In his latest solo show at Susan Inglett Galley, William Villalongo’s characters are an amorphous mass of organic material rather than distinct identities. Here, Villalongo alludes to Henry Brown’s escape from slavery in a box mailed from Virginia to Philadelphia, begging the question of how historical distance can allow identities to shift. (On view through Dec 9th).
‘You Matter,’ reads a sign in the window of William Villalongo’s current solo show at Susan Inglett Gallery, recalling the refrain from recent protests against police aggression. Inside, the Brooklyn-based artist presents the seasons as skeletons cloaked in glittering black female bodies and dominating lush landscapes – characters at peace and one with nature. (In Chelsea through Oct 17th).
William Villalongo, (detail from) Spring, acrylic, paper and velvet flocking on wood panel, 72 x 36 inches, 2015.
