Weekend: Curated by Ezra Johnson

Mindy Solomon presents a group show curated by Ezra Johnson.

From the curatorial statement: “When I first thought of using the title Weekend it was before the election and I was excited to put together a bold, colorful and energetic exhibition, a celebration or an extended party in a warm and exotic location. I thought of inviting my favorite artists, as if inviting my favorite people for a weekend escape in the countryside.

Then the election happened and I’ve become hesitant about making a show with a theme of celebration or joy. However, it occurs to me that Weekend can be a more expansive concept, with the possibility of pleasure and communion as well as destruction. It is also worth remembering that the five-day workweek with a weekend break was a hard fought victory for workers rights.

Pretty much overnight we have become witnesses of civilization crashing and burning around us. Many of us will go inward to find expression of personal visions. Others might react directly to the shocking events, which we hear about in the media daily. I have often struggled personally about what my responsibility as an artist is. I believe artists shouldn’t feel compelled to make topical works unless they are fulfilling a deep personal need for such expression. I often think of Matisse’s response to the hopelessness of the First World War by painting his normally light window in black.

This exhibition will serve as a jumping off point – a collegial gathering of artists trying to make sense of a world gone slightly askew”. Ezra Johnson, Curator