Pocket Utopia is excited to showcase "Portal," a captivating exhibition of paintings and sculptures by renowned artist Susan Carr curated by Shayan Nazarian. This marks Carr's inaugural exhibition at our gallery, continuing her artistic exploration into the depths of human experience.
The exhibition features Carr's hallmark thick, impasto excrescences, evoking a metaphorical labyrinth that mirrors the complexities of life. Her rhythmic pigment grooves and use of primary colors in a faux-naïf style initially present an innocent facade, which unravels to reveal a rich tapestry of allegory, myth, and ritual. Carr's totemic sculptures are symbolic edifices, intertwining whimsy and trauma, epitomizing the dual nature of her artistic narrative – a surreal journey through life, death, and rebirth.
We recognize the significant contribution of LABspace, under the direction of artists Julie Torres and Ellen Letcher (2018 to present), in fostering Susan Carr's artistic journey. LABspace, founded by Susan Jennings in 2014 and located in Hillsdale, NY, has been a crucial factor in Carr's development, hosting five solo shows.
"Portal," while conceptualized at LABspace, debuts at Pocket Utopia, symbolizing a collaborative ethos and the enduring support that Julie and Ellen have extended to Carr and other contemporary artists. Their commitment to promoting culturally relevant art through innovative curation has shaped today's art scene.
Carr's art has been showcased in prestigious venues worldwide, including Ludovic Dervillez's La Grange Gallery in Gouise, France; L21 Gallery in Palma, Spain; Tinimini Room in The Netherlands; Cross Gallery in Bundaberg, Australia; Kishka Gallery & Library in White River Junction Vermont; The Trophy Room LA and MASH Gallery, Los Angeles; Center for Visual Research in Allentown, PA; and Space776 and The Painting Center in New York City. Her work has garnered attention from prominent publications and platforms like Hyperallergic, Art Spiel, "I Like Your Work," "Ahtcast," "Something Rather Than Nothing," "Lazy Artists," "Art Maze Magazine," and "Munchies Art Club." A recipient of the Williams James Page Fund Fifth Year Award, Carr earned her MFA from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston at Tufts University in 2003.
