Conveniently set close to Halloween, the exhibit featuring two self-taught abstract expressionists left attendees in states of visceral awe and dumbstruck wonder. Magnificently curated by the old 3Squared Gallery’s very own founders, Marina Dojchinov and Akaash Mehta, renowned for shining a light on unique emerging artist rebels with pronounced voices amid craft, 30 thoughtfully arranged works blessed the expansive studio enclave in Chelsea.
What ties these artists together is how we are so connected through technology [Ben Katz], yet so disconnected by the pandemic [Jordan Barker].” – Akaash Mehta
Ben Katz recycles materials around him to vociferously comment on the ominous influences of digital media and technology. He artfully manifests captivatingly relatable sculptures from old computer parts, plastic components, and “antique remnants enveloped in pigmented encaustics”. Albeit microchip, lego, and wire components overlaying a three-dimensional face, mechanical gear, clock, and roman numeral time symbology studding canvases—the self-trained mixed-media artist and resourcefully detail-oriented scavenger remains preoccupied with time, machinated pockets of culture, and conformity.
Meanwhile, Jordan Barker is a tactile artist whose body of abstract expressionist works draws inspiration from the separation and isolation endued during pandemic. Lack of physical interaction and touch propelled him to meditatively and mindfully connect and explore through various mediums. He superimposes various ‘found objects’ amid an array of textures, resins, paints, densities, and compositions for the purpose of connecting with others. A magician at 13, he may work finance but is certainly a creative. Molding and melding with his hands primarily enables him to draw attention more to the multiple dimensions of sensory experience. My particular favorite, his large scale “Mind of a Madman”, formed from chaotic cross hatchings of various paint colors and textures is unfortunately not for sale.
