Since opening in 2005, the mission of GAVLAK has always been to champion for female artists, transgender artists, artists of the LGBTQ community, artists of color and immigrants. GAVLAK proposes to present a selection of roster artists that collectively portray the experiences of the under-represented, both in the art world and also in today’s sociological circumstances. Furthermore, GAVLAK is eager to showcase emerging to mid-career artists from the gallery roster that do not have representation in New York, but have had a history of institutional support.
Willie Cole is best known for his sculptures of repeating, recycled everyday objects that examine race, history, and belief systems. Exhibited alongside Judie Bamber’s hyper realistic paintings of overtly sexualized, inanimate objects, Marnie Weber’s collages of animals and dolls, and Lisa Anne Auerbach’s political knitted bookshelves, our presentation gives a contemporary context to historically craft or feminine medium. Israeli-born Nir Hod’s opulent series of chrome paintings, “The Life We Left Behind,” in contrast with Rob Wynne’s poured and mirrored glass installation “Longing for the Future,” offer opposing views on the idea of time and provide hope that change comes in the future.
GAVLAK is excited to showcase these six artists among a select grouping of other roster artists including Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A.), Andrew Brischler, David Haxton, and Betty Tompkins. By highlighting works that touch on themes of race, immigration, gender equality, and LGBTQ rights by artists who experience oppression and under-representation, GAVLAK hopes to promote acceptance and celebrate diversity.