Synchronicities: Intersecting Figuration with Abstraction

Synchronicities: Intersecting Figuration with Abstraction celebrates the fluidity of artists who navigate the spaces between abstraction and figuration. Featuring Carolyn Salas, Heather Rasmussen, Sheree Hovsepian, Liz McCarthy, Laura Hart Newlon, Sondra Perry, Leia Genis, Amy Pleasant and Christina Quarles, this exhibition is a visual journey that challenges traditional artistic categories.

Each artist's unique approach blurs the lines between the recognizable and the abstract, inviting viewers to explore the layers of meaning within their works. In essence, abstraction and figuration are not opposing forces but rather complementary tools that artists use to convey their ideas, emotions, and perspectives. Their relationship is a testament to the ever-evolving and boundless nature of artistic practice and expression, allowing for the creation of artworks that challenge our perceptions and expand our understanding of the world around us.

Carolyn Salas' sculptures juxtapose geometric forms with organic shapes, while Heather Rasmussen's photography captures ephemeral moments in dreamlike compositions. Sheree Hovsepian's experimental use of photography and materials creates enigmatic compositions, and Amy Pleasant's expressive paintings hover between the realms of realism and abstraction. Sondra Perry’s 2-channel work articulates bodily freedom through digital whitening tools while Laura Hart Newlon, Christina Quarles and Leia Genis all explore the complexities of identity and representation, adding depth to the exhibition's exploration of the liminal space where abstraction and figuration meet. Synchronicities highlights the artists pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, showcasing how the relationship between abstraction and figuration lies in their interplay and ability to inform each other.

Many artists find that by experimenting with abstraction, they can distill the essence of a subject or emotion, creating a more impactful and expressive representation. Conversely, figuration can ground abstract concepts in the familiar, making them more relatable to viewers. The artists included collectively highlight how abstraction can serve as a powerful tool for reinterpreting the body. By intersecting figurative and abstract elements, they challenge conventional understandings of physicality and identity, inviting audiences to engage with their works on multiple levels. Showcasing these artists together enriches the broader conversation about the complexities of the vast human experience.