Exploring the Subconscious in Bushwick’s Latest Group Exhibition
By Rachel Morgan, October 2024
In the heart of Brooklyn’s thriving artistic enclave, Bushwick Gallery prepares to unveil its latest group exhibition, “Specters of the Subconscious,” a powerful exploration of the human mind’s most elusive corners. Running from October 17 to October 28, the exhibition offers a captivating collection of works that confront themes of dreams, phobias, and unspoken fears.
Opening to the public on Thursday, October 17, the show will require attendees to RSVP in advance, maintaining the gallery’s intimate, appointment-based viewing experience. A private, invite-only event follows on Friday, October 18, in collaboration with Parlor Social Club, a modern social club offering members personalized cultural and professional events.
Art that Probes the Unseen
Curated to challenge the viewer’s sense of reality and inner life, “Specters of the Subconscious” brings together an eclectic group of artists who each offer a unique glimpse into the hidden aspects of the human psyche. Gina Keatley, a celebrated abstract expressionist, anchors the show with her textured, forceful brushstrokes that embody the intensity of emotion and thought. Her piece Spiral Surge invites viewers to feel the tension and energy within its swirling, dynamic composition.
Mørkeblomst, an enigmatic artist from Copenhagen, presents Scorched Impressions, a work that fuses spray paint and burned canvas to evoke themes of destruction and renewal. Mørkeblomst’s use of unconventional materials reflects the fractured nature of identity in the urban landscape, inviting a contemplative interaction with the work.
The late Jon Sarkin, whose prolific post-stroke career earned him a reputation for creating visually arresting, chaotic compositions, adds a surreal dimension to the show with his pieces Spectre and The Brutality of Everyday Life. Spectre is drawn on a vinyl album cover, the work exemplifies Sarkin’s signature style—fragmented figures and abstract shapes that reflect the inner turmoil of his neurological transformation.
Kelly Harris, a special effects artist, moves beyond her cinematic background with her folk art-inspired mask sculpture. This haunting piece, created from organic materials, explores the dark edges of folklore and identity, bringing an eerie, handcrafted quality to the exhibition.
Emerging Voices and New Perspectives
Newer voices in the exhibition include Xiyao Wang, whose architectural expertise informs his sculptural piece Fusili, a 3D-printed work that explores movement and space in ways that challenge conventional architectural design. Wang’s use of spiral forms draws attention to the fluidity of human interaction within constructed environments.
Paridhi Chawla, a digital artist originally from India, uses her work Split Screen to explore cultural duality and the tension between tradition and modernity. The piece juxtaposes vibrant imagery from her South Asian roots with the abstract, fast-paced world of contemporary New York, creating a visual dialogue that captures the complexity of identity.
Roan Yarn offers a tranquil reprieve from the exhibition’s more intense works with Winter’s Night, a serene landscape that invites introspection. The peacefulness of the painting, rendered in soft acrylic strokes, offers viewers a moment to pause and reflect, contrasting sharply with the subconscious depths plumbed by other artists.
Lukas Ersil pushes the boundaries of technology with his AI-generated piece Silent Scream of the Subconscious. Ersil’s work taps into surrealist traditions, visualizing the silent, internal struggles that often go unnoticed but remain deeply felt. His use of AI adds a layer of complexity to the already enigmatic composition.
Kelly Nicole, a self-taught artist, rounds out the exhibition with her emotionally charged finger-painted canvases. In works like The Hold, she explores the aftermath of emotional trauma, using vivid colors and textured strokes to convey the complexity of healing.
Bushwick: The Heart of New York’s Art Scene
Bushwick, once a quiet industrial neighborhood, has evolved into a key player in New York’s art world. While its streets are home to countless artist-run studios, Bushwick Gallery offers a rare white-box gallery experience, giving both emerging and established artists a platform to showcase their most experimental works.
The gallery’s appointment-only model ensures that visitors can fully engage with the art without the distractions of larger crowds. With its proximity to Williamsburg and its roots in Bushwick’s authentic, creative spirit, Bushwick Gallery continues to be a vital space for artistic innovation in New York City.
An Invitation into the Unconscious
“Specters of the Subconscious” promises to take visitors on a journey through the unseen and often unspoken aspects of human existence. Each artist—whether through paint, sculpture, or digital media—invites viewers to confront the complexities of the mind, to reflect on the subconscious forces that shape their own lives.
The exhibition opens to the public on Thursday, October 17, but attendees must RSVP in advance. Whether attending the public opening or the exclusive gathering, visitors are sure to leave the gallery with a deeper understanding of the mind’s hidden landscapes.
“Specters of the Subconscious” will run at Bushwick Gallery from October 17 to October 28, 2024.
Meet the Artists of “Specters of the Subconscious”
Explore the unique perspectives of the artists featured in this exhibition. Each artist brings their own interpretation of the subconscious to life through their medium of choice. Click on the links to view their full profiles and learn more about their work:
- Gina Keatley
Abstract Expressionist
Known for her bold, textured works, Gina Keatley explores emotional intensity and internal struggle through rapid, stabbing brushstrokes. Her pieces in this exhibition, including Spiral Surge, capture the tension between control and chaos. - Mørkeblomst
Industrial and Urban Decay
Hailing from Copenhagen, Mørkeblomst fuses industrial materials and introspective themes in haunting, large-scale installations. His works, such as Scorched Impressions, reflect the fractured self and urban decay. - Jon Sarkin
Surrealist and Outsider Artist
A prolific artist with a career spanning decades, Sarkin’s frenetic drawings depict the inner turmoil of his post-stroke mind. His works in the exhibition is are a chaotic yet powerful exploration of identity and perception. - Kelly Harris
SFX Artist and Prop Maker
Moving beyond her work in film, Kelly Harris’s folk-inspired mask sculpture blends dark, organic aesthetics with a macabre twist. Her use of natural materials creates a powerful visual experience. - Xiyao Wang
Architect and Sculptor
Xiyao Wang reimagines architectural forms through 3D-printed sculptures. His piece, Fusili, challenges conventional design, creating a fluid, interactive structure that symbolizes continuity and movement. - Paridhi Chawla
Digital Artist
Paridhi Chawla’s digital painting, Split Screen, captures the duality of cultural identity and modern life. Her work is a vivid representation of the tension between tradition and contemporary influences. - Roan Yarn
Painter
Roan Yarn’s serene landscapes offer a moment of introspection. His work Winter’s Night invites viewers to pause and reflect, providing a peaceful counterpoint to the more intense psychological themes of the exhibition. - Lukas Ersil
AI and Surrealist Artist
Using AI-generated art, Lukas Ersil delves into the subconscious, portraying hidden fears and unspoken emotions. His piece, Silent Scream of the Subconscious, invites viewers to explore the psychological depths of their own minds. - Kelly Nicole
Finger Painter
Known for her raw, emotional finger-painted canvases, Kelly Nicole’s The Hold reimagines classic themes with modern trauma. Her unique technique brings an intimate, tactile quality to her work. - Christopher M. Liatsis
Multidisciplinary Artist
With influences ranging from surrealism to classical painting, Liatsis’s work, including Dreamweavers in Warm Hues, blends philosophical exploration with imaginative visuals. His art invites deep contemplation on creativity and the subconscious.