Ana María Hernando: "To Let the Sky Know / Dejar que el cielo sepa"

Ana María Hernando, a multidisciplinary artist originally from Buenos Aires and now based in Denver, explores the intricate layers of women's identity through her art. Drawing from her upbringing in her parents' textile plant, she often incorporates small-gauge fabric netting into her sculptures, paying homage to her roots. Tulle, which is traditionally associated with enhancing feminine silhouettes and concealing women's bodies with tutus, petticoats, and veils, symbolizes femininity and mystery in Hernando's work.

 In her latest project, "To Let the Sky Know / Dejar que el cielo sepa," housed at Madison Square Park Conservancy, Hernando aims to infuse vibrancy and optimism into the winter cityscape with tulle sculptures of vibrant colors, representing hope, growth, and femininity. Inspired by Latin American textile traditions, including the embroideries of Buenos Aires nuns and the weavings of Peruvian women, her art celebrates the enduring contributions of women worldwide. Hernando's sculptures in Madison Square Park serve as a platform for reflection on the interconnectedness of women's experiences and the empowering force of community collaboration. This exhibit is the perfect opportunity to brighten a gloomy winter’s day and will be open through March 17th!

“Women Dressing Women” at The MET

The “Women Dressing Women” exhibit housed at the MET spotlights over seventy exceptional female designers from 1910 to the present, including luminaries such as Jeanne Lanvin, Elsa Schiaparelli, Madeleine Vionnet, Anifa Mvuemba, and Simone Rocha, among others.

Each outfit, meticulously chosen from the MET’s permanent costume collection,  is displayed on a diverse array of mannequins representing various sizes and shapes. This deliberate effort captures the beautiful diversity of women's bodies, creating a sense of support and inclusivity within the room.

“Women Dressing Women” is currently open until March 3rd, 2024. It serves as the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of fashion and set the mood for the upcoming Met Gala in May!

“What if They Bark?” by Cosima von Bonin

After a day filled with legal work, we decided to take a leisurely stroll along the High Line. To our surprise, we encountered a delightful scene—a school of fish engaged in a performance! Crafted by German artist Cosima von Bonin these fish are arranged like a military band, holding musical instruments and checkered missiles. Von Bonin, who has a deep interest in marine life, frequently incorporates these whimsical aquatic creatures into her art.

This light-hearted installation was inspired by the classical statue arrangements seen in ancient Greek temples. However, departing from the customary depictions of gods and heroes, the artist places sea creatures on land, engaging in human-like activities such as playing music. Fortunately for von Bonin's fans, she has created numerous similar installations and sculptures, which have been housed in the past at prestigious New York art institutions such as MoMA and the Petzel Gallery. 

"Everyday Heroes" by Katya Leonovich

Katya Leonovich's "Everyday Heroes" exhibition is a poignant tribute to the often-overlooked individuals who keep New York's vibrant rhythm alive. With her artistic roots in Moscow, Russia, Katya's journey took her to the bustling streets of Rome, where she thrived in the world of fashion design, collaborating with icons like Madonna. In 2008, she brought her immigrant perspective to New York, where her art now celebrates the essential roles played by the city's everyday heroes, such as cleaners, construction workers, barbers, taxi drivers, electricians, policemen, firemen, and waiters.

This exhibition not only pays homage to these unsung individuals but also resonates with aspects of the immigrant experience, reflecting the diverse narratives that enrich New York. In "Everyday Heroes," Katya Leonovich's portraits offer a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who often remain unseen in the urban hustle, capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Her work mirrors the resilience and creativity of New York, presenting a heartfelt narrative of the city's heroes who go unnoticed. Don't miss the chance to experience this compelling gallery, as it closes its doors on November 13th!

Future is Goddess

Victim (2015) by Michela Martello.

Future is Goddess, a new exhibit at local gallery Pen + Brush, features the work of Italian-born artist Michela Martello. Her work is a blend of "strength and softness, of domesticity and demolition" and "takes a stand against the anxieties of 2017 and affirms women's power and potential in response to our current political and social uncertainty." The artist, who resides in Brooklyn, has a background in illustration and produces murals and artwork on textiles. This exhibit, an eight-year survey of her work, is an intentional play on the empowering phrase, the “Future is Female,” with the role of Goddess "signifying a transformative rise in feminine power[.]" Among other pieces, the exhibit features a site-specific graffiti mural on the gallery wall with three goddesses representing a mixing of cultural backgrounds, to which viewers are invited to interact by tagging. The exhibit is on view through April 22, 2017.