Josephine Halvorson can turn the most mundane roadside object, from discarded refuse to aged signage, into an object worthy of contemplation. In her latest solo show at Sikkema Jenkins & Co titled ‘Unforgotten,’ the Massachusetts-based painter zeros in on remnants from the past, including a tumbleweed, a neglected work bulletin board and this rusted disconnect box. A pleasingly symmetrical pattern of circular holes coexists with bullet holes, both of which let the late day sunlight pass through to create bright ovals of orange light. The umber tones in the box and the landscape contrast a cloudless blue sky, adding beauty to a setting that few would value. (On view in Chelsea through April 22nd).
Josephine Halvorson, Disconnect Box, acrylic gouache on panel, 32 x 26 inches, 2022.
Merrily Kerr is an art critic and writer based in New York. For more than 20 years, Merrily has published in international art magazines including Time Out New York, Art on Paper, Flash Art, Art Asia Pacific, Art Review, and Tema Celeste in addition to writing catalogue essays and guest lecturing. Merrily teaches art appreciation at Marymount Manhattan College and has taught for Cooper Union Continuing Education.
For more than a decade Merrily has crafted personalized tours of cultural discovery in New York's galleries and museums for individuals and groups, including corporate tours, collectors, artists, advertising agencies, and student groups from Texas Woman's University, Parsons School of Design, Chicago's Moody Institute, Cooper Union Continuing Education, Hunter College Continuing Education and other institutions. Merrily's tours have been featured in The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Sydney Morning Herald and Philadelphia Magazine.
Merrily is licensed by New York City's Department of Consumer Affairs as a tour guide and is a member of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA USA)
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