Heather Gaudio Fine Art Welcomes Guest Curator, Larry Ossei-Mensah for Group Exhibition “The Space We Exist In”

Ossei-Mensah, the first guest curator at the gallery, takes the viewer on a journey of reflection and connection featuring 7 artists with multiple based in Connecticut. The show will open on Saturday, November 16, with an opening reception and curator talk from 4-6 pm, and will run through January 18th, 2025

GREENWICH, Conn., Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 – Heather Gaudio Fine Art is thrilled to announce the opening of “The Space We Exist In”, a groundbreaking group exhibition curated by the renowned Ghanaian-American curator Larry Ossei-Mensah. The exhibition features an ensemble of artists working in various mediums, from painting, textiles, works on paper to sculpture. The featured artists include Patrick Alston, Kim Dacres, Deborah Dancy, Clara Nartey, Patrick Quarm, Shinique Smith, and Austin Uzor. This compelling exhibition runs from November 16, 2024, to January 18, 2025, and promises to be a transformative experience for all who visit.

“‘The Space We Exist In’ serves as a platform for rich dialogue and self-reflection, inviting artists and viewers to question what it means to ‘Hold Space’ or ‘Exist Within a Space.’ Through a diverse ensemble of visual artists, the exhibition creates visual poetry that encourages active engagement and challenges viewers to redefine their perceptions of the world and their place within it,” explained Ossei-Mensah. He continued, “Each artist in this exhibition brings a unique blend of techniques and media”.

Patrick Alston, based in Connecticut,  uses bold abstractions to evoke emotional responses, prompting viewers to confront their perceptions and biases. Kim Dacres, based in New York City, creates powerful sculptures from recycled tires and found materials, commenting on strength and resilience. Deborah Dancy, based in Connecticut, delves into personal and collective memory with her intricate, expressive use of color. Clara Nartey, based in Connecticut, transforms textiles into expressive narratives, bridging traditional craft and contemporary art. Patrick Quarm,  based in Ghana, presents layered, mixed-media portraits that explore identity and culture through vibrant patterns and textures. Shinique Smith, based in Los Angeles, uses fabric, calligraphy, and collage to explore themes of migration, identity, and cultural history. And, Austin Uzor, based in Upstate New York, explores migration, displacement, and belonging through his ethereal paintings.

“I want to take the audience on a journey of reflection and connection,” explained Ossei-Mensah. He continued, “‘The Space We Exist In’ is more than a visual journey; it is an intellectual and emotional experience. The artworks act as mirrors and portals, reflecting personal and collective experiences while offering glimpses into diverse perspectives. This exhibition seeks to create a space where viewers can pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations, fostering a sense of community and shared humanity”. Ossei-Mensah, known for his dynamic curatorial practice, has curated this exhibition to underscore the transformative power of art. His vision is to bring together a rich tapestry of voices, “this special exhibition transcends boundaries and connects us to our innermost selves and each other”. This exhibition was created to inspire a hopeful vision for the future in a time of societal tumult.

“We are thrilled to be hosting Larry Ossei-Mensah as the first guest curator at the gallery,” explained gallery owner, Heather Gaudio. She continued, “This exhibition continues our endeavors showcased at the PROJECTS space in New Canaan (2021-2023) which was a dedicated venue designed to exhibit artworks outside the scope of the gallery’s program.  Our aim is to diversify the art landscape and conversation. We are excited to present art enthusiasts, collectors, and the Greenwich community at large with alternative engaging viewing experiences.”  To complement this experience’s impact, viewers are encouraged to visit a local bookstore or library to pick up one of the books selected by the artists and curated by Ossei-Mensah exclusively for this exhibition.

“The Space We Exist In” Reading List

Patrick Alston: Philip Guston: Collected Writings, Lectures, and Conversations by Philip Guston; Kim Dacres: The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditation by Toni Morrison; Deborah Dancy: The Poetics of Space, by Gaston Bachelard; Clara Nartey: All that She Carried by Tiya Miles; Patrick Quarm: AYA life city, by Marguerite Abouet; Shinique Smith: RAUSCHENBERG: An Interview with Robert Rauschenberg by Barbara Rose; Austin Uzor: Notes from the Woodshed by Jack Whitten.

For more information and to subscribe to the gallery’s email list please visit Heather Gaudio Fine Art online (heathergaudiofineart.com). And, follow on social @heathergaudiofineart.

About Larry Ossei-Mensah

Larry Ossei-Mensah is a Ghanaian-American curator and cultural critic renowned for his innovative curatorial approach. He has curated exhibitions globally, emphasizing the transformative power of art to challenge and inspire. Ossei-Mensah’s practice has established a global footprint, with exhibitions from Manila to London, Athens, and, most recently, São Paulo, Brazil. Using contemporary art and culture as a medium, he challenges norms and fosters a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world. He consistently pushes the boundaries of modern expression, organizing exhibitions featuring trailblazing artists such as Nick Cave, Andy Warhol, Mark Bradford, Chase Hall, Catherine Opie, Firelei Báez, Sonia Gomes, Mike Kelley, and Judy Chicago.

Formerly the Susanne Feld Hilberry Senior Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) and Curator-at-Large at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Ossei-Mensah catalyzes change. As co-founder of the nonprofit ARTNOIR, he pioneers equity in the art world, amplifying the voices of creatives, curators, and communities of color. His influence spans the globe, with curatorial projects at renowned spaces like MOAD in San Francisco, MASS MoCA, The Metropolitan Museum in Manila, ArtPace San Antonio, The Seattle Art Museum, Ben Brown Fine Arts in Hong Kong and London, and the MCA Art Museum. He also co-curated the 7th Athens Biennale and organized Amoako Boafo’s multivenue solo museum debut, “Soul of Black Folks,” at the Denver Art Museum. Additionally, he has collaborated with UBS and ARTNOIR at Art Basel Miami.

About Heather Gaudio Fine Art 

Heather Gaudio Fine Art specializes in emerging and established artists, offering painting, works on paper, photography, and sculpture. The gallery provides a full range of art advisory services, from forming and maintaining a collection, to securing secondary market material, to assisting with framing and installation. The focus is on each individual client, selecting art that best serves his or her vision, space, and resources. The six exhibitions offered every year are designed to present important talent and provide artwork appealing to a broad range of interests. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday; 10:30am to 5:30pm; and by appointment.