American artist Beverly McIver crafts deeply personal and emotional portraits and self-portraits that, through their specificity, manage to tap into the universal. A range of these recent works are featured in her solo show “Entangled” presented by Berry Campbell in New York, following the gallery’s announcement of her representation last year. On view through November 16, 2024, the exhibition presents 20 recent paintings that feature idiosyncratic depictions of McIver herself in addition to portraits of friends and family as well as tributes to the artist’s mentors, like Faith Ringgold and Philip Pearlstein—all created in her North Carolina studio.

Beverly McIver, Entangled #3 (2024). Courtesy of the artist and Berry Campbell, New York.

The present exhibition’s titular series of works show the artist with variously colored cords, rope, or netting wrapped around her head, presenting the artist vulnerable, even disoriented. Rendered with singular technique, the vibrant hues and energetic brushstrokes stave off any sense of stasis, alluding to the poignancy underpinning the works. Curious and toeing the line of the sinister, the self-portraits operate as metaphors or conduits for emotional reflection and recognition.

Beverly McIver, Summertime (2024). Courtesy of the artist and Berry Campbell, New York.

Further illustrating McIver’s explorations of emotion, individuality, and identity are the selection of portraits, each of which hang on the sitter’s unique personality and demeanor—which invariably emanates from each work. Executed with the same generous and vivid brushwork as her self-portraits, here they work to convey a sense of immediacy to the subject. In works such as Summertime (2024), the girl stares precociously out at the viewer, seemingly undistracted by the popsicle she eats save for the furrowing of her brow. In another portrait, Daddy in his Blue Checkered Shirt (2024), the subject once again gazes directly out, however this time with a sense of openness and recognition.

Beverly McIver, Daddy in his Blue Checkered Shirt (2024). Courtesy of the artist and Berry Campbell, New York.

“The commonality is the human part, I think people are just refreshed to see somebody telling the truth, being authentic,” said McIver.

“Entangled” is accompanied by a fully illustrated exhibition catalogue that includes an introduction by Hung Liu Estate director Dorothy Moss and an essay by Duke University Professor Paul Jaskot. Along with the show and the joining of Berry Campbell’s roster, it marks a pivotal moment in the artist’s career alluding to future evolvements in McIver’s practice.

“Beverly McIver: Entangled” is on view at Berry Campbell, New York, through November 16, 2024.