Unsettling Beauty
making the case for the feminine in feminist art.
Opening Reception October 25th 6-8 pm
DIMIN & Loft Projects are thrilled to present Unsettling Beauty: A Case for the Feminine in Feminist Art featuring the work of Poppy Delta Dawn, Michela Roman, Alexandra Rubinstein, Kamoy Smalling, and Ryan Wilde. As artists who actively explore the topic through different materials, each uniquely considers feminism in art as a critical movement that seeks to challenge and dismantle the patriarchal structures deeply embedded in the art world and reevaluate social norms of femininity and feminine reactions to materiality and subject matter. At its core, feminist art interrogates the representation of women as both subject and creator. This paradigm shift confronts historical exclusion, as women have traditionally been marginalized or omitted from mainstream narratives. By reclaiming these narratives, feminist art serves to validate women's experiences, perspectives, interactions and reactions with both art and physical world.
Through innovative practices and new usages of material, each artist in Unsettling Beauty actively engages and provokes discourse around personal issues including body politics, sexuality, and identity. Their work compels the viewer to consider the scope of acceptable material for female identifying artists, empowering a marginalized community to articulate a narrative that disrupts preconceived notions of materiality. Whether using sculpture – a male dominated medium – with both dense and soft material to present aspects of the female body; or painting utilizing actual female DNA to depict visual narratives of gender biases; or formal oil painting borrowing from historical contexts that excluded females and diminished the value of their contributions outside of externally dictated roles; the works in Unsettling Beauty aim to reconsider feminine material in form and function.
In essence, feminist art operates as both a reflective and transformative force, advocating for equity while simultaneously enriching the cultural landscape speaking to a larger audience about gender and equality and our shared humanity. Unsettling Beauty aims to champion inclusivity and celebrates diversity in artistic expression, thus making the case for feminism in feminist art not as simply relevant, but as essential.
Curated by Leslie Weissman & Charlotte Hailstone
13th Storey Salon Selected Works
What is Loft Projects?
ADVISORY
We provide expert guidance on building or enhancing personal or corporate art collections at all phases. Advisors are experienced professionals who provide specialized advice on acquiring and managing works of art. Our wealth of knowledge and industry connections can help you navigate the complex world of art collecting with ease and confidence.
CURATION
As an independent curator, I play a critical role in shaping cultural narratives and presenting innovative art forms to the public. Through my work, I strive to create engaging exhibitions that spark conversation and challenge traditional perspectives. With a keen eye for talent and a passion for connecting artists with audiences, I am dedicated to supporting the growth and visibility of contemporary art.
EDUCATION & TOURS
Contemporary art educators help shape the minds of the future generations of artists and art enthusiasts.
As a contemporary arts educator, our role is crucial in bridging the gap between art history and the modern art industry. We serve as guides, helping individuals understand the rich history of art while also equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and apricate today's complex art ecosystem. By providing a comprehensive understanding of various art movements, techniques, and artists, we empower our clients to develop a keen awareness and process how meaningful and impactful art is to our collective humanity and history.
We offer tours of NYC galleries and museums, participate in panel discussions and speak to small groups on subject matters relating to contemporary art.