NYAB Event - Ann Young “In A Dangerous Time”

Ann Young “In A Dangerous Time”

Soho20 Chelsea Gallery

This event has ended.

This exhibition features large figurative works on canvas as well as small works from the Resurrection series; abstractions of leaves in oil on canvas. In Young’s new work she examines the discord apparent in todays’ social and political economies and the potential for coming generations to right the course of humanity. While a critique on contemporary culture, Young looks at numerous aspects from climate change and the financial inequities to random acts of violence. Her symbolically stylized paintings interject the possibility for children to act as a force of compassion, change and hope for the greater good. As seen in “They Passed With Their Noses In The Air” Young points to canonized forms of social representation, in this case a 1930’s Metropolitan era scene of a well-dressed older couple about town. The caricatures described in the painting relate to the present day economic turmoil, such as the ever-widening disparity between the rich and poor classes in the United States. This is just one of many “hot-button” topics Young address in the exhibition. From the role of the military, patriotism and gun control, these confrontational works cover myriad problems facing societies today. Within the exhibition are small works on canvas from the Resurrection series depicting leaves in various stages of their natural cycle, which imply a sense of decay and regeneration. Even among the weight of the content of her work, Young’s vibrant color and stylized figures convey a sense of hope and possibility. Her work emphasizes nature as a greater force than humanity that acts as both a comfort and reality check.