Studio Associate is pleased to present Solitaire, an online-only exhibition of work by its associated artists, generously hosted by PROTO GOMEZ as an Artsy Online Exclusive.
Justin Amrhein | Janine Biunno | Theresa Daddezio | Jon Elliott | Dan Flanagan | Austin Furtak-Cole | Catherine Haggarty | Alessandro Keegan | Annesta Le | Paul Loughney | Matthew Mahler | Christine Mahoney | Nick Naber | Brent Owens | Colette Robbins | Jason Rohlf | Jeff Schwarz | Matthew Shelley | Kelli Thompson | Nell Waters | Alex Yudzon
The single-player card game Solitaire, often referred to as “Patience” outside of the United States, traces its origins to early 18th century Europe. Like many card games, probability, practice, and luck all play crucial roles in determining a successful outcome. Beginning with the shuffling of a full deck, chance dictates an unknown, unalterable order of cards, each sequentially revealed and played before moving on to the next. It is incumbent upon the player to think critically, considering the known and unknown cards, to determine the most beneficial next step. The comparison of honing and maintaining a studio practice, both in relation to personal growth and larger art market forces, is palpable.
At a time when the majority of society finds itself in isolation in a global, unprecedented effort to stifle the spread of COVID-19, introspection and solitary forms of entertainment are emerging. Many artists are well-equipped for, if all-too familiar with, secluded focus on creative endeavors. It seems that many—with the exception of essential workers tirelessly working to mitigate the spread of the pandemic—are suddenly learning to slow down, and perhaps make more calculated, considered moves.
Annesta Le, Crest (coated glass, argon, wire), 2018