Art Review: Voice of Space at the Drawing Center
The Drawing Center’s exhibition, Voice of Space: UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena, aims to explore the role of extraterrestrial life and paranormal occurrences in shaping our understanding of the universe. However, the show struggles to maintain a strong focus and deliver captivating imagery, resulting in a somewhat lackluster experience.
René Magritte’s 1931 painting, “Voice of Space,” sets the tone for the exhibition with its depiction of three gray orbs hovering over a serene landscape. While visually intriguing, the painting fails to fully tap into the mysteries of the universe that the show seeks to explore. Other works in the exhibition range from visionary drawings to scientific diagrams, offering a mix of styles and approaches. While some pieces, such as David Weiss’s sketches of strange creatures and outer space, stand out as gems, many artworks lack the commanding presence needed to engage viewers.
The installation of Voice of Space is tucked away in the Drawing Center’s small back gallery and lower level, creating a somewhat subdued atmosphere that belies the grandeur of the theme. The exhibition also struggles with an identity crisis, combining overlapping yet distinct concepts of extraterrestrial life and paranormal phenomena without fully committing to either. This dilution hampers the overall impact of the show, preventing it from fully embracing the captivating weirdness of its subject matter.
In contrast to Voice of Space, last year’s Sci-Fi, Magick, Queer L.A. exhibition at the USC Fisher Museum of Art fully embraced the potential for drama and spectacle inherent in alternate worlds and paranormal phenomena. By incorporating theatrical staging and immersive visuals, the exhibition succeeded in captivating visitors and immersing them in a world of theosophy and science fiction.
One of the standout works in Voice of Space is a drawing by artist Paulina Peavy, featuring a jagged black form surrounded by radiating lines and a multicolored shape. Peavy, who claimed to receive transmissions from an alien being in the 1930s, symbolizes the unrealized potential of the exhibition. While the work feels scientific and experimental, without proper context, its extraterrestrial connection may be lost on viewers.
Overall, Voice of Space: UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena at the Drawing Center offers a thought-provoking exploration of otherworldly themes but falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging experience. The exhibition could benefit from a more focused approach and a stronger commitment to the intriguing subject matter it seeks to explore.
Voice of Space: UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena is on display at the Drawing Center in Soho, Manhattan, through February 1, 2026. The exhibition was organized by Olivia Shao.
