“Dislocation/Reclamation,” a new 32-work exhibit by artists Rebecca Allan and Richard Kooyman, debuts at the Gene Kaufman-owned pop-up gallery, North of History this month. Allan and Kooyman address the interrelated yet distinct issues of suppression and invisibility of women in history, tapping into their traditional training while bringing a modern understanding of female figures, both literally and figuratively.
Allan’s drawings of native plants alongside abstract paintings of the landscape, and Kooyman’s portraits of women retrieved from their “absence” in Classical Western art make for a powerful pairing. Allan’s work focuses on the fragile connections of plant species to their particular habitats, while Kooyman’s work crops out the patriarchal imagery in historical Western art, to redefine the political and aesthetic vitality of female actors through a contemporary lens.
Allan observes: “What visitors will see in our exhibition is how we reintroduce women to being central figures in various scenarios, historically versus today. While both Richard and I are classically trained painters, we also share an understanding and appreciation for reimaging roles through our collective work.”
On the evening of October 23rd, music and art will converge. The exhibition will be elevated by a special performance by pianist Terry Eder and composer Laura Kaminsky, where the experience will be enhanced, as each piece will be shown within a previously undiscovered context.
WHAT/WHEN:
Dislocation/Reclamation Grand Opening on Tuesday, October 18th, 6-8PM
AND
Performance of works by Laura Kaminsky, by pianist Terry Eder on October 23rd, TIME
WHERE:
North of History Gallery, 445 Columbus Avenue at 81st Street
COST:
Free and open to the Public. To find out more information, please visit www.northofhistory.com.
