Kates Ferri Project just sent this press release about Pangea, our group exhibition opening on the 13th January-
KATES-FERRI PROJECTS (KFP) and O’DA Art proudly co-present PANGEA, an
exhibition that forms a metaphorical supercontinent of artistic voices spanning
four major continents: Africa, Europe, North America, and South America.
Opening on January 16 to February 15, 2025, reception on Friday, January 17th
at 561 Grand Street, NYC 10002 from 6-8pm.
The show brings together six artists—Soji Adesina, Guillermo Garcia Cruz, Turiya
Magadlela, Paul Majek, Anthony Nsofor, and Martin Pelenur—united by their
diverse practices and shared commitment to vital social narratives.
KFP features geometric abstractionists Cruz, Pelenur, and Magadlela, while O’DA
showcases figurative painters Adesina, Nsofor, and Majek. This juxtaposition is
not about division but exploration: the contrasts and resonances between the
abstract and figurative underscore universal themes of identity, power, and
collective humanity. The exhibition fosters cross-cultural understanding, offering
a platform for collaboration and exchange in an era marked by division.
At the heart of the exhibition lies a dialogue on identity. Magadlela and Adesina
probe traditional constructs of gender and race through their respective
mediums. Magadlela’s works, made from cutout nylon, challenge societal
expectations of women by stretching and binding the fabric to critique the
physical and psychological impact of predefined roles. Her use of grids
symbolizes the rigid structures women are often confined to, while her
manipulation of the material alludes to the strength found in collective action. In
contrast, Adesina’s striking, sculptural portraits of Black men—rendered in
surreal, often two-toned palettes—reflect the code-switching Black men must
perform to navigate societal systems. His figures, reminiscent of Michelangelo’s
marble sculptures, evoke a sense of permanence and resistance, underscoring
the arduous work required to dismantle ingrained stereotypes.
Cruz’s Glitch series and Nsofor’s painterly explorations highlight the interplay
between fragmentation and unity. Cruz uses the iconography of screen glitches
to suggest moments of misalignment with potential for transformation. His tri-color
palette references the RGB system that underpins digital visuals, inviting viewers
to consider how disparate elements come together to shape perception. Similarly,
Nsofor’s layered brushwork builds fragmented yet cohesive representations of the
human form, emphasizing the delicate interplay between dissolution and creation.
Together, their works offer a meditation on how disruption can lead to better
reimagined realities.
Pelenur’s structured abstractions and Majek’s muted figurative works further blur
the boundaries between order and disruption. Pelenur’s meticulous grids,
resembling textiles, subtly break down upon closer inspection, echoing Agnes
Martin’s hand-drawn imperfections. These deviations question when a system
ceases to function and whether such disruption is desirable. In parallel, Majek’s
monotoned washes focus on specific features of his subjects or surroundings,
recalling Jennifer Packer’s nuanced portraits. Through this approach, Majek
captures the intimacy of familial and communal relationships, situating them within
a broader narrative of the Black experience.
The pairing of abstraction and figuration reflects the exhibition’s broader ethos:
that differing perspectives and practices can coexist in productive dialogue.
PANGEA invites audiences to imagine a world where collaboration transcends
borders and identities, fostering mutual growth and understanding. In a time when
isolationism looms, exhibitions like this remind us of the value of breaking down
barriers—both literal and ideological—to envision a more interconnected future.
PANGEA offers a hopeful blueprint for unity and exchange by presenting these
six artists. The exhibition challenges us to reconsider imposed boundaries—
between artistic practices, cultures, and individuals—and to embrace the creative
possibilities of a truly global perspective.
KATES-FERRI PROJECTS
561 Grand Street
NYC 10002
1 917 536 1999
Awesome progress!