August in Upstate New York is a time of abundance, with sunflowers blooming and art exhibitions flourishing across the region. From solo shows to group exhibitions, there is a wealth of creativity to be explored this month. Here are some highlights from the art scene in Upstate New York.
At the Green Lodge in Chatham, Daniel Giordano presents a site-specific installation titled “I Knew Your Father When He Had Cojones.” Giordano, a multi-media artist from Newburgh, New York, creates eccentric sculptures and assemblages that defy categorization. His latest installation features burnt walls, drawings on windows, and puffy fabrics on the floor, creating an immersive and fiery experience for viewers. The show was launched during Upstate Art Weekend with a special live sound performance by the 181 Collective.
In Kingston, 68 Prince Street Gallery is hosting two solo exhibitions as part of “Elusive Thresholds.” Jeanette Fintz showcases large-scale paintings that explore a quasi-architectural geometric language, while Monika Zarzeczna presents small wood sculptures painted with bright acrylic colors. Both artists offer a unique perspective on abstract art, inviting viewers to engage with their work in a playful and imaginative way.
For those looking to celebrate female energy and underrepresented voices in the art world, WomensWork.Art in Poughkeepsie is hosting the juried exhibition “Invoke & Imbibe.” Curated by Jaime Ransome, the exhibition features works by 26 female and non-binary artists from the Hudson Valley and beyond. Highlights include Maria Krasnopolsky’s “Veiled Emilia,” a striking oil painting depicting a naked woman covered in a ghostlike veil, and Lauren Hollick’s “One Without Shame,” which features a naked woman in a fetal position surrounded by natural elements.
As August unfolds in Upstate New York, art lovers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse and vibrant art scene. Whether you’re drawn to immersive installations, abstract paintings, or thought-provoking exhibitions, there is something for everyone to enjoy this month. Soak up the beauty of the season and explore the abundance of art that surrounds us! Immersing yourself in the art world can be a transformative experience, and the current exhibitions in Upstate New York are no exception. One such show that is capturing the attention of art enthusiasts is Evelyn Gardiner’s “To Consume A Butterfly” at the Ann Street Gallery. This sultry oil painting depicts two women attempting to eat glorious butterflies in a natural setting as they try to escape. The Latin text in the painting adds an enigmatic layer to the overall composition, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the narrative being presented.
Moving on to another captivating exhibition, we have “etheReality from breath to air, and back” at the Ann Street Gallery. Curated by gallery director Alison McNulty, this group show features works that embody the celestial, with a watery blue tone running through various mixed-media pieces. Artists like Mollie McKinley, Linda Stillman, and Amy Talluto showcase their mystical and otherworldly creations, inviting viewers to explore the boundaries between reality and the ethereal.
For those interested in a more immersive and mysterious experience, “Ken Ragsdale: Symphony” at the Front Room Gallery is a must-visit. Ragsdale’s elegant paintings transport viewers to enigmatic worlds where the Twilight Zone meets theatrical movie set mock-ups. Each painting in the series unfolds a mysterious story, with titles like “Symphony #1 2nd Movement Evening ‘The Tractor Tire'” and “Symphony #1 1st Movement Afternoon ‘The Slide'” drawing viewers into a realm of intrigue and fascination.
Lastly, “Ancestry: The Photography of Brandon Thomas Brown” at the Pinkwater Gallery offers a deep dive into the intersection between beauty and Black identity. Brown’s poignant portraits and collage techniques capture the complexity of human experience, showcasing the depth of character and personal struggles. Works like “Operation” and “No Time for Black Tears” reveal a raw and introspective look at the inner lives of his subjects, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity and heritage.
Overall, these exhibitions in Upstate New York offer a diverse and captivating array of artistic experiences, inviting viewers to explore the boundaries of reality, identity, and human experience through the lens of talented artists. Nkechi Ebubedike’s “Woman on Stakes II” (2025) is a striking piece that confronts the viewer with its powerful imagery. The painting features a woman bound to stakes, her body contorted in a position of vulnerability and strength. The artist’s use of color and composition creates a sense of tension and discomfort, forcing the viewer to confront the subject matter head-on.
The group exhibition also features works by other artists that delve into the complexities of the human experience. “Between Thoughts” by Shiri Mordechay is a captivating watercolor piece that invites viewers to explore a world of whimsical creatures and surreal landscapes. The artist’s playful approach to figuration challenges traditional notions of reality and invites viewers to reconsider the boundaries of their imagination.
