On View
See Nina Chanel Abney’s Timely New Paintings About Political Turmoil and the Power of Black Joy
Show of the Day: "Seized the Imagination" is on view at Jack Shainman, while "Safe House" is at Mary Boone Gallery.
Caroline Goldstein
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NINA CHANEL ABNEY
“Seized the Imagination” at Jack Shainman Gallery / “Safe House” at Mary Boone Gallery, New York
November 9, 2017–December 22, 2017
What the Galleries Say: From Jack Shainman Gallery: “‘Seized the Imagination’ eschews linear storytelling in favor of disjointed narratives, creating an atmosphere that speaks to the helplessness many feel in the wake of today’s political climate. Abney’s distinctive, declarative color palette and pulsating forms come together in tightly compressed compositions to convey a sense of action on the brink of claustrophobia and potential collapse.”
From Mary Boone, “With these eight single-panel paintings, Abney invites us into a place of reprieve, showing us people partaking in everyday activities. Abney’s scenarios offer sincere portrayals that counter how black life is represented in the mainstream media. The decision intentionally explores black joy as a means of resistance.”
Why It’s Worth a Look: The Chicago-born, New York-based artist’s work screams with color, dynamism, wit, and anger, and is powerfully timely.
What It Looks Like:
“Seized the Imagination” at Jack Shainman Gallery:
Nina Chanel Abney’s Untitled (2017). © Nina Chanel Abney, courtesy of Jack Shainman Gallery.
Nina Chanel Abney’s Penny Dreadful (2017). © Nina Chanel Abney, courtesy of Jack Shainman Gallery.
Nina Chanel Abney’s Cop (2017). © Nina Chanel Abney, courtesy of Jack Shainman Gallery.
Nina Chanel Abney’s Whet (2017). © Nina Chanel Abney, courtesy of Jack Shainman Gallery.
Nina Chanel Abney’s Hobson’s Choice (2017). © Nina Chanel Abney, courtesy of Jack Shainman Gallery.
“Safe House” at Mary Boone Gallery:
Installation view of “Nina Chanel Abney: Safe House” at Mary Boone Gallery. Image courtesy Mary Boone Gallery.
Nina Chanel Abney’s Guns and Butter and In the Land Without Feelings both (2017). © Nina Chanel Abney, courtesy of Mary Boone Gallery.
Nina Chanel Abney’s Pooh-Pooh (2017). © Nina Chanel Abney, courtesy of Mary Boone Gallery.
Nina Chanel Abney’s Fruit of the Womb (2017). © Nina Chanel Abney, courtesy of Mary Boone Gallery.
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