THE UNTITLED SPACE
presents
LIFEFORCE
A Group Show of 24 Female Artists
Curated by Kelsey and Rémy Bennett
OPENING RECEPTION
July 26th | 6pm – 9pm
ARTIST TALK
August 4th | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
RSVP events@untitled-space.com
THE UNTITLED SPACE
45 Lispenard Street Unit 1W
NYC 10013
EXHIBITION ON VIEW
July 27 – August 6 | 12pm – 6pm
(Gallery Closed Sunday)
LIFEFORCE Exhibit. Left to Right: Parker Day, Elizabeth Isley, Maisie Cousins
The Untitled Space and Indira Cesarine are pleased to present LIFEFORCE, an all female group show that explores the feminine in the context of a genderless future curated by sisters Kelsey and Rémy Bennett. Inspired by Donna Haraway’s essay, A Cyborg Manifesto, the feminist science fiction and Afrofurturists of the 1970s, the exhibit will feature performance, sculpture, painting, comics, and photography that aim to re code normative expectations celebrating the LIFEFORCE that is beyond human matter and closer to it’s essence. The work focuses on the all encompassing power of “the female” on both physical and metaphysical levels – transcending constructs of race and gender, reclaiming representation, & exploring intersections with science & technology.
Exhibiting artists include: Amanda Turner Pohan, Aria McManus, Chiara Girimonti, Elizabeth Ilsley, Fahren Feingold, Hein Koh, Jeanette Hayes, Jessica Stoller, Jo Shane, Juno Calypso, Kelsey Bennett, Maggie Dunlap, Maisie Cousins, Monica Garza, Nadia Lee Cohen, Nicole Nadeau, Panteha Abareshi, Parker Day, Raine Trainor, Rémy Bennett, Sam Cannon, Signe Pierce, Tafv Sampson, and Taira Rice.
Stemming from fears of female dominance, throughout history strong women have been depicted as evil or monstrous; from Salome in The Bible to Medusa. The artists in this exhibit reclaim these grotesque depictions with defiance and a sense of humor; satirizing traditionalism and standards of feminine allure. By choosing fantasy and irreverence over realism the future of the feminine is birthed. In these vivid utopias and dystopias the viewer is invited to play with social possibilities that are otherwise deemed impossible by the culture of fear that has reigned in the past.
“Seaweed Wrap” Juno Calypso
LIFEFORCE is a collection of work from the most vital creative voices. From self taught 17 year old Taira Rice hailing from Harlem who uses crayola colored pencils to create feminist renderings to acclaimed British photographer Maisie Cousins. Taira describes her work: “My drawings are meant to explore the many dimensions of a women. I strive to depict not just the physical, but also the complex. I often depict my subjects as monsters or aliens in order to satirize the traditional ideals of femininity”. Maisie Cousins is “Inspired by all things gross and human” she states, “my work challenges the misogynistic ideals of beauty. By working in a hedonistic way, I make work that is erotic, visceral and always inspired by the fluidity of sexuality and gender…I like to create beautiful satisfying images from disgusting mess.”
“The Future is Female” Panteha Abareshi
Also included is 16 year old illustrator Panteha Abaresha’s raw and futuristic comic strips, which depict the power and resilience of queer women of color. “I only draw strong, complex, confident, frightening, gorgeous Women and people of color. It’s really time that POC are portrayed in art as the deep, diverse and beautiful characters they truly are.”
Cyber feminism’s brightest star Signe Pierce’s brand of heightened femininity and anarchic irreverence flip the script on empowerment and female acceptability. “The word ‘feminism’ can often feel binary, but I think that the cyberfeminist movement is interested in eliminating these binaries by advocating a concept of expanding identities beyond the limits of our bodies and/or assigned genitalia to be something more than human”– Signe Pierce (Dazed Magazine)
“Untitled (slipper)” Jessica Stoller
About the Curators:
Sister curatorial team Kelsey and Rémy Bennett have been creating art together since they were children. When Kelsey started taking photos at the age of 12, Rémy, who later became an actor and filmmaker, was always her subject. Together they would brainstorm concepts and execute them on film. It was only natural for them to continue working creatively together throughout their lives. Their professional collaborations include the group show “Glory Hole” at Springbreak Art Fair that was featured as the “Top 5/Must See” shows by The Gothamist and W Magazine, solo shows “War Wagon by B Thom Stevenson”, “Last Chance Salon” for artist Heather Morgan, and “Another You” for the Lu Magus gallery. Kelsey’s art work has been shown in solo and group shows in New York, LA, and London and she recently curated a show featured in the Todd Solondz film, “Weiner Dog.” She has contributed to Interview Magazine, Dazed, Polyester Zine, and VICE. Rémy Bennett wrote and stars in her directorial debut feature film “Buttercup Bill” that will be released in the U.S. in 2016.
Recent press on Kelsey and Rémy Bennett: i-D Magazine, Nylon, LadyGunn, Dazed
