Pocket Utopia is thrilled to announce Celebration, an exhibition marking the one-year anniversary of our reopening, showcasing a dynamic group of works about different realms of introspection, color, and depth. Celebration honors the gallery's enduring commitment to artists and community through an assemblage of unique voices.
Featured artist Sally Gill brings the natural world to life with pieces that seem to capture the essence of the "black sky," an imagined space of deep introspection. Known for her evocative collage work, Sally personifies nature with her celestial creations, layering mountain forms, clouds, and constellations with her signature touches of white paint and surreal iconography.
Justin Pollmann explores themes reminiscent of Rauschenberg, utilizing inkjet transfer techniques to create deeply saturated works. His pieces pulse with purples, reds, and oranges, evoking human anatomy and flora elements. Without the traditional use of cut-and-paste, he produces a visually arresting collage effect that blurs the lines between physical and digital realms.
Also featured is Alexander Richard Wilson, whose painted streetscape portrayal emphasizes the drama of the sky, resonating in harmony with Sally's works while remaining true to Alexander Richard Wilson's own dramatization of his Denver experience . Thomas Micchelli presents a sculpture bust that seems to follow viewers with its penetrating gaze, imbuing the gallery space with a sense of presence and quiet observation.
The show also includes a small yet powerful piece by Rico Gatson, a screen-printed portrait of Nina Simone published and editioned by Pocket Utopia in 2008 (back in the Bushwick days). Nina anchors the exhibit with soulful energy, reminding us of the transformative potential of art and music.
In the annex, Traci Johnson presents her bold hook-rugged textile work, embodying a surge of pink, raw power, and an infectious sense of joy. Traci's piece radiates a spirit of radical self-expression, inviting viewers into a moment of "crazy power" that pulses with color, texture, and positivity.
Celebration is a testament to the diverse voices and vibrant visions that define Pocket Utopia. Join us in commemorating our one-year of connection and creative expression.
