Exhibition
in New York, NY / United States
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- Cindy Bernhard: Stairway, 2023, oil and acrylic on canvas, 60 x 48 in
Monya Rowe Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of new paintings by Cindy Bernhard, the artist’s first exhibition with the gallery and in New York. This is the inaugural exhibition in the gallery’s new location which significantly expands our exhibition space. The gallery is located at the same address on a different floor, new suite #304.
In this exhibition, featuring small to large scale works, Bernhard continues to incorporate her signature imagery of candles, mirrors, cats and smoke. In “Stairway” (2023), a cat ascends a staircase in a trance-like state toward a burning taper candle. The candle is situated on the landing of the staircase in front of a gilded mirror adorned with smoke patterns and the appearance of a portal leading to a night-time sky replete with stars. The ornate mirror is in stark contrast to the austere minimalist surroundings suggestive of a modern city apartment. The cat appears to be spiritually led to this mysterious make-shift alter. Bernhard uses animals as humorous stand-ins for people. The cats depicted may appear startled or surprised when looking outside the picture plane, which forces the viewer to confront the protagonist and alludes to an otherworldly presence.
For Bernhard, growing up Catholic imbued an inherent affinity for religious imagery associated with the Church, such as gold relics, a plethora of candles, large statues, and Gothic sensibilities. The work hints at rituals, spirits and mystical experiences.
Bernhard’s stylized paintings use shadows to suggest the passage of time and light while imbuing each painting with through illusion and tension, the work explores scenes with a heightened awareness packed with psychological energy. The artist uses humor and an eye-catching candy-like palette to further draw the viewer into each quiet scene. Beneath the surface humor, the work subversively addresses philosophical subjects such as ones’ own mortality and human existence as a whole.
Cindy Bernhard (b. 1989, Chicago, IL) received a MFA from Laguna College of Art and Design, Laguna Beach, CA and a BFA from American Academy of Art, Chicago, IL. Recent exhibitions include Volery Gallery, Dubai; Andrew Rafacz Gallery, Chicago; and Monya Rowe Gallery, NY. The artist lives and works in Chicago, IL, and is represented by Richard Heller Gallery, LA.
Gallery hours Tue-Sat 12 – 6 pm
Summer gallery hours start June 1
Tue-Thur 12 – 5 pm, Fri 12 – 4 pm
and by appointment
Exhibition Duration 04 May – 09 June 2023
Location:
Monya Rowe Gallery
224 West 30th Street, #304
10001 New York, NY
United States
