Exhibition Review: Reimagining: New Perspectives
Derrick Adams (American, b. 1970) Floater 73, 2018 Acrylic paint, pencil, fabric collage and archival glue on paper 127 x 182.9 cm (50 x 72 in)
Written by Aaron Norton
Edited by Hillary Mitchell
The world is rapidly changing in ways that many of us could never have imagined. Technological advancements, automation and artificial intelligence are all things that we may get to see perfected throughout our lifetimes. It’s this innovation and change that creates new perspectives for everyone to gain. And when it comes to how technology is going to change the way we perceive photographs and artwork; we’re just getting started.
At the end of January, The UBS Art Gallery in New York opened a hybrid (an in-person and virtual) exhibition showing off their latest acquisitions for their gallery. Due to COVID-19 and the protocols associated with the virus, UBS Art Gallery brings its art to the viewer by allowing them to access their exhibition in the comfort of their own home. With a little bit of practice getting used to the virtual landscape – the viewer can tour the art gallery at their own pace for as long as they please.
Adam Pendleton (American, b. 1984) Untitled (WE ARE NOT), 2019 Silkscreen ink on canvas 243.8 x 175.3 cm (96 x 69 in
Not only does UBS’s virtual exhibition highlight the new pieces acquired by the Swiss multinational bank and financial services company, it also creates a link between people and the work on display. In essence, this virtual art gallery can give anyone with internet access the ability to view art from around the world.
Of course, some of us may still love the feeling of physically touring an art gallery. For those who wish to see the exhibition in person – don’t fret. The UBS Art Gallery just reopened their doors at the end of January. With this reopening, those who wish to experience the exhibition first-hand can visit the physical art gallery located in Midtown Manhattan.
Samuel Levi Jones (American, b. 1978) Binary, 2018 Medical books on canvas 177.8 x 152.4 cm (70 x 60 in)
The most interesting part of the virtual exhibition might be the fact that The UBS Art Gallery showcases a variety of mediums, highlighting new and established artists from countries like South Korea, Dubai, and Ghana. With works from photographers and artists like Samuel Levi Jones, Farah Al Qasimi and Stanley Whitney, these works are all new, eclectic and interesting. Whether it be a photograph, a painting, hand embroidery or a multimedia piece – all of these works can be seen with a click of a button in no time at all.
Kyungah Ham (South Korean, b. 1966) Needling Whisper, Needle Country / SMS Series in Camouflage / Greedy is good K01-01-01, 2020 North Korean hand embroidery, silk threads on cotton, middle man, smuggling, bribe, tension, anxiety, censorship, ideology, wooden frame, approx. 1000hrs/1person 141 x 141 cm (55 1/2 x 55 1/2 in)
At a time where people are craving a personal connection with each other, The UBS Art Gallery in New York is able to satisfy that craving with this innovative and novel idea. Just like the title of the exhibition, this virtual exhibition style has not only “reimagined” the way that people around the world may perceive art. This hybrid exhibition style might just be the way of the future in the art world, and The UBS Art Gallery in New York is at the forefront of this change.
The UBS Art Gallery in New York is a contemporary art gallery located in the lobby of UBS’s Midtown Manhattan office at 1285 6th Avenue, New York, NY. For more information on this current exhibition, upcoming events and news – please visit the UBS Art Gallery website: www.ubs.com/global/en/our-firm/art/ubs-art-gallery.html
