September 2023 News: A Message From the Artist

It's been a whirlwind of activity since moving to New York. In two weeks, I've claimed a studio space at the MFA Fine Arts building, begun classes, started three new works and finished one of them, attended a number of show openings, and am in the process of preparing a submission for a local gallery's call for entries.

Though I missed seeing Gego: Measuring Infinity at the Guggenheim before it ended, I was able to visit the Whitney and see Ilana Savdie's incredible exhibition on the first floor. At Underground Images at the SVA Chelsea Gallery, I surveyed decades of promotional posters made for the school; highlights included a lovely video by the late, great Marshall Arisman and some sketches by Milton Glaser. My Crit class visited Madison Square Park to observe My Neighbor's Garden, the Sheila Pepe installation combining crocheted forms and heirloom berries, tomatoes, and other crops. And along with some classmates, I visited a number of Chelsea openings last weekend, from Ashley Bickerton's Blur paintings at the Gagosian to William Villalongo's Black Menagerie at Susan Inglett.

I haven't yet missed a day of working in the studio. My goal in the coming months is to continue working hard, learning the New York visual art landscape, and getting as much feedback as possible from peers, faculty, and studio visitors. After so many years of teaching abroad and putting exhibitions on hold, I'd really like to figure out which communities here might be receptive to the kind of work that I do, and begin to build those relationships.

Sheila Pepe, My Neighbor's Garden, on view through December 10. Find out more here.

From Susie's Mother Tongue, on view at the Gagosian.

Cassi Namoda, Shazia flees and arrives to Mocuba, 2023, 303 Gallery.