Twisted Bodies
Opera Gallery New York is proud to present 'Twisted Bodies,' a captivating group exhibition that delves into the ways artists explore the human figure through various mediums and perspectives. This exhibition examines the body not only as a subject but also as a tool for creative expression, offering a rich and diverse survey of how artists interpret and depict the human form.
Featuring works by twelve artists from different generations and regions, 'Twisted Bodies' showcases a dynamic collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. In the exhibition catalogue, writer Cody C. Delistraty reflects on the concept of beauty, stating, “[beauty is] rarity. The way we understand beauty over time reflects our values. The way we conceive of it for the future reflects our ambitions. And the way we remember, discover, and complicate it is through our art," suggesting that how we define beauty over time reveals our values, ambitions, and complexities.
This exhibition challenges traditional notions of beauty, identity, and the human experience. Among the featured artists are Fernando Botero, whose signature "Boterismo" style highlights exaggerated, voluminous figures, and George Condo, known for his surrealist portraits with distorted expressions. Niki de Saint Phalle's vibrant “Nana” sculptures celebrate the joy of the female form, while Noel W. Anderson’s woven tapestries reflect on the portrayal of blackness and masculinity in the media. Karel Appel's emotionally charged portraits break from anatomical accuracy, and Jean Dubuffet's sculptural work, rooted in the Art Brut movement, defies conventional ideals of refinement.
Through a collection of 23 thought-provoking artworks, 'Twisted Bodies' highlights the innovative ways these artists manipulate, distort, and transcend the human form. The exhibition invites viewers to consider the body’s fragility and resilience, societal pressures, and the fantasies and freedoms that shape the human condition.
SELECTED WORKS
Antonio Saura, Portrait, 1996
Oil on canvas
73 x 59,5 cm | 28.7 x 23.4 in
Fernando Botero, Lady in Profile, 1983
Oil on canvas
88,9 x 70,2 cm | 35 x 27.6 in
Karel Appel, Spacious Persons, 1972
Acrylic on canvas
88,9 x 115,6 cm | 35 x 45.5 in
Jazz Grant, She Leaned Over the Earth, 2024
Paper collage and acrylic on gessoed wood board
120 x 90 cm | 47.2 x 35.4 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Dawn Jaune, 1995
Painted resin
144 x 114 x 57,5 cm | 56.7 x 44.9 x 22.6 in
Deborah Roberts, Radical, 2017
Mixed media and collage on paper
88 x 67,5 cm | 34.6 x 26.6 in