The word rebel is defined as a person who resists authority, control, or convention. But, in a society that strives to enshrine individuality, freedom, and the right to self-determination, where does rebellion fit in? Perhaps within the cracks of a crumbling foundation.
In “REBEL,” a group show opening on September 29th at New York City’s dynamic Untitled Space gallery, 30 artists from around the world showcase works that reflect on what it means to be a rebel in the contemporary world. Curated by Indira Cesarine and presented in collaboration with the titular 10th anniversary issue of The Untitled Magazine, the show will be on view through October 27th, 2022.
Featuring photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, fiber art, and mixed media, the body of work aims to examine the different shades of rebellion, of which there are lots. Throughout history and depending on the status quo, rebels and rebellions have achieved both positive and negative changes. It’s impossible to examine rebellion without thinking about the beliefs and convictions that drive it. And this is food for thought.
“Over the last six months, I have been researching the most unique, controversial, and talked-about living rebels,” explains Cesarine in her curatorial statement. “I personally reviewed thousands of artworks in search of the most compelling narratives that were relevant to the theme.” Social, legal, personal, political, cultural, and religious-related forms of rebellion are all nuances of this big and intriguing subject.
From artists whose art speaks the language of protest and progression to those who aim to follow their own paths despite any obstacles, Cesarine aims to get the audiences to reflect on love, fear, sex, desire, risk, courage, society and power dynamics, beauty, intimacy, authenticity, cliches, and beyond. Both previously featured artists and a bevy of new talent have contributed their reflections on what it means to be a REBEL.
Rebellion can break through a crumbling foundation or work to address the forces that cracked it in the first place, but that all boils down to the motives that fuel it.
EXHIBITING ARTISTS
3834, Alanna Vanacore, Alayna Coverly, Alyssa Iferenta, Andrew Soria, Anja Diabaté, Anna Delvey, Annika Connor, Arielle Tesoriero, Bartosz Beda, Cara De Angelis, Cole Witter, Elena Chestnykh, Emma Hapner, Fahren Feingold, George Afedzi Hughes, Georgina Billington, Giulia Grillo aka Petite Doll, Helena Calmfors, Indira Cesarine, Jasmine De Silva, Josh Universe, Kat Toronto aka Miss Meatface, Katie Commodore, Katya Zvereva, Kumi Kaguraoka, Linda Friedman Schmidt, Logan White, Marie Wengler, Nick Rhodes, Parker Day, Sampy Sicada, Theda Sandiford, Zach Grear, and Zella Vanié.
Note* All of the event information and images are provided by our partners.