The Other Art Fair
Not Alone: Finding Unity in Art
With the darker months approaching, this curation of artists exhibiting at The Other Art Fair Brooklyn this November invite us to find solace and connection through their evocative works. Each piece speaks to challenging shared human experiences, offering a comforting reminder that we are not alone.
Stephanie Serpick‘s series of paintings featuring beds and bedding emerged from a period of personal struggle. Her canvases are imbued with a sense of sanctuary, where the bed becomes a powerful symbol of solace and comfort. The darkened backgrounds serve as a metaphor for the external world, one that she sought to shield herself from. Serpick’s meticulous process, involving the sanding of paint layers, imparts a weathered texture, reflecting the effort required to navigate times of grief and stress. In her own words, “I think everyone has their own difficulties and trauma, and the bed is a universal symbol of this shared feeling.”
Spencer Charles aptly titled his photograph “Winter of Our Discontent”, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s Richard III. The artwork captures a raw emotional landscape, reflecting a period marked by feelings of depression, frustration, and anger. Charles’ subject is powerfully vulnerable in their body language, perhaps prompting viewers to find resonance in the universal struggle against discontentment.
Lindsay Iredale‘s “The Pessimist” challenges perceptions, offering a vibrant facade that conceals a deeper internal dialogue. Through a rich color palette, Iredale explores the impact of a pessimistic mindset on personal experiences and outcomes. The painting serves as a poignant reminder of how we can sometimes become entangled in cycles of self-doubt and negative thinking. Iredale courageously exposes her own vulnerabilities, urging us to confront our own inner pessimists.
Rick Secen‘s paintings are steeped in the tradition of Impressionism, capturing the ephemeral play of light and the subtle nuances of emotion. In his own words, Secen acknowledges the complexity of existence, affirming, “Being alive is thrilling and when our minds are right, it’s something marvelous to behold. Yet somehow this is perfectly balanced with a feeling that the world is confounding and lonely.” His canvases delicately balance solitude with luminosity, using light as a conduit for emotional resonance. “Passing Through,” in particular, invites us to contemplate the interplay of light, isolation, and the fleeting nature of life’s moments.
Sarah Verardo‘s intimate paintings of found objects offer a poignant reflection on the impermanence of life. In her pursuit to reconcile grief, Verardo turns to the ordinary, infusing each piece with a profound sense of presence. Her work stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, a medium through which she finds grounding and connection. Through Verardo’s lens, even the most overlooked objects become vessels of comfort and contemplation.
These artists, through their candid reflections and evocative creations, extend a hand of solidarity to those navigating their own personal challenges. As we step into the looming winter months, may these artworks be a source of comfort, reminding us that our struggles are woven into the fabric of a larger, collective journey. Join us from November 9 – 12 at ZeroSpace Brooklyn to unite over art and community.
