THE UPDATE
JANUARY 8, 2020 - FEBRUARY 26, 2020
CURATED BY KIARA CRISTINA VENTURA
FEATURING:
AUDREAMIA WARDLOW
DILLON GARDNER
ESTELLE MAISONETT
MARK MALAVE
MONICA FLORES
PATRICK ALSTON
ROCIO MARIE CABRERA
RON BAKER
SORINN LILLICO
STANLEY STEEL
The Bronx Council on the Arts and ArtsyWindow Present “The Update”
In the 1970s, the Bronx became home to the birth of hip hop and styles
of graffiti, which were pushed by narratives of poverty, street violence,
and the experience of being a member of an underserved community.
At the same time, it became a home for a new wave of artistic culture
and underground movements. As hip hop and graffiti provided a
foundation and soil for Bronx creativity, a newer generation of artists
arose and proved that Bronx artists can experiment with mediums
beyond DJ sets and spray paint. By referring to influences of native BX
styles, these artists continue telling the street narratives of The Bronx
including contemporary issues as part of the conversation — issues
of displacement, gentrification, street violence, representation, and
economic struggle. With statistics that show the Bronx has the highest
poverty rate out of all New York City boroughs, this exhibition is also a
celebration of the local community, networks, collectives, and the overall
collective artistry that is constantly being created here despite the lack of
access and resources.
The Update presents works by Bronx artists of now who are telling their
story and the street narratives of the borough all while commemorating
the rich history behind them. Consisting of ten artists under thirty, The
Update is defining the next generation of Bronx artists by highlighting
local art collectives, underground nightlife, and artist networks who
are creating experimental practices. Reflecting the local community,
The Update consists of artists of color who are addressing daily lived
experiences, influences, and modes of expression. Blurring lines in
the contemporary art world, the works speak to the history of abstract
painting, conceptual sculpture, photo and video journalism, street art,
textile art, and assemblage. Through a variety of mediums including
photography, video, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, the artists
collectively demonstrate how their identity, culture, and native borough
play a key component in shaping their visual narrative. While speaking
on issues we face as a borough, this new generation is actively reflecting
the Bronx’s street culture, fashion, aesthetic, and history yet updating
them with a true, contemporary, and ground breaking vision.
AUDREAMIA WARDLOW
DILLON GARDNER
ESTELLE MAISONETT
MARK MALAVE
MONICA FLORES
PATRICK ALSTON
ROCIO MARIE CABRERA
RON BAKER
SORINN LILLICO
STANLEY STEEL
The Bronx Council on the Arts and ArtsyWindow Present “The Update”
In the 1970s, the Bronx became home to the birth of hip hop and styles
of graffiti, which were pushed by narratives of poverty, street violence,
and the experience of being a member of an underserved community.
At the same time, it became a home for a new wave of artistic culture
and underground movements. As hip hop and graffiti provided a
foundation and soil for Bronx creativity, a newer generation of artists
arose and proved that Bronx artists can experiment with mediums
beyond DJ sets and spray paint. By referring to influences of native BX
styles, these artists continue telling the street narratives of The Bronx
including contemporary issues as part of the conversation — issues
of displacement, gentrification, street violence, representation, and
economic struggle. With statistics that show the Bronx has the highest
poverty rate out of all New York City boroughs, this exhibition is also a
celebration of the local community, networks, collectives, and the overall
collective artistry that is constantly being created here despite the lack of
access and resources.
The Update presents works by Bronx artists of now who are telling their
story and the street narratives of the borough all while commemorating
the rich history behind them. Consisting of ten artists under thirty, The
Update is defining the next generation of Bronx artists by highlighting
local art collectives, underground nightlife, and artist networks who
are creating experimental practices. Reflecting the local community,
The Update consists of artists of color who are addressing daily lived
experiences, influences, and modes of expression. Blurring lines in
the contemporary art world, the works speak to the history of abstract
painting, conceptual sculpture, photo and video journalism, street art,
textile art, and assemblage. Through a variety of mediums including
photography, video, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, the artists
collectively demonstrate how their identity, culture, and native borough
play a key component in shaping their visual narrative. While speaking
on issues we face as a borough, this new generation is actively reflecting
the Bronx’s street culture, fashion, aesthetic, and history yet updating
them with a true, contemporary, and ground breaking vision.
Public Programming
Opening Reception - Wednesday, January 8 | 6:00-9:00pm
The Role of the Bronx: Open Conversation - Saturday, February 1 | 1:00-3:00pm
An open conversation with artists featured in the exhibition lead by curator Kiara Ventura, speaking about how the Bronx streets play a key role in their work. The audience will be invited to join the conversation.
AW Classroom: Bronx Legends - Saturday, February 8 | 1:00-3:00pm
Art history class centered on notable BX artists from the 1970’s to now. The class will feature a Graffiti demo with artist Stanley Steel who will speak about his art and the significance of graffiti tagging. Educational materials will be distributed.
THE UPDATE AND THE LIVING ROOM KITCHEN CURATORIAL TOUR | RSVP HERE
Tuesday, February 25th | 6-8pm
THE UPDATE EXHIBITION
“Everybody Eats “Closing Reception - RSVP HERE
Wednesday, February 26 | 6-9pm
Opening Reception - Wednesday, January 8 | 6:00-9:00pm
The Role of the Bronx: Open Conversation - Saturday, February 1 | 1:00-3:00pm
An open conversation with artists featured in the exhibition lead by curator Kiara Ventura, speaking about how the Bronx streets play a key role in their work. The audience will be invited to join the conversation.
AW Classroom: Bronx Legends - Saturday, February 8 | 1:00-3:00pm
Art history class centered on notable BX artists from the 1970’s to now. The class will feature a Graffiti demo with artist Stanley Steel who will speak about his art and the significance of graffiti tagging. Educational materials will be distributed.
THE UPDATE AND THE LIVING ROOM KITCHEN CURATORIAL TOUR | RSVP HERE
Tuesday, February 25th | 6-8pm
THE UPDATE EXHIBITION
“Everybody Eats “Closing Reception - RSVP HERE
Wednesday, February 26 | 6-9pm
| the_update-press_release_-_3.pdf |
The Update
On view from January 8 to February 26, 2020
Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos
450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street
Room C-190
Bronx, NY 10451
Gallery Hours: Tues-Thurs 12:00pm-6:00pm, Monday by appointment.
For sale inquires, please email artsywindow@gmail.com
On view from January 8 to February 26, 2020
Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos
450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street
Room C-190
Bronx, NY 10451
Gallery Hours: Tues-Thurs 12:00pm-6:00pm, Monday by appointment.
For sale inquires, please email artsywindow@gmail.com