Aubrey Levinthal and Lacey Black are two artists whose work is currently on display at the Monya Rowe Gallery in New York City. The exhibition, titled “Lacey Black & Aubrey Levinthal: Daily Night,” showcases the unique talents of both artists as they explore themes of inner states, ambiguity, and everyday life through their distinct artistic styles.
Levinthal’s work is characterized by a focus on formal issues, particularly the figure-ground relationship, to convey the tension between outward appearances and inner emotions. In her recent pieces, she delves into new territory that showcases her formal skills and results in captivating artwork. One of her paintings, “Gym Mirror,” explores the evocative possibilities of foreshortening, revealing the anxiety of individuals living their everyday lives.
On the other hand, Black’s art transforms reality into a magical or dream world, inviting viewers to ponder narratives that merge dreams with reality. In her painting “God on the Metro-North,” Black depicts a face looking at us and another partially overlapping it, creating a sense of ambiguity and mystery. The painting invites viewers to question the relationship between the incongruous and congruous details, leaving them with unanswerable questions.
Both artists share a talent for bringing inward and outward states together, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Black’s “Parade of Incarnations” features a procession of historic individuals and types, each contributing to a narrative that hints at a spiritual dimension within everyday life. The juxtaposition of figures and details encourages viewers to explore the connection between dreams and the waking world.
The exhibition “Lacey Black & Aubrey Levinthal: Daily Night” runs at the Monya Rowe Gallery in Chelsea until October 12. The show highlights the unique artistic voices of Levinthal and Black, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between inner emotions, outward appearances, and the mysterious world of dreams.
