5 pm, Thursday, 9am-7pm, Sat. &; Sun., 10 am – 4 pm https://www.pelhamartcenter.org
Mission and History Pelham Art Center is a nonprofit educational and cultural insitution committed to providing public access to see, study, and experience the arts, foster lifelong arts appreciation and thereby strengthen the community of Southern Westchester and surronding areas. Art Classes are run for children and adults all year. The Pelham Art Center gallery exhibits are open to the public and also offers free public programs, artist talks, and concerts on a regular basis.