Curated by Matthew Bede Murphy
On view July 29 - August 28, 2021
Scientists use brainbows to illustrate and observe neural patterns and pathways. They flag individual neurons with unique colors and study their collective expression in different combinations, which enables breakthroughs in the study of brain connectivity.
Brainbow, the exhibition, mimics this scientific process by bringing together a diverse combination of artists to illustrate the cosmology of queerness. Stark and provocatively juxtaposed images encourage the viewer to develop new interpretations and associations. We are flashed and jolted into revamping how we think about what we see and what it means.
The work is fluid, disarming, and playful. But it also speaks to the power of color, identity, and sexual liberation. Some pieces confront taboo in a full-frontal manner. Others are more flirtatious and surreptitious.
Recent science has shown the brain’s endless ability to find opportunity for growth in the face of injury, obstacles, or inquiry. While the pieces in this show won’t cause any harm, they all invite us to rewire and rewrite preconceived cognitive possibilities.
Participating Artists:
Elijah Burgher
Mark Chamberlain
Blake Gildaphish
Mike Goodlett
Steph Gorkii
Dan Halm
Erik Hanson
Eric Hibit
Scott Hug
Darcílio Lima
Michael Madore
Joel Otterson
Hermes Payrhuber
Jesse Finley Reed
Jon Rappleye
William Mortensen
Justin Yoon
Eric Hibit, Gay Power Drops, 2017, acrylic on panel, 36 x 30”
Jon Rappleye, Embrace (bound), 1998, Oil & acrylic & drapery cord on wood panel, 9.5x11"
Erik Hanson, Tryouts for the Human Race, Oil on canvas, 12 x 24
Justin Yoon, At Dusk, 2019, Acrylic, Acrylic Gouache, and Glitter on Wood Panel, 24 x 24 in.
Justin Yoon, Casual Emptiness, 2019, Acrylic, Acrylic Gouache, and Glitter on Wood Panel, 24 x 24 in.
Hermes Payrhuber, Untitled, 2021, Sock, wood, mixed media on pedestal, 56 x 13 x 14 in (142.2 x 33 x 35.6 cm)
Michael Madore, Untitled, 1985, Oil on found wooden panel, 14 x 8 in.
Scott Hug, (Lenticular), 2015, 12 x 12 in (30.5 x 30.5 cm) with frame
Mark Chamberlain, Untitled, 2003, Watercolor on paper, 5 x 7 in (12.7 x 17.8 cm)
Elijah Burgher, Bachelors 2, 2012, Colored pencil on paper, 13 x 11 in.
Elijah Burgher, The Blood Letting 2, 2010, Ink on paper, 12 x 9 in.
Mike Goodlet, Untitled, 2015, Graphite and spray paint on paper, 14.5 x 11 in (36.8 x 27.9 cm)
Dan Halm, 12.30.2015.2:21 PM, Mr Goodbar Series, 2018, UV Curable Inkjet on Aluminum, 10 x 8 in.
Dan Halm, 09.13.2018.10:12 AM, Mr Goodbar Series, 2018 UV Curable Inkjet on Aluminum, 10 x 8 in.
Steph Gorkii, Cock Tease, 1992, Collage, cardboard, photograph, 7 x 5 in (17.8 x 12.7 cm)
Jesse Finley Reed, Kenny - Showing Off, 2006, Photographic offset print on bulletin board, white tacks, 28.5 x 22 in (72.39 x 55.88 cm)
Joel Otterson, Touch & Taste, 2013, Pit Fired Raku Ceramic Figures (Individual pieces)
Scott Hug, Get Well Soon (Lindsay Lohan), 2007, Silkscreen on canvas, 30 x 24 in (76.2 x 61 cm)
Blake Gildaphish, Red Condom, 2020 Watercolor on paper, 12 x 9 in (30.5 x 22.9 cm)
Blake Gildaphish, Untitled, 2020, Watercolor on paper, 14 x 10.5 in (35.6 x 26.7 cm)
Darcílio Lima, Untitled, 1969, Engraving, 24 x 16 in (61 x 40.6 cm)
Hand Painted He-Man and The Masters of The Universe Original Production Animation Cel 1983-85 11 x14 inches
Mauro Perucchetti (After), Modern Heroes, 2009, Cast plastic, 10 x 5 in (25.4 x 12.7 cm)
William Mortensen, Untitled (Sappho), 1920s-1940s, Photography, 9.5 x 7 in (24.1 x 17.8 cm)
Billy, 1990s, 13 x 5 x 3 in (33 x 12.7 x 7.6 cm)
For more information please contact rachel@shelternyc.com.