exhibition
In Reflection: Selections from the Kentler Flatfiles

About the exhibition

IN REFLECTION:
Selections from the Kentler Flatfiles

Virtual Exhibition on View: June 13 - July 31, 2020

GUEST CURATED by ART YARD BKYLN Advanced Studio Senior Curators:
Kevin Anderson, Evelyn Beliveau, Vera Tineo, Fatima Traore and Quentin Williamston

ARTISTS:
Stephanie Brody-Lederman, Nina Buxenbaum, Karni Dorell, Susan Dunkerley Maguire, Pauline Galiana, Richard Gins, Joanne Howard, LUCE, Meridith McNeal, Portia Munson, Stephen Negrycz, Katsutoshi Yuasa, Emna Zghal


In Reflection: Selections from the Kentler Flatfiles 

Reflect, Reflection, Reflecting. An ordinary collection of words, yet depending on their intention when used, each can have an extraordinary impact. Having duality in their definition, they can be taken literally, metaphorically, or conceptually. We see reflections in our daily lives through mirrors, water, light, shadow, movement, and photography. We also reflect by looking back in time or  within ourselves, or by recalling memories and actions. Art making, in all its forms, but especially drawing, is a  form of directly reflecting what one sees and/or imagines. In a time of great despair and isolation, the act of reflecting may be one of our most vital sources of hope and survival. The curators of ART YARD BKLYN’s In Reflection invite you to visually and virtually take a deeper look via the work of a group of profound artists represented in the Flatfiles of Kentler International Drawing Space. 

The most reflective resources on the planet are water and light. Both are often seen artistically in an array of art and art forms. Stephanie Brody-Lederman’s painting on paper depicts reflection in the water through bold vibrant marks and shapes that create a collection of engaging moments. Water also has the ability to feel and look like sound. LUCE’s reflective piece embodies a sense of peace and stillness. Just as light is reflected in water, Katsutoshi Yuasa captures light piercing through nature in subtle yet dramatic ways. This particular woodcut recreates both memory and emotion. Meridith McNeal also re-creates a moment in time and space by reflecting the perception of light. Reflection in this piece, shows the mirroring of adjacent spaces through glass while light allows viewers to be both places at once. 

Reflecting can also be done by the process of printmaking, which embodies literal reflection by mirroring an image. Susan Dunkerley Maguire’s lithograph plays with the idea of reflection by faintly echoing an object in space. Richard Gins’s monotype implies an atmosphere of solitude where presence is reflected simply by shadow. 

Traditionally, artworks incorporating reflections show symmetry in shape, form, composition, and color. This is seen in the work of Pauline Galiana, who focuses on the reflection between similar shapes while delicately implying an imprint of touch. Adopting a circular flow, Portia Munson, uses the repetition in nature to re-create patterns and intensify colors. Stephen Negrycz uses symmetry by duplicating body language between human forms, bringing a sense of balance to the overall piece. Joanne Howard creates a similar harmony between two figures while utilizing negative space to change one’s viewpoint. Nina Buxenbaum reflects through portraiture, by creating a vertically symmetrical relationship between levitating figures. Although they seem to be engaging with one another they are experiencing separate moments.

Trees, nature's ultimate storytellers, are exemplary of reflection as they grow, refresh, and change continuously. Karni Dorell’s print demonstrates movement and the passing of time while emphasizing the details through careful composition and process. Emna Zghal takes a closer look at trees and uses a delicate technique of coloring and layering that makes the image feel like a reminiscence. Each artist's work shows exquisite and transcending interpretations of reflections in alluring and innovative ways.

ART YARD BKLYN’s mission is to share, inspire, and educate. Our thematic approach to learning and experiencing art allows room for deep, profound thoughts and understanding. In Reflection: Selections from the Kentler Flatfiles exhibits a collection of work that honors and epitomizes that effort. 

Curatorial essay by Fatima Traore

Exhibition curated by Kevin Anderson, Evelyn Beliveau, Vera Tineo, Fatima Traore, and Quentin Williamston, ART YARD Advanced Studio Senior Curators


ART YARD BKLYN offers art education programs for kids, teens, young adults, and practicing artists, providing direct access to contemporary visual art. ART YARD Advanced Studio is our intensive studio art course where participants develop their own voice as artists along with art making skills, and other contemporary art practices.  ART YARD BKLYN is a safe haven where everyone is treated with kindness and respect.  We are a community of creative thinkers, expansive dreamers, and well-educated art makers.  

For more information visit us at www.artyardbklyn.org



NOTE: Kentler International Drawing Space is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine. We are pleased to continue our exhibition and education programs online and on social media!  Special thanks for support during the pandemic goes to: NY Community Trust; the PPP; the Fort Foundation; and many individuals. We thank you!