Overall, “In This Here Place, We Flesh” is a thought-provoking exhibition that pushes the boundaries of traditional figuration. Through a diverse range of works, the artists invite viewers to engage with themes of identity, vulnerability, and transformation. The exhibition is a testament to the power of art to provoke, inspire, and challenge our perceptions of the world around us. Aineki Traverso’s latest exhibit, “Sub Specie Aeterni” (2025), showcases a stunning collection of works on paper that captivate the viewer with their mystical abstract shapes and piercing human eyes. The pieces extend down the gallery wall, creating a mesmerizing display that draws the viewer in and invites contemplation.
Each piece in Traverso’s collection is a unique exploration of form and emotion, blending the ethereal with the tangible. The abstract shapes seem to dance and swirl across the paper, evoking a sense of otherworldly beauty. The inclusion of human eyes adds a haunting element to the works, as if they are gazing directly into the soul of the viewer.
In contrast, Nkechi Ebubedike’s “Fragmented Figure II” (2025) offers a more visceral and fragmented interpretation of the human form. The piece combines dismembered parts of a figure, including legs and half a face, within an abstract architectural environment reminiscent of de Chirico. The result is a striking and enigmatic vision of flesh within and without a place, blurring the lines between reality and abstraction.
Ebubedike’s work invites the viewer to question the nature of identity and existence, as the fragmented figure seems to exist in a liminal space between the physical and the metaphysical. The juxtaposition of body parts against the architectural backdrop creates a sense of disorientation and mystery, leaving the viewer to ponder the interconnectedness of the self and the world around them.
Overall, both Traverso and Ebubedike’s works offer a unique and thought-provoking exploration of form, emotion, and identity. Their pieces invite viewers to delve into the depths of the human experience, challenging perceptions and expanding the boundaries of artistic expression. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting areas of development is artificial intelligence (AI), which is revolutionizing the way we live and work. From self-driving cars to virtual assistants, AI is changing the way we interact with technology and the world around us.
One of the most important aspects of AI is its ability to learn and adapt to new information. This is known as machine learning, and it is a key component of many AI systems. Machine learning allows AI programs to analyze data, recognize patterns, and make decisions based on that information. This is what enables self-driving cars to navigate the roads safely and virtual assistants to understand and respond to our commands.
Another important aspect of AI is its ability to automate tasks that would normally require human intervention. This can save time and money for businesses, and make our lives easier and more convenient. For example, AI-powered chatbots can handle customer service inquiries, freeing up human employees to focus on more complex tasks. Similarly, AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data in seconds, helping businesses make more informed decisions.
AI is also being used in healthcare to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. For example, AI algorithms can analyze medical images to detect diseases like cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. AI can also help doctors prescribe personalized treatment plans based on a patient’s genetic makeup and medical history.
However, with all of its potential benefits, AI also raises important ethical and social concerns. There are concerns about privacy and data security, as AI systems rely on vast amounts of personal data to function effectively. There are also worries about job displacement, as AI automation could lead to the loss of millions of jobs in the coming years.
Despite these challenges, the potential of AI is undeniable. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting applications in areas like transportation, finance, and education. AI has the power to transform our world for the better, but it is up to us to ensure that it is used responsibly and ethically. By harnessing the power of AI for good, we can create a future that is smarter, more efficient, and more inclusive for all. The world is constantly changing, and with it, so are the ways in which we interact with one another. In recent years, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to connect with friends, family, and even strangers from all corners of the globe. But as social media continues to evolve, so too do the ways in which we engage with it.
One of the most significant shifts in social media usage has been the rise of ephemeral content. Ephemeral content refers to posts or stories that are only available for a short period of time before disappearing. Platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook have all embraced this trend, allowing users to share moments from their day that are meant to be fleeting.
The appeal of ephemeral content lies in its impermanence. Unlike traditional social media posts that are archived on your profile indefinitely, ephemeral content is designed to be temporary, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity. This has led to a surge in popularity among younger generations who value authenticity and spontaneity in their online interactions.
Another key aspect of ephemeral content is its ability to foster more genuine connections between users. Because these posts are fleeting, they often feel more personal and intimate, giving followers a behind-the-scenes look at someone’s life in real-time. This authenticity can help to humanize social media interactions, making them feel more like conversations between friends rather than carefully curated presentations.
In addition to its social benefits, ephemeral content also has practical advantages for businesses and brands. By creating time-sensitive posts, companies can generate buzz around new products or promotions, driving engagement and boosting sales. Ephemeral content also allows brands to experiment with different types of content without the fear of it living on their profile forever, giving them the freedom to be more creative and experimental.
As ephemeral content continues to gain popularity, it’s clear that this trend is here to stay. Whether you’re sharing a candid moment with friends or promoting your latest business venture, ephemeral content offers a unique and exciting way to connect with others in a fast-paced, digital world. So the next time you’re scrolling through your social media feed, keep an eye out for those disappearing stories – you never know what you might discover.
