The purpose of this project is to draw attention to the nuance posed in contemporary art, posing questions like “what role does the observer play in viewing this art?” or “how does demystification of art limit the capacity for art to express itself?” It was important to us to address the different societal issues and interpretations that Simpson incorporated into her works, especially her Ice and Head on Ice series. By exploring the composition from the details of the gradients to the trope of perspective present in the facial prints among the abstract landscapes, we cultivated this collage to both corroborate and question the presence of nature vs. the abstract in the act of observation. Simpson’s combination of mediums like fiberglass and wood as well as acrylic and ink paints aided in the conceptual communication of her ideologies and personal experiences. Thus, it is important to us, and should be important to others, that a larger audience gets to witness these unspoken conversations between the art and the audience themselves.
This project allowed us to see the ways in which representation matters. Lorna Simpson's inspirations from Black magazines to challenge the way Black women, and women in general, are displayed in portraiture and art allowed us to understand how despite the diversity prevalent in NYC, representation of identity still has room to grow and cultivate in our communities. This exhibition allowed us to understand the ways in which boundaries are pushed and even broken, particularly in Simpson's breaking of boundaries between physical reality and interpretive landscapes. She demonstrated the possibility for identity to be enlarged or subliminal, exploring various yet novel ways to instill that representation. By both keeping her audience unsettled yet captivated, she allows us to understand that coexisting and unifying in our communities is about breaking the comfort barrier and capturing what is important.
