Lyric Shen *Twins*, 2022 Ink on ceramic 11 x 8 inches (27.9 x 20.3 cm) Courtesy the artist and Marinaro, New York

Written by Ashley Mercado

Photo Edited by Tania Flores

Copy Edited by Janeen Mathisen

Reciprocity is defined as the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit. In “Reciprocity” at Marinaro, that definition takes on a whole new meaning through artistic collaboration and viewer interpretation. It features artwork by Liz Deschenes, Darrel Ellis, Sara Greenberger Rafferty, Paul P., Robert Rauschenberg, Elaine Reichek, Gonzalo Reyes Rodriguez, Carrie Schneider, Lyric Shen, Kianja Strobert, Ian Tweedy, and B. Wurtz. These articles create a reciprocal relationship with one another as they present unique ways to present their art to the public.

Kianja Strobert *first hour*, 2022 Mixed media 96 1/2 x 8 x 12 1/2 inches (245.1 x 20.3 x 31.8 cm)

In “Reciprocity,” the artists depict the interpersonal relationships between themselves and their art in different ways. This allows them to showcase the transformative, vulnerable, and raw nature of artistic creation. For instance, Darrel Ellis’ “Untitled” is a set of two photographs that brilliantly display the connection between his identity, his art, and his identity despite his art. The first photograph is a self-portrait and the second shows his aunt and uncle in a loving embrace. Ellis altered both photographs during the process of developing the film so viewers can get a closer look into his creative process.

Darrel Ellis *Untitled (Aunt Connie and Uncle Richard)*, c.1989-91 Gelatin silver print 16 x 20 inches 40.6 x 50.8 cm

Other artists dug into their archives to reflect on the relationship between themselves and their art. For instance, “Collection” by B. Wurtz is a collection of films hanging from clothespins, and the end result is a stunning collage of models walking on the runway from different fashion collections. It’s a beautiful depiction of an archival presence in the exhibition, demonstrating Wurtz’s experiences throughout time and what he finds artistically worthy of capture. Within it, viewers can see the relationship between Wurtz as an artist and the artistic themes he gravitates to.

B. Wurtz *Collection #26*, 2002 Wood, wire, clothespins, 35mm slides 12 1/2 x 12 x 12 inches 31.8 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm

Some of the artists are straightforward in their work for the exhibition. In his image-based practice, Gonzalo Reyes Rodriguez explores ideas of authorship, identity, and narrative concerns surrounding the archive. This ongoing body of work originates from a trove of images the artist found in a Mexico City vintage store— seemingly casual snapshots of the life of a young (presumably queer) man. Reyes Rodriguez has taken this archive and constructed a quasi-narrative, juxtaposing the found photographs with images from the artist’s own archive.

Gonzalo Reyes Rodriguez Untitled (Formal Portrait), 2022 Color photographs 11 x 14 inches 27.9 x 35.6 cm

Questions inevitably arise. Where is this man now? Who is taking these photographs—a lover perhaps? Who authored which image? What can we decipher about a person through a photograph alone? Reyes Rodriguez lets us in far enough to draw some conclusions, but the true answer are beyond our perception.

Ian Tweedy *The Mines*, 2022 Oil on canvas 60 x 50 inches (152.4 x 127 cm)

As each artist depicts their interpersonal relationships with their art and themselves differently, viewers have the opportunity to interpret each installation in their own way. “Reciprocity” is not only a collaborative effort between artists but between viewers as well since it presents the chance for viewers to create and exchange their own meanings of each installation.

The Reciprocity Exhibition takes place at Marinaro from July 6 to August 13, 2022.

To view more of this exhibition visit here.