This exhibition features performance, sculpture, painting, comics, and photography.
LIFEFORCE is an all female group show that explores the feminine in the context of a genderless future. The exhibition is curated by sisters Kelsey and Rémy Bennett.
Presented by The Untitled Space and Indira Cesarine, LIFEFORCE is inspired by Donna Haraway’s feminist science fiction essay, A Cyborg Manifesto.
The exhibit will feature performance, sculpture, painting, comics, and photography that aim to re code normative expectations celebrating the life force that is beyond human matter and closer to its essence.
The work focuses on the all encompassing power of “the female” on both physical and metaphysical levels—transcending constructs of race and gender, reclaiming representation, and exploring intersections with science and technology.
Stemming from fears of female dominance, throughout history strong women have been depicted as evil or monstrous, from Salome in The Bible to Medusa. The artists have used this exhibit to reclaim these grotesque depictions with defiance and a sense of humour, satirizing traditionalism and standards of feminine allure.
The future of the feminine is birthed by choosing fantasy and irreverence over realism. These vivid utopias and dystopias invite the viewer to play with social possibilities that are otherwise deemed impossible by the culture of fear that has reigned in the past.
Taira Rice, one of the artists taking part in the exhibition said, “I strive to depict not just the physical, but also the complex. I often depict my subjects as monsters or aliens in order to satirize the traditional ideals of femininity.”
Another contributing artist, Maisie Cousins says that her work challenges misogynistic ideals of beauty by being inspired by “all things gross and human”. Cousins highlights that her work is “always inspired by the fluidity of sexuality and gender” adding that she aims to create beautiful and satisfying images from a disgusting mess.
Other artists include Amanda Turner Pohan, Aria McManus, Chiara Girimonti, Doreen Garner, Elizabeth Ilsley, Fahren Feingold, Hein Koh, Jeanette Hayes, Jessica Stoller, Jo Shane, Juno Calypso, Kelsey Bennett, Maggie Dunlap, Monica Garza, Nadia Lee Cohen, Nicole Nadeau, PantehaAbareshi, Parker Day, RaineTrainor, Sam Cannon, Signe Pierce, and Tafv Sampson.
The opening reception will be held on July 26 at 6PM. Artists and curators will be in attendance. Contact [email protected] for RSVP.
More Information
When: July 26 – August 6, 2016
Where: The Untitled Space Gallery, 45 Lispenard Street Unit 1W NYC, 10013
Opening Reception: Tuesday, July 26, 6:00PM – 9:00PM
Exhibit On View: July 27 – August 6, 12:00PM – 6:00PM
​To read more about LIFEFORCE, click here