Kenneth Tam’s latest exhibition, “The Medallion,” at Bridget Donahue, delves into the aftermath of the collapse of the taxi medallion market in New York City. The installation immerses visitors in a dark room filled with objects reminiscent of a plane crash, symbolizing the wreckage left behind by the devaluation of taxi medallions. Metal beams, headlights, and other debris are scattered around the room, creating a haunting atmosphere. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a makeshift shrine featuring a lone shoe, a gold watch, and other items, all illuminated like candles.
The exhibition also features a wide-format screen showcasing AI-generated images titled “Dissolved personal archive (2015–2024).” These images depict human figures disappearing into digital vortices, highlighting the impact of technology on our lives. The two-channel video, “The Medallion,” projected on opposite walls, captures the emotional toll of the medallion crash, with people contorting their bodies as if caught in a slow-motion tragedy.
One poignant moment in the exhibition is an interview with a man who invested his savings in a taxi medallion, only to see its value plummet. The anxiety and stress of this financial loss are palpable, reflected in the installation “Anxiety Clock,” a patch of glowing beads flashing random numbers and symbols.
Overall, “The Medallion” offers a powerful commentary on the human cost of financial collapse and the pursuit of the American Dream. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of economic stability and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and communities. The exhibition will be on display at Bridget Donahue until March 8th, inviting visitors to reflect on the consequences of unchecked market forces and the resilience of those affected.
